Jason Licht Isn’t Coy About Buccaneers’ Second Option If Unable to Retain Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield is currently the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top option when it comes to who they want leading the show in Raymond James Stadium this upcoming season. That's understandable after performing at an elite level passing for the most yards and touchdowns in his career leading the Bucs’ to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
However, things don’t always go as planned, and for the Mayfield and Bucs marriage, things are at a crossroads as the two sides have progressed slowly in negotiations leading up to the opening of free agency this week.
If Baker does indeed make it to free agency, then teams can likely offer him more than what the Buccaneers are willing to meet at. It’s been reported that the two sides started off about $20 million apart to begin discussions, so there is a long way to go. Baker realizes that his play last season has warranted a larger payday, but it will ultimately come down to where and who he wants to play for.
A much larger question arises however if Mayfield decides to take his talents elsewhere this offseason, leaving the Buccaneers with extremely limited options. They could always go out and see if they can find a valuable starter in free agency, via trade or in the upcoming NFL Draft, but if it is up to Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ GM Jason Licht they will stick with what they have in-house.
In sidebar session with the media following Mike Evans’ press conference, Licht was prompted with the idea on the Bucs’ options should Baker bolt in free agency, and he replied that “Door No. 2 is right here.”
That other door that Licht is referring is almost certainly 2021 second round pick out of the University of Florida, Kyle Trask.
Trask hasn’t done much since his arrival in Tampa Bay. He came in with the raw tools to eventually become a starter in the NFL after flourishing in two seasons with the Florida Gators, but he has yet to receive the opportunity to show that he can compete at the highest of levels. He entered the organization during the Tom Brady era and has now gotten to back-up two different veterans during his short career. Trask entered the 2023 season in a QB battle with Baker Mayfield for the starting spot, but eventually lost out to Baker even though he looked sharp throughout training camp.
Trask has shown glimpses during limited action in preseason games, but hasn’t been able to do it in a full fledged NFL game. If the franchise believes it could finally be time for Trask, he could very well end up becoming the Buccaneers’ starter in 2024 if Mayfield decides to go elsewhere. If that comes to fruition, one could still expect the Bucs to look towards free agency and the draft to help solidify their quarterback room along with getting a guy who can give Trask a run for his money for the job.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.
