Dave Canales Discusses Possibility of Buccaneers Adding A Fourth Quarterback
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a trio of quarterbacks under contract after the franchise came to terms with veteran John Wolford earlier this week. The former Rams signal-caller joins a room that includes a familiar face he played with this past season - Baker Mayfield - as well as rising third-year prospect Kyle Trask.
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From the outside looking in, the Buccaneers have an experienced option in former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, a wildcard and quality backup in John Wolford, and a player that could grow into a starter in Kyle Trask. There's a mix of youth, talent, and experience in a room that doesn't include anyone over the age of 28.
Tampa Bay carried three active quarterbacks on its roster in 2022-23; Trask, Tom Brady, and Blaine Gabbert. The team also had Ryan Griffin on its practice squad for the past eight seasons. Griffin has not been extended a new deal to this point of the offseason.
Considering the numbers and the lack of a true mentor, could the Buccaneers continue to explore adding another signal-caller?
At this time, offensive coordinator Dave Canales will probably stick with the players on the roster unless a young prospect catches his eye.
"I'm good with three. We've done three, we've done four. It just all depended on if there was a rookie or some type of developmental prospect from the quarterback position that we were excited about," Canales said on Wednesday. "That's when you potentially carry four. But if you carry four into the season, a lot of times the fourth guy is not going to get very many reps."
Canales is optimistic about the upcoming battle for the starting job between Mayfield, Wolford, and Trask. He says that Mayfield and Trask are already beginning to flesh out a working relationship while making sure to get in the building early.
Though Tom Brady has moved to a different pasture, Canales worked magic with veteran quarterback Geno Smith in Seattle last season. It wouldn't be a shock if he generates similar success with the Buccaneers as he enters his first year with the franchise.
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