HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On LT Tristan Wirfs practicing with a brace on his right knee)

"It's precautionary. It's the offseason. He'll be fine in training camp."

(On the status of WR Trey Palmer)

"He [got] a little nicked up working out. He'll be fine in training camp."

(On the status of QB Michael Pratt)

"Same thing – nicked up. Hopefully [he'll be fine] by training camp."

(On CB Jacob Parrish's performance in practice on Tuesday)

"I saw him drop a pick. I can't say I watched him completely. He's got to come down with that. He'll probably hear about that."

(On his impression of OLB Haason Reddick)

"He came in in shape. He flew around everything we thought he would be flying around. We're happy with him."

(On if Reddick recorded a sack in Tuesday's practice)

"[It is] t-shirts and shorts. T-shirts and shorts."

(On defensive Pass Game Coordinator George Edwards calling defensive plays in practice on Tuesday)

"It was similar to last year. It's just that in the 'call-it' period, I've got to be neutral in that period. We take turns each day, which side we want to be on or I want to be on, so to speak – as well as developing the coordinators on both sides of the ball."

(On what he thought about the red zone and goal line practice period on Tuesday)

"Penalty at the end on the defense, obviously…They made a play or two, but again, it's shorts and t-shirts – the line can't block like they want to and the defense can't tee off like they want to. It was good-spirited competition."

(On his impression of DB Tykee Smith)

"He's a very smart player, so he understands football. He fits in the spot well. When we get in pads, you'll see a lot more of the physicality and the things that take place with the linemen. Right now, I'm very happy with him."

(On CB Jacob Parrish playing a lot of nickel cornerback in Tuesday's practice)

"He plays outside. It's just the lack of nickels we have with 'Izzy' (Christian Izien) down right now in order for him to get all of his reps in. If we put him outside and inside, it would be taxing him twice as much as everybody else. We try to limit it this camp, or definitely today."

(On college free agent DB J.J. Roberts)

"He's a very intriguing [player]. We saw a lot of things on tape – Jason [Licht] saw a lot of things on tape, and the scouts, as well. [He is] very fast – he's got the speed of a corner and the athleticism of a corner, but he can definitely hit you and play safety. He's got versatility and the more we look at him, he'll be an interesting guy to watch when the pads come on."

(On his impression of C Jake Majors)

"He's been very smart. He's picked up the system pretty [well]. He understands the blocking scheme. We like what we see right now, but again, when we get in pads, the linemen usually show out a little bit more."

(On the status of WR Chris Godwin)

"He's rehabbing inside right now – doing everything inside. When the trainers tell me he's ready to go outside, we'll take a look at him outside."

(On how RB Rachaad White is handling his role on the team)

"He's been fine. Rachaad is a pro. He's going to play football, he's going to do his job when he gets in there. He's great around the guys, he's great for the team. We've been through this last year – it's not anything that's a surprise right now. It was very similar last year and nothing has changed."

(On the level of competition in Tuesday's practice)

"A lot of talking, I know that. Sometimes when it's hot and you get fatigued, you talk more to hide your play. We'll see on the play."

(On if LB Anthony Walker Jr. was one of the main 'talkers' during Tuesday's practice)

"He's always chirping, but he's in shape and I saw him play and I'm very happy we got him."

(On the addition of a new replay monitor on the sideline during practice)

"It's a test right now. We're running some tests right now. It's another option other than the tablets on the sideline right now for practice, so they can see their plays after it happens up until the next play goes. It's something we're trying out, taking a look at, and evaluating this minicamp. We'll make a decision on it going forward after that."

(On how QB Kyle Trask is performing)

"He's been picking it up pretty [well]. Again, Kyle needs a chance to play. Obviously, with Baker [Mayfield] and then Tom [Brady] before that, it's hard to play when you've got two great quarterbacks in front of him. He's picking up the system very well, he understands where to go with the football, and he's a confident guy."

(On if he thinks there's been a change to the team's attitude or demeanor this year)

"I think there's more chemistry coming in, because the guys have been together for a year and it's been a lot of the same guys and they welcome the new guys, as well. Going forward, we'll continue to develop the chemistry and the confidence will come as they make each other better."

(On if he thinks the team's chemistry was starting to build throughout the 2024 season)

"I thought it built early on, but a lot of pieces and a lot of new guys had to play here and there. Hopefully we can stay healthy and it continues to build even more."

(On what he wants to see out of the next two days of minicamp)

"The mental aspect of understanding the game. We've got to be a smart football team. Right now, when you don't have pads on, you've really got to be smart players and understand the game and the situations well. If we can get that out of the next two days, I'll be happy."

(On if he expects more out of the players when they're not in full pads)

"I expect more out of them whether they're in t-shirts and shorts or they're in pads. You've got to get better every day. You can't just live in yesterday."

