Buccaneers OC signals Kyle Trask is catching up to Baker Mayfield in QB competition

During a Tuesday news conference, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales said the battle between Mayfield and Kyle Trask has "absolutely" tightened.

"The first couple of days, the experience that Baker brings just playing in games, being in camps, going through installs—you can see where the offense was gelling really well," Canales said. "But it just took a couple of days for Kyle to really settle in, and then what we saw in the last two practices, Kyle showed what he can really do: stretching the field with his arm, getting the ball out, making decisions."

It would be a surprise if Trask wins the starting job over Mayfield.

Trask, a second-round pick (No. 64 overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, is inexperienced. The Florida product only played in one game through his first two seasons. Mayfield, a former No. 1 overall pick, has logged 69 starts in five seasons with the Rams, Panthers and Browns. 

Nonetheless, he has a losing record (31-38) as a starter.

However, Trask spent two seasons as Tom Brady's understudy, which might give him an edge. And Mayfield struggles with interceptions. Since entering the league in 2018, he's led the NFL in picks with 64.

"The No. 1 responsibility is don't turn the ball over," Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said of the QBs in Tuesday's news conference. "And (Trask) has been doing a good job of not turning it over."

Per Kevin Patra of NFL.com, Mayfield and Trask will each start a preseason game. The stronger performer will likely gain the upper hand and win the job.

Mayfield must raise his game since Trask impressed the coaching staff, which could help him become the Week 1 starter.