Baker Mayfield’s 2024 season wasn’t just a bounce-back; it was a career breakthrough.
He threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and completed 71.4% of his passes, all career highs. He set Buccaneers franchise records in completions (407), passer rating (106.8), and led Tampa Bay to another NFC South title.
Mayfield enters 2025 poised to match or even exceed last year’s production despite a new coach calling plays for a unique third straight year.
Grizzard Takes Over, But the Offense Stays Familiar
Josh Grizzard steps into his first year as offensive coordinator, but he’s no stranger to this unit. As the 2024 passing game coordinator, Grizzard played a major role in designing the offense, especially on third downs, that powered Mayfield’s best season yet. Under his influence, the Buccaneers ranked third in passing yards per game (250.4), third in total offense (399.6 YPG), and first in third-down conversions (51.1%). That continuity in system and personnel gives Mayfield a rare advantage as he doesn’t need to learn something new despite having his third offensive coordinator in as many years.
Mayfield wasn’t just efficient; he was dominant when the Bucs needed him most. In Week 6 against the Saints, he threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns as Tampa racked up a franchise-record 594 total yards. In Week 15, he dismantled the Chargers with 288 yards and four scores in a 40–17 win. Then came his signature performance: 359 yards and five touchdowns against Carolina in Week 17, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Mayfield threw for over 300 yards in eight games, showing he can deliver high-volume numbers across the season, not just in favorable matchups.
Tampa Bay’s 2025 schedule is full of high-scoring potential. The Bucs will face Detroit, Houston, and Buffalo, who are all teams with explosive offenses that could lead to shootouts and more passing attempts. Meanwhile, weaker pass defenses like New England (30th), Arizona (28th), and Carolina (32nd in 2024) offer opportunities to pile up yardage efficiently. With a Week 9 bye, Mayfield also gets a chance to reset and finish strong, something he did exceptionally well last season
Mayfield’s 2024 season was no fluke. It was the product of experience, chemistry with weapons like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr, and a system that plays to his strengths. With nearly everything in place again and a schedule that favors volume, there’s every reason to believe he’ll do it again.
Projected 2025 Total: 4,650 passing yards