(On how the 'call-it' periods are going for Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard)

"I think it helps him a great deal. It's a work in progress, obviously. Again, without pads, you can't really see it, but understanding situations for him and seeing it rapid fire and not having it on a sheet can only help him."

(On former Buccaneer OLB Carl Nassib being honored by the Smithsonian Museum recently)

"Carl was one of my favorite players when he was here – always joking but yet serious at the same time. He played very hard on the field and was a very good pass rusher for us. For him to have that done, I think that's outstanding. He's a very intelligent guy and he's going to do great things. I don't expect anything less from him."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how the offseason has been for him)

"It's been really good. Obviously, the transition from Liam [Coen] to 'Grizz' (Josh Grizzard) has been really, really smooth. The guy is just taking ownership of it. Obviously, it helps when you have the same pieces back, but then obviously the new additions and the new guys we have…just making sure that when we're teaching it and we're installing it, the little details don't slip under the rug – you don't take anything for granted. It's been a really good offseason. Now is the time to get some chemistry down, really get an understanding of the offense, and I think we're in a good place right now. Obviously, there's always room for improvement, but it was good to have Mike [Evans] back out there today and it's good to see how it's all coming together."

(On what he's seen from WR Emeka Egbuka so far)

"Obviously, the physical tools…At this level, you have to have talent, and obviously he has that, being a first-round draft pick. The thing that sticks out is how cerebral he is. He's so smart. Right now, I think we could plug-and-play him at every [wide] receiver spot – he understands the offense that well. That's just him being a pro already. He's not a rookie – he doesn't act like it at least. It's been really good to see him take that ownership. He takes it really [seriously]. He's in constant communication – he always wants to be in the right spot at the right time. He's much like J-Mac (Jalen McMillan) [in] the understanding of zone coverage – and like Chris [Godwin], as well – of understanding when to be open, the voids in the zone defense, and how to be friendly to the quarterback. It's a nice luxury to have."

(On the continuity of the team's offense from last season into this season)

"Yeah, if you look at the foundation that we tried to instill last year – we obviously evolved throughout the year and the season, so it's nice for guys to not have to learn it from scratch. There's obviously a few tweaks and things – motions that 'Grizz' (Josh Grizzard) wants to get done, which is great. If you're not trying to get better, you're not going to survive. We're doing that right now. For me, it's continuing to overcommunicate at the line of scrimmage. That was a big step last year – the responsibility at the line of scrimmage…But, take it to the next level: really, really take ownership [and] overcommunicate to where if we get a certain pressure or coverage, guys know what I'm going to check to. That's the part that I have to continue to try and elevate everybody else around me and take that ownership."

(On if there's more of a vertical element to the club's passing game this season)

"We're trying to get some more explosive [plays] in. Obviously, when you look at the stats – I'm not a big stats guy, but we weren't as much down the field explosive. We were creating a lot of open, in the middle, and guys getting some YAC (yards after catch). But, yeah, working on that, being able to connect on the chemistry we're trying to build right now and just the timing of some of these routes – where the landmarks are and understanding that if it's two-high [safety coverage], one-high [safety coverage], where we're trying to throw the ball. This is the time of year we're working on it. Obviously, you would love to have more down the field shots, but any completion is a good one."

(On if he will run the ball less than he did last season)

"The coaches like to talk this time of the year. They sit around and watch tape. I'm trying to win games. Like I tell you guys, it's football. There's a time and place. On third downs and got-to-have-it situations, I'm going to try to do everything I can to get the first down or whatever we need. There's also a time and place to throw the ball away. I think, when it comes to protecting myself, the biggest thing is the sack number. A lot of that was holding onto the ball…There's give and take. There's the scramble element of trying to create explosive plays, but there's also situations in the game. Where are we at? Are we leading? Are we down? Do we need something? Don't force it. Just throw the ball away and trusting our defense to get it back to us."

(On Head Coach Todd Bowles saying he wants the team to have more 'killer instinct')

"A lot of times, when we would start fast, there's always that lull. I think in the past two years of me being here, overall, if you stand back and look at the beginning of the season to the middle of the season, it's not getting satisfied – always hitting the reset button whether it's the next week, or the next series, or the next play. That killer instinct…It doesn't matter what we're doing, we've got to put teams away when we're ahead."

(On if the 'lull' that he mentioned is referring to in games or in the season)

"Obviously, there has been different circumstances and things that have contributed to the mid-season lulls…I wouldn't say it's anything with the preparation or week-to-week. It's just guys just executing – doing their job. That's what you really try and hone in on in the back end of the season. Once you know a team, your scheme, you're not installing a whole lot of new plays, so you've really got to do the little details well. That's really the emphasis right now – guys trusting each other to do the job and continuing to do it."

