TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles explained the decision to cut backup quarterback Kyle Trask, arguing that the team sees a “better opportunity” with veteran Teddy Bridgewater. Trask, selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, had been the third quarterback under Tom Brady for two seasons, maintaining a spot on the 53-player roster. In 2023, Trask competed with Baker Mayfield for the starting quarterback position during training camp and the preseason, a role that Mayfield ultimately obtained, with Trask as the backup.
“Obviously, Bridgewater brings experience and a great deal of knowledge,” Bowles said. “He can run the offense right now. His age has a lot to do with it, but his accuracy and his understanding of what we are trying to do are also important. We had Kyle Trask for four years and it was a good period. We just feel we have a better chance with Teddy.”
Todd BowlesWhen Mayfield suffered a hand injury and missed two practices in August, Trask took most of the repetitions with the first team and struggled. After two days off, the Buccaneers received Bridgewater on August 5 and signed him that same day. Bridgewater started in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and threw two touchdown passes. Trask started in the first and third preseason games, completing 28 of 43 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. However, the team decided to keep two quarterbacks on their 53-player roster. Bowles also addressed the decision to waive defensive tackle Desmond Watson, an undrafted rookie who spent the entire camp on the injured list. Bowles indicated that the door is not closed for Watson, but that his lack of practice made it difficult for him to stay on the team. Watson had been working with a nutritionist and in physical conditioning to reduce his weight. “He’s been working hard,” Bowles said of Watson. “I think he’ll continue to work hard and we’ll have a long conversation and communicate well to see where he’s at.”
