Replacing a legend is difficult. Replacing the GOAT is damn near impossible. Baker Mayfield has the unenviable task of replacing Tom Brady as the next starting QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but first, he has to beat out Kyle Trask.
Baker Mayfield Speaks About Filling Tom Brady’s Shoes in Tampa Bay
Mayfield’s career in Cleveland was on a promising trajectory as he led the Browns into the Divisional Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs. Since then, the Browns jettisoned Mayfield for Deshaun Watson, and the former Heisman Trophy-winning QB has been in limbo.
Mayfield has never been shy with his opinion, and the Buccaneers signal-caller opened up about replacing Brady under center for Tampa Bay.
“Everybody talks about Tom’s gone. Yes, he is the greatest quarterback to ever play, but football is the greatest team sport in the world. And so it takes a lot more than just one person. And there’s a lot of good pieces here. And, yeah, they were banged up last year. I think everybody’s hungry and ready to go.”
Mayfield has plenty of weapons to throw to in Tampa Bay, namely receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The expectations entering the 2023 season for the Buccaneers are near zero, so Mayfield has the opportunity to shock the world, an opportunity he relishes.
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Buccaneers’ win total set at 6.5, so even in a down NFC South, experts don’t give the Buccaneers a shot to win the division.
Mayfield has been a polarizing figure throughout his collegiate and professional football career. He has his critics and his ardent supporters but reassures us that no matter what, he will remain the same person.
“I’ve always been myself. That’s kind of why people either love or hate me. So I do it my own way. And I enjoy doing it. I have fun while I’m doing it.”
For his part, Mayfield is distancing himself from any potential comparisons to Brady, and rightfully so. Who would want to be compared to the greatest QB of all time?
“I respect (Brady) completely, but I’m not going to ever try and be him. I’m not built like him. I don’t play like him. So just, yeah, try to be the best version of myself.”
Mayfield signed a free agent contract in the offseason with the Buccaneers for $4 million dollars. The 2023 season is a big year for Mayfield to prove his worth and cash in for a larger payday. He is betting on himself — one thing he has done his entire career.