(On C Jake Majors and WR Tez Johnson and TE Devin Culp)

"I think Jake has done a really good job. This offense [demands] a lot of the center, mentally, and obviously physically, blocking those big boys up front. He's done a really good job of handling the mental aspect of it. Devin is continuing to make strides for us. He obviously had a little bit of a showcase last year, but [he is] continuing to grow and understand what we're trying to get done. He's got so much physical talent, so it's about putting that all together. Tez Johnson is a guy that, obviously, a later draft pick, but [has] a lot of talent. He's a little guy but really explosive. He understands how to win on leverage. He's one of those guys you really can't touch in a phone booth. It's fun to watch him release off press coverage. We're just trying to get as many people involved. Obviously, last year, we understood that you're going to need a lot more than just your starting 11 [players]. We're trying to get everybody to elevate their standard and be ready to go."

(On if C Graham Barton has stepped into more of a leadership role)

"He's still a rookie until game three [laughs]. Graham has done a great job. That O-Line room last year – and hats off to [Robert] Hainsey and how he handled it – but also Graham, leaning on his veterans and not trying to do it all himself. He's definitely taken a huge step in the leadership role, and we're going to continue to ask him to do that. That's much like Tristan [Wirfs] – not exactly a vocal guy but he's going to continue to be asked to be a leader. Graham has done a great job. Obviously, having a year under your belt, the game slows down a lot. Him being able to control those guys, get them all on the same page, is huge for us."

(On how settled and satisfied he is being a Tampa Bay Buccaneer)

"I've said it since the beginning – this feels like home. It has. It continues to feel better and better. Like I said many times, they allow me to be myself and the best version of that. That's the best part. Understanding that I'm around a lot of the same personnel, I'm allowed and able to get a lot more out of the guys. Obviously, I'm happy to be here and happy to have a home, but we have a lot of unfinished business and things we need to do to take the next step. It's not just about a division title, it's about making a run for the Super Bowl and a deeper playoff run. That's the attention to detail and the focus and strain that it's going to take for us to take it to the next level. I think we have the pieces to do it."

(On OLB Haason Reddick)

"He's pretty damn fast off the edge. He's a great player. I know everybody wants to make a big deal about when he's going to be here and when he's not, but he's a good guy and there's a reason he signed here. He wants to help us win and we're happy to have him."

(On LB Anthony Walker Jr. talking trash at the end of practice)

"'A-Walk' and I go back to our Cleveland days. We've had a great relationship since then. [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles said it last week, 'You can't talk trash until you know your job.' Anthony Walker is a great veteran that understands his job and what needs to get done. Elevating the standard in practice and the competition level is good for everybody. You want to see that, as long as guys are doing their job."

RUNNING BACK RACHAAD WHITE

(On the talent in the running back room and his role this season)

"I'm just going with the flow. I'm blessed and I'm going into year four healthy. This offseason I've been able to take a step back and be grateful and appreciative for everything that has transpired. I'm just blessed. Like you said, we're very talented. When we all touch the field, we all just try to make the most of it and push each other."

(On Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard's offense)

"It's been smooth. There has been some different transitions and some different verbiage, some different wrinkles that he has added in. Obviously, we all think highly of Coach Grizz and how smart he is, and everything that he stands for. He's got some swag to him, poise. He's calm, cool and collected, so we love that about him. He also just pushes us. It's been smooth. It's been a great transition for everybody."

(On what he can do to elevate his game in Grizzard's system)

"Me and Coach Grizz talk about just attacking every play, making a lot of my routes and just trusting what I've got going on and my ability to go and make a play when the ball comes."

(On his dynamic with RB Bucky Irving)

"Our relationship speaks for itself. Bucky has done a great job. Our relationship doesn't go based off of who gets more reps. We both try and help each other out. That's what it's about – we both try to push each other. [My] mindset is just keep competing, keep making him better, he keeps making me better. As long as we're both being great and getting better, it's going to make our team better."

SAFETY TYKEE SMITH

(On the transition from playing nickel cornerback to playing almost every snap)

"It's been going really well. I'm still rotating in at nickel so I've been doing both. [I'm] just trying to help the team the best way possible but it's been going [really] smooth."

(On how he would evaluate his first season)

"This offseason, I spent time looking back at game film and [all] that. I think I played [well]. Half way through the season, [I] had some bad games, so this year, just looking to build off that and then be consistent. [I'm trying] to finish this year healthy. That'll be the biggest thing."

(On what the defense is doing from a mentality standpoint to get more interceptions this season)

"Basically, just taking more risks, being in position to make plays and then when we get the opportunities to make the plays, capitalize on them – that's the biggest thing."

(On who has stood out to him from the rookie class)

"I think Ben [Morrison] has been standing out. I think 'J.P.' (Jacob Parrish) stood out also. They're just younger guys that we're going to need to rely on this season so we just need them to keep coming along and keep stacking days."

(On what some of his personal goals are for the season)

"My personal goal is just being a better version of myself, having a better season than I did last year, and then being able to be a game-changing player."

(On what he expects from himself this year)

"Just to play way faster, be more comfortable, and like I said, grow into that – more of a vocal leader on the backend."

-BUCCANEERS-