Compared to this time last year, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s life looks a lot different.
Of course, in 2022, Mayfield was traded from Cleveland to Carolina, then waived mid-season by Carolina, then signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he was finishing up his fifth NFL season and playing for his third team in less than six months.
After a tumultuous 2022 season, Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers in March 2023 looking for a chance to revive his career, but there are no guarantees for the 2018 No. 1 overall pick and he was set to be in a quarterback battle with Kyle Trask at this time last year.
![Baker Mayfield grateful for 'acceptance' at Tampa Bay Rays Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mayfield-Baker-Bucs-Titans-rifle2-300x200.jpg)
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
But in the 12 months since, Baker Mayfield has had the career resurgence he hoped for when he signed with Tampa Bay in hopes of succeeding Tom Brady, throwing for more than 4,000 passing yards that year, with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and leading the Buccaneers to another NFC South title and a playoff win over the Eagles.
Mayfield finished his impressive season playing in the Pro Bowl game in Orlando as a substitute for the first time in his career, after which he signed a three-year, $100 million contract to remain in Tampa.
Between a Comeback Player of the Year-worthy season, a Pro Bowl selection, a new multiyear contract and, yes, becoming a father for the first time this offseason, Baker Mayfield’s life is a lot different than it was 365 days ago.
“It’s a lot more fun than being sent around like dirty laundry.” “I think it’s a good thing,” Mayfield said Thursday on The Mike Carta Show.“So when I got accepted in Tampa, it changed my world. I’ve always played baseball for fun. I mean, it’s a game. Yes, it’s my job, but I love it.”
“I’ve always worn my emotions on my sleeve and I want people to embrace that, so I’m excited to spend the next few years in Tampa and let people get to know me a little better and really understand that it’s more than just the show on the field. Football-wise, that’s who I am. I love football. I’ll do anything for my team and everybody in the locker room knows that.”
Baker Mayfield ready to establish continuity with Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield is He was hugged by his Buccaneers teammatesas well as support from Buccaneers fans and the Tampa Bay community at large. The former Heisman Trophy winner quickly won the support of just about everyone associated with the Buccaneers organization, and it’s clear that being accepted by his new team made a big difference for him.
![Baker Mayfield grateful for 'acceptance' at Tampa 3 Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Evans-Mike-Baker-Mayfield-Bucs-Jags-celebrate-300x199.jpg)
![Baker Mayfield grateful for 'acceptance' at Tampa 3 Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Evans-Mike-Baker-Mayfield-Bucs-Jags-celebrate-300x199.jpg)
Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
But the good news for Mayfield, Buccaneers and Tampa Bay fans is that 2023 was just the beginning. In addition to re-signing Mayfield this offseason, general manager Jason Licht and the team re-signed the team’s top free agents Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David and Chase McLaughlin. Safety Jordan Whitehead also re-signed after a two-year hiatus, strengthening the secondary.
Coming off a 9-8 season that saw the team win the division and reach the NFC Divisional Round, Mayfield is happy to maintain some continuity as he looks to build on his success with the team and take another leap in 2024.
“It worked out well and I couldn’t be happier,” Mayfield said of 2023. “Obviously we have some other guys back and just continuing what we built last year and the way they run the team from the top down made it feel like I was at home. … I’m really excited to go into another season with these guys. It’s pretty much the same group so I’m just going to embrace it wholeheartedly and just continue to build some more chemistry.”
Tampa Bay will be looking to beat NFC powerhouses like the 49ers and Lions, but Mayfield and his teammates know the importance of winning the NFC South first. With the Falcons acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Saints constantly in contention for the top spot and the Panthers looking to move towards a brighter future, the pressure is on the Buccaneers as they seek a fourth straight division title.
But Tampa Bay’s quarterback and captain is understandably more confident than ever, and it will take a lot of work to dethrone him and the Buccaneers in 2024.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Mayfield said, “the divisions are still with us.”