The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just made a really interesting, under-the-radar move for their quarterback room, snatching up veteran Easton Stick for their practice squad right after the Indianapolis Colts released him. This isn’t just some random signing, folks, it’s a critical safety net, a strategic play for a team that’s got an undrafted rookie sitting as the primary backup.
The Rookie Who Stepped Up, And The Gap That Needed Filling
Jalon Daniels, the undrafted rookie, absolutely torched it in preseason, no doubt about it. He earned that QB2 spot behind Baker Mayfield, straight up beating out veteran Jake Browning for the job. You love to see a young guy seize an opportunity like that! But here’s the kicker: after Browning got released, he opted to pursue “other opportunities” instead of sticking around on the practice squad. That left the Bucs with a real void, a serious lack of veteran presence in case anything happened to Mayfield or their promising rookie phenom. Relying solely on Daniels as the only other active quarterback is a huge risk, no matter how impressive his early play has been.
Easton Stick’s Deep Roots And Crucial Experience
Enter Easton Stick. This guy isn’t new to the league. He’s been around since 2019 when the Chargers snagged him in the fifth round. And while he hasn’t been a full-time starter, he’s got *four* career starts under his belt from 2023. He really stepped into the fire when Justin Herbert went down with a season-ending injury. That year, he completed a solid 63.8% of his passes for 1,129 yards, tossed three touchdowns, and only one interception. Plus, he added 144 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Those are real, in-game stats from a guy who’s been tested. The best part? Stick already knows the playbook better than you’d think. He spent 2025 with the Atlanta Falcons, working directly under the guy who’s now the Bucs’ offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, and their quarterbacks coach, T.J. Yates. Robinson’s connection with Stick even goes back further, having helped prep him for the 2019 NFL Draft. That means Stick isn’t starting from scratch; he can jump right into that QB room and be a valuable asset immediately.
This move isn’t about taking Daniels’ backup job; it’s about giving him the room to develop without the immense pressure of being the *only* other active quarterback. The Buccaneers are clearly committed to Daniels, believing he earned the opportunity to grow as Mayfield’s primary backup. But let’s be real, relying purely on a rookie for QB2 is a massive gamble. Stick provides that crucial veteran safety net, someone with starting experience who could potentially be elevated from the practice squad if needed. It’s smart, it’s strategic, and it could be exactly what the Bucs need to steady the ship if things get bumpy as the season unfolds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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