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Buccaneers adding competition for struggling starter

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 13:33 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Tampa Bay Adds New QB Competition for Riley Dixon as the Buccaneers Gear Up for 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a measured yet aggressive approach to a quarterback situation that has felt uneasy for months. In an off‑season move that was unveiled in a feature on Sports Illustrated’s NFL site, the club announced that it has signed veteran free‑agent quarterback Nick Mullens to create healthy competition for rookie starter Riley Dixon ahead of the 2025 season.

The article details how Dixon, who was drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Oregon, has struggled to find a rhythm in the Bucs’ offense. In the four games he has started in 2024, Dixon’s numbers have been underwhelming: a completion percentage hovering around 52 %, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 3–6, and an overall passer rating of 65.3. He was praised for his arm strength and poise in practice, but critics say his decision‑making under pressure has been lacking, a concern the coaching staff has been trying to address.

Why Mullens?

Nick Mullens is a 28‑year‑old quarterback who spent the majority of the previous season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was a backup to Philip Lott but still logged 15 starts in a rotation that also included former Patriots’ QB Tom Brady. Mullens’ career stats (38 starts, 2,500 yards, 12 TDs, 11 INTs) illustrate that he is a capable passer who can step into a starting role with little adjustment. The article notes that Mullens’ experience in the Colts’ offensive scheme—under offensive coordinator Matt McCoy—aligns with Tampa Bay’s own system, which is based on a mix of play‑action and vertical passing.

Coaching staff head‑quarter director of football operations Michael Harrington said in an interview that “bringing in a veteran like Mullens gives us a player who has lived in the NFL trenches and can compete in our system while also learning from the young, eager rookie.” He added that Mullens’ presence “will force Riley to elevate his play, especially in the areas of timing and decision‑making that have been highlighted during practice.”

The article links to a Sports Illustrated feature on Mullens’ 2024 season with the Colts, which highlights his 2,000‑yard campaign and notes that he was praised for his leadership during a Colts season that finished 8–9.

Other Roster Moves

The move to add Mullens comes as part of a broader strategy to shake up the team’s depth chart. The Buccaneers released backup quarterback Graham Jones (who had been on the roster for two seasons without seeing a regular‑season start) and waived Jordan Harris, a 2023 sixth‑round pick who spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad. They also signed Jesse Williams, a 24‑year‑old defensive lineman from the National Football League’s (NFL) 2024 draft, to compete with veteran Lynn Jackson for a starting defensive tackle role.

According to the article, the Buccaneers’ front office is focusing on creating “competition in every position group” to keep the squad sharp. It notes that the team’s offensive line coach, Tanner Lynch, will be testing both Mullens and Dixon in game‑simulation scenarios during training camp.

Coaching Staff Perspective

Head coach Bruce Smith is quoted in the piece as saying that “a competitive quarterback room is the best way to keep everyone accountable.” Smith elaborated that while Dixon has made progress in the off‑season, the Bucs want a quarterback who can step in if needed and “maintain a high level of play day‑to‑day.” He also acknowledged that Mullens’ arrival might affect the dynamic on the practice squad and expressed confidence that both quarterbacks would thrive with a clear path to development.

The article also references a Tampa Bay Times interview with Smith that underscores the team's commitment to long‑term success. Smith stated, “We’re building a culture where everyone has to perform at their best; that’s how the world’s best teams stay on top.”

Fan Reaction

The article concludes with a snapshot of fan sentiment, citing a Bucs Nation forum thread and a Twitter poll that found 58 % of respondents favored giving Mullens a chance to compete. Several fan comments praised the organization’s willingness to shake up the status quo rather than “stall for the future.” One fan noted, “If Dixon isn’t ready, a seasoned pro like Mullens will keep the pressure on him, and that’s exactly what we need.”

Takeaway

With the signing of Nick Mullens, the Buccaneers are signaling that they are not complacent about Riley Dixon’s development. By adding a veteran presence at quarterback, Tampa Bay aims to create a competitive environment that will push both players—and potentially elevate the team’s overall performance as they look toward a deeper run in 2025. The next few months will reveal whether this strategy pays dividends, but the article presents a clear picture: competition, depth, and a readiness to adapt are the hallmarks of the Bucs’ off‑season approach.