Over the last couple of the years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found their new franchise quarterback. Baker Mayfield has taken over since signing with the Buccaneers and has not looked back.
In each of the last two years, he has led Tampa Bay to the playoffs. He has done so while putting up major individual production, finally living up to the billing of being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
With Mayfield leading the way, the Buccaneers will be a team to watch once again in the 2025 NFL season. At this point, the NFC South is still wide open, and Tampa Bay seems to be the team to beat once again.
Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
After Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers turned to Mayfield. While no one would compare the two players from a success perspective, general manager Jason Licht did speak out with a comparison between the two quarterbacks.
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During a conversation with Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Licht revealed how Mayfield’s decision to sign with the team was similar to Brady’s.
“Some of the same ways that Tom [Brady] chose us, Baker chose us too, because he knew that Tom chose us because it was the best place for him to win a Super Bowl, Baker chose us because it’s the best place for him to revive his career,” Licht said.
“There wasn’t agendas, and he was going to be able to just play football and try to win. So that was big for him, and he’s obviously helped, big part in winning, but those players love playing with him, especially receivers. Who knows if Mike [Evans] would have chose to come here, who knows if Chris [Godwin] would have signed back, they love that guy. It’s because they want somebody that’s going to help them on the field too. So I hope Baker’s here a long time.”
Last season, Mayfield played in all 17 games for the Buccaneers. He completed 71.4 percent of his pass attempts for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Mayfield also ran for 378 yards and three more scores.
Back in 2023, in his first season in Tampa Bay, he threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 64.3 percent of his passes.
Needless to say, the marriage between Mayfield and the Buccaneers has gone well.
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While no one will compare Mayfield to Brady as an actual player or by their career success, Tampa Bay hopes to see one more comparison come up. Mayfield leading the Buccaneers to a championship would equal the championship Brady brought to town.
Only time will tell, but the team has a new star quarterback leading the way, and Mayfield deserves a lot of recognition and praise for what he’s done through two years with Tampa Bay.
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