Baker Mayfield’s position as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback is increasingly uncertain after a minor injury and underwhelming performances opened the door for Kyle Trask to impress during training camp. As the team navigates this quarterback situation in Tampa, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles must weigh his options carefully before the season unfolds.

Baker Mayfield’s Starting Role Faces Growing Doubts

Entering the offseason, Baker Mayfield appeared secure as Tampa Bay’s leading quarterback after a strong 2024 campaign featuring 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Fans and analysts alike expected Mayfield to remain firmly entrenched as the team’s QB1 for years ahead. However, a minor hand injury sustained during a mid-camp practice has disrupted that narrative and accelerated concerns about his performance.

The injury was initially considered to be a day-to-day contusion on Mayfield’s throwing hand, but reports emerged of soreness predating the incident. While Mayfield is expected to return to first-team reps shortly, the damage to his standing may already be done. In his absence, Kyle Trask earned first-team snaps and immediately drew praise for his confident play and leadership on the field. This sudden emergence complicates Tampa Bay’s quarterback depth chart and forces the coaching staff to face a tough decision.

Kyle Trask’s Camp Performance Demands Attention

Kyle Trask hadn’t seen significant first-team action since Mayfield’s contract extension, yet his recent performances suggested a player ready to seize an opportunity. On his first attempt during Mayfield’s absence, Trask delivered a precise, in-stride throw to star receiver Mike Evans, evoking memories of his college form at Gainesville in 2020. While not flawless, Trask demonstrated poise, completing multiple passes and managing the offense with a calm confidence that impressed observers and coaches alike.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times captured the mood succinctly:

He looked like a guy who believed he belonged.

—Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times

Trask’s command of the huddle and ability to maintain composure under pressure stood out, traits highly valued by Todd Bowles. The backup’s unexpected opportunity arose because only rookie Connor Bazelak shares the quarterback depth chart alongside Mayfield and Trask, giving the latter significant responsibility and a chance to change the team’s quarterback dynamics.

Mayfield’s Recent Struggles Signal Decline

Compounding concerns over Mayfield’s injury is a noticeable downturn in his play that began before the minor hand contusion. Multiple mistakes in recent games have raised questions about his reliability. During a mid-camp drill, Mayfield broke free for a scramble but then bobbled a ball with no defender nearby, an uncharacteristic error highlighting a troubling loss of focus. According to Pewter Report,

Baker Mayfield broke looks and scrambled on his own for about 20 yards, but then fumbled the ball on his own with nobody around him,

—Pewter Report

Additionally, a critical mishap during the NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders cast a long shadow over his momentum. While executing a jet sweep in dangerous field position, the handoff between Mayfield and rookie Jalen McMillan was botched, resulting in a fumble that allowed Washington to seize possession and ultimately end Tampa Bay’s playoff run.

Mayfield accepted blame for the costly error, emphasizing personal accountability. He said,

That comes back to me, just timing it up correctly,

and added,

First one all year that it happened on. So obviously the timing of it not great, being backed up. Defense had done a hell of a job getting us the ball, another fourth-down stop and yeah, unfortunate, but that falls on me.

—Baker Mayfield

Contract Dynamics Add Pressure on Mayfield and Trask

Mayfield’s lucrative three-year, $100 million contract was viewed as a commitment from Tampa Bay to solidify their quarterback position. Yet with his recent inconsistency and the lingering hand injury, what once seemed a secure future now resembles a precarious balancing act for the franchise. Should Mayfield’s performance continue to falter, the team could face difficult decisions about moving forward while absorbing a significant financial commitment.

In contrast, Kyle Trask carries a modest one-year, $2.8 million contract, a low-risk investment that has paid dividends amid his recent surge. After a strong practice, coach Todd Bowles praised Trask’s progress without hesitation:

One of his better days … made quicker decisions, got the ball out and did some good things.

—Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach

While Mayfield is slated to resume his role as the first-string quarterback in the immediate future, the evolving competition with Trask means that the QB1 spot remains anything but guaranteed as the season progresses.

Todays’ Quarterback Battle Reflects Team’s Upcoming Challenges

The quarterback situation in Tampa Bay is emblematic of a franchise at a crossroads. Mayfield’s initial success and subsequent struggles, combined with Trask’s promising performances, set up a scenario fraught with uncertainty. Todd Bowles faces the challenging task of balancing loyalty, performance, and long-term strategy when determining the quarterback hierarchy.

As training camp advances and the regular season approaches, how this quarterback competition unfolds will likely shape Tampa Bay’s fortunes in 2025 and beyond. The pressure on Mayfield is intense, and Trask is capitalizing on his chance to stake a claim, creating an urgent dilemma for the Buccaneers’ coaching staff and front office alike.