The New Orleans Saints did not sign Baker Mayfield because the organization considered the quarterback “too immature.”

Through the first five weeks of the season, Mayfield has emerged as an MVP contender with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4-1. He’s led a fourth-quarter comeback in each of his first four wins in 2025, earning plaudits from around the league as he and the Bucs target a third successive NFC South division title.

Mayfield has been excellent, with head coach Todd Bowles even suggesting he would not replace the quarterback with anyone else in football. His personality is infectious and admired; Mayfield clashed with Seahawks fans during the Bucs’ win in Seattle.

However, just three years ago, Mayfield was not deemed to be a viable option. Plenty of teams had the opportunity to trade for him, claim him off waivers, or sign him as a free agent — but everyone passed on the 2018 first overall pick.

Mayfield has ultimately provided the Bucs with a smooth transition of success from the Tom Brady era. The Florida franchise is even in contention to compete for a Super Bowl, and the Saints — the Bucs’ division rivals who will face them later this month — are floundering without a real answer at quarterback.

On Sunday last week, Spencer Rattler picked up his first career win as the Saints defeated the New York Giants. He has played well through the first few weeks of the season, but why did New Orleans not pull the trigger on Mayfield?

“We think he’s too immature,” is what one Saints official reportedly told WDSU’s Fletcher Mackel when Mayfield was available. The 30-year-old went on to sign a one-year deal with the Buccaneers and has since found a home in Tampa.

Asked recently about the changing perception of his personality and attitude, Mayfield said: “Early on in my career, it was ‘cocky, immature.’ Now it’s ‘moxie’ and ‘he’s a dog.’

“Same —- different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative, but you’ve just gotta be yourself, and I’ve always been like that.”

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Mayfield’s Buccaneers are next in action against the 4-1 San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 12. Tampa Bay will travel to New Orleans to face Rattler’s Saints in Week 8 on Sunday, Oct. 26.