Mayfield beats out Trask for Bucs' starting QB job

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tabbed their replacement for Tom Brady on Tuesday, naming Baker Mayfield as starting quarterback ahead of the 2023 season.

Mayfield, who joined the Bucs as a free agent in the offseason, competed for the job against the team's 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask, who's only attempted nine passes in his NFL career.

In the hopes of reviving his career, Mayfield signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Buccaneers in March. Tampa Bay is his fourth different team in the last three years. The 2018 first overall pick played for the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Mayfield stood out early in his career with the Cleveland Browns. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in 18 years with an 11-5 record in 2020. However, he wasn't able to replicate that success in subsequent seasons and was traded to Carolina in 2022.

Mayfield, who's 31-38 as a starter throughout his career, recorded a 60% completion rate with 10 touchdown passes against eight interceptions in 12 appearances last year.

The 28-year-old will be the Bucs' first starting quarterback since Brady retired. The legendary passer officially called it a career in February after three seasons in Tampa Bay. After joining the Bucs following a decorated 20-year stint with the New England Patriots, Brady led the NFC South team to three playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title.

Tampa Bay won its division last season despite going 8-9. The club's campaign ended with a wild-card home loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Buccaneers kick off their 2023 season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 10.