Mayfield has been a durable presence, starting all 51 games over his three seasons with the Buccaneers, but the team’s backup situation has raised questions after Mayfield-signed injuries and a rocky turnover in relief duty. Teddy Bridgewater currently backs Mayfield, yet his ability to manage NFL games as a starter or trusted reliever has come into focus following Week 12 struggles.
One potential option is veteran Kirk Cousins, a familiar schematic fit for the Bucs’ offense. Cousins previously worked with Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in Atlanta, and there have been discussions about a cheaper deal if the Falcons move on. In relief duty for Michael Penix Jr. this season, Cousins went 5-3, including a notable 373-yard, three-TD performance in a late-season win that helped the Falcons stay in the playoff hunt.
Mitchell Trubisky stands out as another bridge candidate with extensive NFL experience from his time in Chicago and a stint in Buffalo. He showed glimpses of competence in limited action for the Bills this year (259 yards and four touchdowns in a single game) and could attract attention on a broader market, potentially offering a steadier hand without excessive cost.
A veteran wildcard option in Joe Flacco also enters the conversation. Flacco’s production with Cincinnati—1,664 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and only four interceptions across six starts—illustrates he can still move the offense. While Cincinnati may retain him, the Buccaneers could see value in taking a shot at the veteran with proven production in larger situations.
Bottom line: even with Mayfield’s health, the Buccaneers are prioritizing depth at quarterback to avoid over-reliance on one player. Each of these three options—Cousins for system familiarity and potential cost benefits, Trubisky for proven experience and upside, and Flacco for veteran production—offers a path to minimal drop-off should Mayfield face extended issues. The upcoming offseason will determine which path best aligns with Tampa Bay’s cap and roster strategy.
