Baker Mayfield entered the NFL through the 2018 Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. He spent four seasons with the team before making his way to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three years ago.
With the Browns, Mayfield set the rookie record with 27 touchdown passes. When he was traded to Florida, many believed his career would stall. However, to the surprise of many, he reached a level of performance no one had predicted. His resurgence elevated the Buccaneers to a divisional championship and silenced the criticism that had followed both him and the team.
Following Tom Brady’s retirement in 2023, Mayfield competed for the starting quarterback role in Tampa Bay, a job he secured. From that moment, his career trajectory with the Bucs took off.
That year, he threw for a personal-best 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the team to its third straight NFC South title. After this milestone season, offensive coordinator Dave Canales departed to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Analysts predicted that Mayfield’s performance would regress without Canales, but they couldn’t have been more wrong. Under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Mayfield continued to elevate his play. In 2024, he surpassed his previous season with over 4,400 passing yards, ranking third in the league. His 41 touchdown passes placed him second across the entire NFL.
These elite numbers secured a fourth consecutive divisional title for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What lies ahead for the Bucs this season
The revolving door of offensive coordinators spun once again for Tampa Bay, as Coen left to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Replacing him is Josh Grizzard, who had served as the team’s passing game coordinator.
And once again, analysts are forecasting a decline in Mayfield’s production. But the quarterback pays little attention to outside noise, remaining focused on his performance and on chasing another divisional crown-which would be Tampa Bay’s fifth in a row if achieved.
Baker Mayfield doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder. It’s more like a boulder,”… “The way Mayfield uses slights, real or perceived, fuels him in a unique way. How Mayfield has turned around his career in Tampa Bay is a testament to his perseverance and how the Buccaneers have utilized him.
A rival scout told.
As is often the case, predictions are just that-predictions. What remains undeniable is how Mayfield has managed to rise above the turnover in the coaching staff, adapting time and again. Now, he will look to build a new rhythm with Grizzard and guide the Bucs to yet another postseason run.
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