The phrase “every cloud has a silver lining” could not be more precise than in the case of Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bucs).
After a rather disheartening slump, Mayfield has risen against all odds to reinstate his place in NFL.
The rift between the QB and the Bucs doesn’t seem to be a one-off affair as sources disclose they’re in talks for another year of collaboration come 2024.
Tossed to the side by the Carolina Panthers and given no consideration in the free agency back in March, former No.1 pick Baker Mayfield has bounced back in style this 2023 season.
He’s proven once more that he’s a certified NFL starter, and in the process, thrown the Tampa Buccaneers right into the heart of the playoff hunt.
These advancements have given rise to speculation: Baker Mayfield and the Bucs might lock horns yet again in 2024.
Sources: The #Bucs and QB Baker Mayfield have mutual interest for him to be back in 2024. The former No. 1 pick seems to have found a home.
My story on Mayfield's future and what it means: https://t.co/r8lKqdXz7Vhttps://t.co/r8lKqdXz7V
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2023
The Buccaneers, who marked Mayfield’s third camp after the Browns and Panthers, seem to have offered the stability he yearned for.
However, this possible extension isn’t without hurdles. Mayfield, now with an upper hand, is on the brink of stepping into free agency.
Yet, the value presented to the team by the QB and vice versa suggests an eagerness for collaboration in the subsequent year.
Baker Mayfield has significantly reaped from his stint with the Buccaneers.
In addition to his $4 million base, he’s set to pocket an additional $1 million for play-time incentives, likewise another $1 million if the Bucs clinch the NFC South.
Mayfield, 28, is approaching a career-best performance, completing 63.5% of his passes for 3,315 yards with 24 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
The synergy with the new offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been instrumental in Tampa’s wins. The last couple of weeks have seen Mayfield record seven TDs and just one giveaway.
His 13.6 pass yards per attempt last week marked his single-game career high and tied for the highest by any quarterback in 2023.
He is also averaging a record 2.72 average time to throw, presenting improved stats from previous seasons.
At Tampa, Mayfield shares the weekly dinner with offensive linemen and indulges in banter with staffers.
His patience with younger players is a testament to his growth not just as a player, but also as a mentor.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach Todd Bowles surfaces as a potential Coach of the Year candidate.
Despite the Tom Brady-era hangover that piled up heavy dead money on the cap, Tampa Bay’s future looks promising with Baker Mayfield in the mix.
