The tide is turning for Baker Mayfield in the national media spotlight.
Coming off a 2024 season in which the former No. 1 overall pick posted career bests in multiple key areas, all of which landed him in the top three of those respective categories among qualified quarterbacks. With the latest report from NFL Media, one has to wonder, is the narrative finally shifting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ franchise QB from journeyman to potential MVP candidate?
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks ranked Mayfield as a dark-horse contender to be named the league’s most valuable player.
He writes, “If Mayfield matches his 2024 numbers (71.4% completion rate, 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns) and the Buccaneers win the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, I won’t be surprised if the former No. 1 overall pick rises to the top of the MVP conversation. This offseason Tampa Bay added another talented pass catcher (first-round pick Emeka Egbuka) to a stellar supporting cast that features a pair of rugged Pro Bowlers (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) with exceptional ball skills and playmaking ability. With Bucky Irving commanding attention as a big-play specialist in the backfield, Mayfield can rack up impressive production directing an explosive offense built on low-risk throws to a collection of dynamic weapons. . .”
It won’t come easily, however, a welcomed return of Godwin may help turn the dark-horse trek into a frontrunner. Before ending his season early due to a devastating ankle injury, Godwin and Mayfield developed such a chemistry on the field that both were league leaders in many categories.
Perhaps none more important than Mayfield’s on-target throw percentage, where Godwin caught a staggering 84.3% of passes in his direction. Despite getting a new offensive coordinator, the Buccaneers are returning all 11 starters on offense. Aside from the numbers, and much to the chagrin of many fans, the MVP award appears to be a quarterback-exclusive honor these days, which bodes well for Mayfield’s journey.