Bruce Arians Gives Baker Mayfield Early Edge In Buccaneers Quarterback Battle

The former Tampa Bay head coach turned front office guru has an early favorite to replace Tom Brady.

While he stays out of the limelight, for the most part, these days, former Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians has never been afraid to speak his mind. Now an advisor to Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht, he's continued to stay involved with the team in the wake of Tom Brady's retirement.

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Arians has been in attendance for at least a couple of Tampa Bay's eight OTAs this offseason and he's kept a close eye on the quarterbacks. The progression of Kyle Trask and the addition of Baker Mayfield and John Wolford will ultimately decide where the franchise goes in 2023.

It sounds like Arians already has a favorite in the Buccaneers' quarterback battle to replace Brady. While speaking on The National Football Show with Dan Sileo last month, he discussed Mayfield and Trask. 

According to Arians, Mayfield is bringing a much-needed fire to the offense that the team missed last year. He thinks that Mayfield has a slight edge at this stage due to his leadership and experience.

“A little fire, I think we needed a little bit of fire on offense. But you gotta go back and look at Kyle Trask yesterday [May 23], had a great end of practice. So it’s a nice battle," Arians said. "You've got two young guys who I think are extremely talented and they’re doing a great job.

“Baker has been there and done it, and has I think a little bit of an edge just because of that leadership and having been in the huddle with pro guys a lot,” Arians continued. “But the guys really respect Kyle also. I love the guy [Baker], I think he just brings a charisma and a fire to your offense.”

Later in the show, Arians mentioned that he would've loved to coach either Mayfield or Trask if he was still at the reins. As things stand, he's decreased his level of involvement with the franchise compared to last season.

"I'm not very hands-on right now with those guys. I was there every single day last year and I think it was too much," Arians said. "I want everybody to breathe, do their thing. Let Dave Canales come in and take over the offense and do what he wants to do."

During his five years at the professional level, Mayfield has completed 61.4% of his passes for 16,288 yards with 102 touchdown passes to 64 interceptions. He's also rushed for 660 yards and six more scores on the ground.

Tampa Bay drafted Trask in the second-round two years ago. He's only appeared in one game during his career and finished 3/9 passing for 23 yards.

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