In the 2023 season, Baker Mayfield finally unlocked his potential and had a breakout year. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection and led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a dominant victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Mayfield’s success has led to speculation about his future as he approaches free agency this offseason. It is widely expected that the Buccaneers will make a strong effort to re-sign him, with reports suggesting that Mayfield could command a contract worth at least $75 million over three years.
Mayfield’s journey has been filled with ups and downs since he was chosen as the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. While many believed he had the talent to become a superstar in the league, he struggled to consistently perform at a high level during his first five seasons. The Cleveland Browns, his original team, decided to trade him before the start of the 2022 season. Mayfield had brief stints with both the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams that year, but failed to show significant improvement.
However, everything changed for Mayfield this season. He had a stellar year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. In the playoff game against the Eagles, he put up impressive numbers, completing 22 of 36 passes for 337 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. This performance solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback.
While Mayfield’s future in Tampa Bay looks promising, there is a potential hurdle to overcome. Star wide receiver Mike Evans is also set to become a free agent, and retaining both Mayfield and Evans will be crucial for the Buccaneers’ chances of repeating as NFC South champions next season. The team will need to navigate this situation carefully to ensure they can maintain a competitive roster.
© 2023
According to the Source thecoldwire.com