Baker Mayfield Drops Hint About Future with Buccaneers
In a recent interview with “The Rich Eisen Show,” Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hinted that he may be leaning towards staying with the team. Mayfield visited the show on site at the Super Bowl, just a day after the Buccaneers announced Liam Coen as their new offensive coordinator. Coen previously worked with Mayfield in December 2022 when they were both in Los Angeles. Mayfield recommended Coen to the Buccaneers after their previous offensive coordinator, Dave Canales, left for the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield expressed his excitement about the hiring of Coen, saying, “The first step happened in Tampa hiring the OC, so I’m excited about that. Someone I’m familiar with. Great guy.” He also mentioned that the Buccaneers’ system is the same as the one they ran last year, which means the players won’t have to re-learn anything. Mayfield expressed gratitude towards the team for giving him an opportunity and added, “I would love to [stay put]. Just how they run things [and] how they operate, it allowed me to play free and just all about ball.”
During the 2023 season, Mayfield had a career year with the Buccaneers, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns. He led the team to an NFC South title and a Divisional Round appearance, earning him the Pro Bowl offensive MVP honors. However, there is still a possibility that another team could offer Mayfield a bigger contract in free agency. According to Spotrac, Mayfield could make around $27.1 million annually or sign a 4-year, $108.51 million deal.
One of Mayfield’s wishes is for the Buccaneers to re-sign star wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield stated, “If I’m back, I want Mike back.” However, re-signing Evans comes with a hefty price tag, projected to be around $23.8 million annually or a 4-year, $95.34 million deal.
Mayfield also expressed his love for living in Florida, which could play a role in his decision-making process. He mentioned, “How can you not love it? Good weather. Didn’t know anything about it going into it, but we’ve settled in there.”
As for his upcoming plans, Mayfield revealed that he will be taking a vacation to the Bahamas after the Super Bowl. He plans to bring along some of his offensive linemen, including Buccaneers Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Mayfield and Wirfs have become close friends during the 2023 season.
Overall, Mayfield’s comments suggest that he may be leaning towards staying with the Buccaneers, but the final decision will ultimately depend on contract negotiations and other factors.
In just one month, the life of Mayfield, the NFL star, is about to change forever. His wife is currently eight months pregnant and they are expecting a baby girl on April 2. Mayfield humorously admits that he is going to be completely wrapped around his daughter’s finger. Being a girl dad is something he is looking forward to, as he believes it is the greatest thing in the world. Initially, both Mayfield and his wife were hoping for a boy, but now they are incredibly excited about their little girl. They have even planned one final vacation after the Super Bowl, as they know that their lives will be forever changed once their daughter arrives.
Matthew Davis, a prominent NFL reporter, provides coverage for the league.