Finding a suitable replacement for quarterback Tom Brady is one of the most difficult problems facing the Buccaneers this offseason.
In February, the 44-year-old shocked the NFL by announcing his retirement after a 22-year career. Though there have been rumors that Brady is mulling a comeback, it appears doubtful that he would stay with the Buccaneers in that case.
In recent weeks, head coach Bruce Arians has heaped praise on veteran Blaine Gabbert, expressing confidence in his ability to step into the starting role. Gabbert has been with the team since 2019 and has only thrown 27 passes in that time. He’s also a free agent, but the team won’t have to go all out to sign him. Gabbert, notwithstanding, cannot be Tampa Bay’s No. 1 quarterback if the team wants to be a Super Bowl contender in 2022.
What about the Buccaneers’ lone signal-caller who is still under contract? Kyle Trask is a former second-round pick and second-year quarterback. He didn’t play in a regular-season game as a rookie, but he could be the future of this team. Trask will have a legitimate chance to contend for the starting job in training camp, according to Arians.
Bucs coach Bruce Arians says Kyle Trask would get a legit shot to win the starting job in training camp.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 1, 2022
Trask has a lot of potential, after learning behind Brady and Gabbert his rookie season. He completed 29 of 55 throws for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in three preseason games. Trask was well-known for his precision when he graduated from college. With the Florida Gators in 2020, he completed 68.9% of his throws for 43 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 437 attempts.
Arians thinks Trask could potentially be the starting quarterback for the Buccaneers next season, as he told NFL Sirius XM at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Despite the fact that Trask did not play in a single game during his rookie season, Arians believes the 2020 Heisman Trophy finalist has a lot of potential.
“I’ve got a year with Kyle,” Arians said. “Got to see Kyle every single day, watch him improve those nuances in the pocket, cause he ain’t afraid to stand in there. He can really sling it. He got all the throws. We drafted this guy for a reason last year in the second round. He is a big, tall pocket guy that’s got some mobility… I’m not fretting.”
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
