When quarterback Tom Brady retired it was obvious the Buccaneers would be in the market for a quarterback to compete with Kyle Trask.
That quarterback ended up being Baker Mayfield. During his introductory press conference Mayfield was asked why he chose Tampa Bay. Mayfield touched on the team’s recent success and that the environment is stable and the team is ready and knows how to win. He also emphasized that the team is ready to win and win now.
“It was important for me to be in a place that’s stable and knows how to win and do it properly. You know, I’ve gotten to see different things from my journey. That is not exactly how I drew it up, but it’s helped along the way.”
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Fast-forward to this week and Mayfield elaborated a little more on his decision to pick the Pewter Pirates. Via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer,
“I finally had some [time] to think, I think that’s the key word,” Mayfield stated. “And, yeah, just looking at it from a big-picture standpoint, I want to play this game for a long time. So where’s the next spot that’s going to be the most stable position, where I can come in and compete, and do the best I can to showcase what I’m capable of? This is a great opportunity to do so. Normally when a spot like this opens up, it’s because bad things have happened. But this one, it’s just because Tom [Brady] retired. So it’s a perfect opportunity for me.”
As reported by Breer we have the details to Mayfield’s deal.
“New Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield’s 1-year, $4 million deal.
– $2 million roster bonus due this month.
– $2 million base (fully guaranteed).
– $4.5 million in playtime, playoff and stat incentives.”
Obviously there will be a competition between Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Judging by Mayfield’s comments and the contract he signed he feels he can not only win the starting job, but take the Buccaneers to the playoffs.