The Tampa Bay Buccaneers watched their promising 2025 season unravel because of injuries. A 6-2 start became a disappointing 8-9 finish. Tampa Bay also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019 after losing the NFC South tiebreaker to Carolina.
The injury report stretched across the entire roster. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch all missed significant time. Now, new details reveal Baker Mayfield battled far more than anyone knew.
Mayfield Played Through A Brutal List Of Injuries
Netflix’s Quarterback series provides an inside look at Mayfield’s difficult season. While fans knew about his shoulder injury, they never saw the complete picture.
“He also had a bone bruise in that Houston game which was aggravated against the Lions. On a scale of 1-10, the knee pain was a 7 around the Patriots contest after the bye week. There was also some sort of tendon injury in his bicep sustained in the Jets game. The bruising was gnarly. He wore an arm sleeve to cover it up. Later in the year he suffered an AC Joint injury against the Rams, which we knew. Baker played with a multitude of injuries in 2025 and it took a toll on him towards the end of the year. You’ll see the behind-the-scenes work he puts in to get his body back to practice on Weds. The takeaway quote from Baker, “Pain is miserable, but toughness shows how bad you want something.”
The Injuries Eventually Took Their Toll
Mayfield continued answering the bell every week. His toughness never became the issue.
His production, however, declined as the season progressed. Over Tampa Bay’s final eight games, he threw 10 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Those numbers fell well below his outstanding 2024 campaign.
He still finished with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.6 passer rating. Those are respectable numbers under normal circumstances. They become even more impressive after learning what his body endured every Sunday.
Should The Buccaneers Really Question His Health?
One part of this story stands above everything else.
The Buccaneers reportedly remain cautious during contract negotiations because of Mayfield’s health. That concern deserves another look after these revelations.
Mayfield did not miss games because of his injuries. Instead, he fought through them while several key offensive teammates missed extended time. He gave Tampa Bay every opportunity to stay competitive despite playing far below full strength.
There is a difference between being injury-prone and playing through injuries. Mayfield clearly proved he belongs in the second category.
A Healthy 2026 Could Change Everything
The Buccaneers should enter 2026 expecting a much healthier offense. Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch are all expected back. A healthier supporting cast should also allow Mayfield to return to his previous level.
His contract talks remain unresolved as training camp approaches. Mayfield has already stated negotiations will stop if no agreement exists before camp begins.
If anything, the Netflix documentary strengthens his case. Rather than creating concern, it highlights the leadership, toughness, and commitment Tampa Bay should value in its franchise quarterback.
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