Baker Mayfield emerged triumphant from last season’s challenges.
Tasked with filling the shoes of the legendary Tom Brady and now on his fourth team in two years, Mayfield found unexpected contentment and a true home in Tampa Bay. He led the Buccaneers to their third consecutive NFC South title and a journey to the NFC Divisional Round.
“You have a lot more fun when you’re not being moved around like a piece of dirty laundry,” Mayfield shared on the Mike Calta Show. “Finding acceptance in Tampa made a huge difference. I’ve always played the game for enjoyment. It’s my job, but I love it deeply. I’ve always been open about my emotions, and being embraced here means a lot. I’m looking forward to more years in Tampa where people can see the real me—not just the player on the field. I love this game, and I’d do anything for our team. My teammates know that.”
Before landing in Tampa Bay, Mayfield was the first overall pick for the Browns and led them to their first playoff win in 26 years during the 2020 season. However, his tenure in Cleveland ended after just one more season, and he was traded to Carolina. After initially securing the starting role and playing in seven games, the Panthers released him in December 2022.
Mayfield then joined the Rams, orchestrating a dramatic 98-yard, two-minute drill for a stunning victory over the Raiders just two days after joining the team. His solid performance over four more games to close the season caught Tampa Bay’s attention, leading to his move in 2023.
Now, a year later, Mayfield boasts his first Pro Bowl selection and a 4,000-yard passing season.
His achievements earned him the confidence of the Buccaneers organization, evident in a three-year, $100 million contract signed this past offseason by general manager Jason Licht.
Tampa Bay ensured stability by re-signing key players like wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. They also brought in Mayfield’s former college teammate, Sterling Shepard, and welcomed back defensive back Jordan Whitehead after a two-year absence.
“I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out,” Mayfield remarked on his first season with the Bucs. “Bringing back some of those guys and building on what we started last year—it feels like home. The organization runs top-down in a way that fits perfectly with me. I’m excited to head into another season with these guys, most of whom are familiar faces, and build even stronger chemistry.”
However, not everyone will return for their bid at a fourth straight division title. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales, credited with unlocking Mayfield’s potential, departed for a head coaching role with the Panthers.
With Canales gone, the Bucs face adapting to a new offense under Liam Coen, who briefly crossed paths with Mayfield in Los Angeles but is otherwise a fresh face for most players. Coen marks Tampa Bay’s third offensive coordinator in as many years and, including their brief stint with the Rams, Mayfield’s seventh since 2018.
At 29, Mayfield faces the challenge with a clear perspective, having weathered consistent change throughout his career, particularly in recent “dirty laundry” years.
He knows exactly what to expect and who everyone, including his former ally Canales, must overcome to retain their NFC South dominance.
“Let’s be clear,” Mayfield affirmed. “The division still runs through us.”
