As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finalize their roster for the 2026 season, the team made a savvy move on Monday by adding veteran quarterback Easton Stick to their practice squad. The Bucs, who currently carry only two quarterbacks on their active roster—starter Baker Mayfield and backup Jalon Daniels—have now added a seasoned arm to their depth chart. Stick, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to step in when called upon.
Stick, a fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft, has appeared in six career games with four starts, though his last regular-season action came in 2023. He spent the 2025 season on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad, continuing to refine his craft. The North Dakota State product is known for his athleticism and football IQ, traits that made him a valuable backup during his tenure with the Chargers, where he learned under veteran signal-callers and developed a reputation as a reliable team player.
Building Quarterback Depth: A Strategic Move
The Buccaneers' decision to add Stick is a calculated one. With only Mayfield and Daniels on the active roster, the team needed a third arm for practice and emergency situations. Stick's familiarity with various offensive systems and his ability to absorb playbooks quickly make him an ideal practice squad candidate. Moreover, his experience in regular-season games provides a safety net should injuries strike the quarterback room.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Bucs have been proactive in addressing roster depth across multiple positions. Stick was one of 16 players signed to the practice squad on Monday, a group that includes a mix of developmental prospects and seasoned veterans. The only player not with the team during training camp, Stick will need to quickly acclimate to Tampa Bay's offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Full Practice Squad Additions
Beyond Stick, the Buccaneers added a diverse set of players to their practice squad:
- Tight End: Devin Culp
- Wide Receivers: Garrett Greene, Dean Patterson IV, Eric Rivers Jr.
- Outside Linebacker: Yasir Holmes
- Defensive Lineman: Jayson Jones
- Offensive Guard: Henry Lutovsky
- Safeties: Ifeatu Melifonwu, J.J. Roberts, Rashad Wisdom
- Cornerback: Ramon Parodie
- Offensive Tackle: Paul Rubelt
- Center: Ben Scott
- Running Back: Josh Williams
- Linebacker: Javin Wright
This group reflects the team's commitment to building depth while also developing young talent. Each player will have the opportunity to prove themselves in practice and potentially earn a call-up to the active roster as the season progresses.
"Easton Stick is a pro's pro. He's been in big moments and can run an offense efficiently. This is a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Bucs," said a league source familiar with the signing.
As the Buccaneers prepare for their season opener, the addition of Stick provides insurance and competition. While Mayfield remains the undisputed starter, Daniels—a promising young quarterback—will benefit from Stick's mentorship. The move also signals that the team is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for another NFC South title. As highlighted on Vulius, the Bucs' practice squad is now a mix of experience and potential, and Stick's presence could prove crucial if the team faces adversity at the quarterback position.
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