Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has experienced a dramatic career arc since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
After a promising start in Cleveland, Mayfield’s tenure ended when the Browns opted for Deshaun Watson following Mayfield’s injury. Subsequent stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams in 2022 left Mayfield seeking stability and a fresh start.
The opportunity came in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers, moving on from the Tom Brady era, signed Mayfield to a one-year, prove-it deal before the 2023 season.
Mayfield responded with a strong performance, earning himself a contract extension and a chance to lead the franchise into the future.
In his second season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield is enjoying a career renaissance. The quarterback has posted personal bests in several statistical categories and ranks among
the NFL’s top 10 and NFC’s top five in key passing metrics. According to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, Mayfield’s contract includes performance incentives, with $500,000 bonuses for finishing
among the league’s statistical leaders, potentially earning him an additional $2.5 million this season.
The structure of Mayfield’s contract allowed Tampa Bay to maintain cap flexibility while rewarding his performance. Guided by first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Mayfield has
flourished, becoming a pivotal reason why the Buccaneers currently hold a 9-7 record and are poised to win the NFC South for the fourth consecutive season.
Mayfield’s impact has been felt beyond the numbers, as his leadership and consistency have reinvigorated Tampa Bay’s offense. His partnership with Coen has unlocked a new level
of efficiency, positioning the Buccaneers as a legitimate playoff contender despite significant roster changes over the past two seasons.
As the Buccaneers prepare for their Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, they aim to solidify their postseason berth. A victory would cap off a strong regular season and set the stage for a promising playoff run with Mayfield at the helm.
For Mayfield, the season marks a triumphant comeback after years of uncertainty. His success in Tampa Bay not only underscores his resilience but also cements his role as a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ future.
With the postseason on the horizon, Mayfield and the Buccaneers will look to carry their momentum from Week 17 into a pivotal final game, eager to extend their winning tradition and prove they belong among the league’s elite teams.