Mayfield Reaffirms Commitment to Bucs Amid Successful Season
- Baker Mayfield has found a supportive environment with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- He believes this is the team that finally supports him in his career.
- This newfound belief and support may lead to a revitalization of his performance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield recently expressed his desire to remain with the team beyond the current season, following a successful campaign that included an NFC South title and a wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. During a dinner with his wife, Emily, and teammates, Mayfield texted General Manager Jason Licht, sharing his enthusiasm for building on their recent achievements. Reflecting on his journey, Mayfield described the surreal feeling of his aspirations aligning with reality. Mayfield's career has seen its ups and downs, notably his standout 2020 season with the Cleveland Browns, where he led the team to its first playoff victory in 26 years. However, injuries in 2021 hindered his performance, leaving him determined to regain his form. "If I can just heal back up and play close to that potential, we’ll be back in the same spot," he noted, emphasizing his focus on improvement and resilience. After a challenging stint with the Los Angeles Rams, where he made a significant impact in the final games, Mayfield signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers worth up to $8.5 million. He acknowledged the competitive environment, needing to outperform Kyle Trask for the starting position. The camaraderie within the team has been pivotal, especially during a mid-season slump, as they rallied together to secure their division title. With newfound job security, Mayfield feels empowered to excel both as a player and teammate. He described this season as the best of his life, expressing optimism for what lies ahead in his career with the Buccaneers.