Baker Mayfield's Career Revival: How the Buccaneers Unleashed a Top NFL Quarterback

Two years ago, Baker Mayfield joined the Buccaneers, vying with Kyle Trask for the starting quarterback spot left open by Tom Brady’s departure.

Despite low expectations following trades and being waived, Mayfield remained confident in his abilities, and the Buccaneers saw potential for him to thrive as a top quarterback.

So Far, So Good

Mayfield has blossomed into an elite NFL quarterback, raising his on-field performance while emerging as a locker room leader. With teammates rallying around him and a supportive front office, GM Jason Licht and Coach Todd Bowles gave him the freedom to be himself, unlocking his full potential.

“I’ve said it a bunch, but it’s the truth. From the time I stepped foot in here, they told me to be myself,” Mayfield stated Wednesday. “From the journey I’ve been on, the ups and downs, I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity. Then getting an extension here — even more grateful for that, to be able to spend more years here. They’ve built a great culture here from the top down. That’s what matters and that’s what’s allowed me to step in and hit the ground running. It’s 2025, another opportunity to see what we can do, and it’s finally here.”

Mayfield’s NFL journey began in 2018 as the No. 1 overall pick for Cleveland. He led the Browns to an 11-5 record and a playoff win over the Steelers in 2020. However, after the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson, Mayfield was traded to Carolina, where he struggled with a 1-5 record before being released. He found temporary success with the Rams, leading them to a win on short notice, but ultimately couldn’t sustain momentum. Following Tom Brady’s retirement after the 2022 season, Mayfield joined the Buccaneers to compete with Kyle Trask for the starting quarterback spot.

A New Hope

In 2023, Baker Mayfield had a standout season, throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, posting a 94.6 passer rating. He led the Buccaneers to a division title and a dominant playoff victory over the Eagles, before falling just short against Detroit in the next round.

Last season, Mayfield had a breakout year, completing 71.4% of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, with a 106.8 passer rating. He made history as the fourth player in NFL history to throw for 4,000+ yards, 40+ touchdowns, and a 70%+ completion percentage in a single season. The Buccaneers won 10 games and secured their fourth consecutive NFC South title, but their playoff run ended with a wild-card loss to Washington.

So what is Mayfield looking for in 2025?

“More Wins!”

Mayfield’s success in Tampa Bay had a ripple effect, launching the careers of top assistants. Dave Canales, the Buccaneers’ 2023 offensive coordinator, became the Panthers’ head coach, while Liam Coen, the 2024 OC, took the helm as Jaguars’ head coach. This season, Josh Grizzard steps into the OC role, bringing continuity as he previously served as the team’s pass game coordinator, making him familiar to Mayfield.

“Having been in the offense for a year and coming back in the same system finally, I think he’s really taken the bull by the horn, so to speak, and (is) kind of just directing people the way (he wants it) and understanding where he wants it and having great conversations with ‘Grizz’ on the field.” Bowles on Mayfield. “That’s been the biggest growth.”

Properly Baked

Now 30, Mayfield has matured both on and off the field. As a husband, father, and beloved teammate, he’s become a locker room leader. His toughness and resilience are contagious, inspiring his teammates.

Tom Brady transformed the Buccaneers’ culture, instilling a winning mentality and securing a Super Bowl championship in his first season with thee team. Now, Mayfield is carrying the torch.