The contract situation involving Baker Mayfield remains one of the biggest stories surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mayfield remains in the final year of his existing contract. He also believes Tampa Bay can surprise plenty of people this season.
Baker Mayfield: Buccaneers Will “Shock a Lot of People”
Mayfield discussed Tampa Bay’s Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also shared his belief that the Buccaneers can exceed expectations this season.
“You’re with your guys, and it’s just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you’re going to, and so I think it’s a good opportunity for us against the Bengals,” Mayfield stated about Tampa Bay’s Week 1 matchup, via JoeBucsFan. “I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year. And so I’m excited.”
Mayfield’s comments come after Mike Evans signed with the San Francisco 49ers during free agency. Since then, several members of the NFL community have questioned Tampa Bay’s roster.
Many believe the Buccaneers are worse than they were entering their Week 9 bye last season. Tampa Bay entered that break with a 6-2 record before winning only two games afterward.
The Buccaneers ultimately missed the playoffs. Mayfield also suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder during Week 12. That injury, coupled with several others that weren’t reported led to a dismissal second half of the 2025 season.
Those concerns may have impacted what Tampa Bay has offered Mayfield during contract negotiations. However, Mayfield remains focused on what the Buccaneers can accomplish this season.
Mayfield Hits Back at Preseason Forecasts
DraftKings Sportsbook had the Buccaneers at -136 odds to finish below 8.5 wins Tuesday afternoon. The sportsbook also listed Tampa Bay as the NFC South favorite at +170.
Mayfield knows what is being said about Tampa Bay entering the season. He also appears motivated by the expectations surrounding the Buccaneers.
“You can’t avoid it,” Mayfield on what is being said and written about the Buccaneers this summer. “The TVs everywhere. Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record.”
Mayfield has seemingly welcomed opportunities to play with a chip on his shoulder. Now, he appears ready to use those outside expectations as motivation.
The Buccaneers will begin their regular season against the Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sept. 13.
For more from JR click here!
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
