The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a huge void at quarterback following Tom Brady’s retirement. In the previous three seasons, Brady started all 50 regular-season games and led the team to three playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl title. Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask were the only other quarterbacks to attempt a pass when Brady was with the team.
What Made Baker Mayfield an Option for the Buccaneers?
Baker Mayfield, the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, showed in his first three seasons that he could be a productive quarterback. He threw 75 touchdown passes with 43 interceptions in 46 games.
In 2020, Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff win in almost two decades. He threw three touchdown passes in the Wild Card win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was followed by a close loss on the road to the Kansas City Chiefs the next weekend.
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After Mayfield signed, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said, “Baker is a tough competitor who plays with the kind of passion and confidence that you look for in a quarterback. He’s a young veteran with good upside who should thrive in our new offensive system.”
What Went Wrong for Mayfield in Cleveland?
There were high hopes that the Browns would build off the previous year’s playoff run in 2021, but Mayfield injured his shoulder in Week 2. That was the beginning of the decline, even though the team started 3-1. He threw 10 interceptions in his final six games as the Browns fell out of playoff contention.
Mayfield and the Browns were unable to agree on a contract extension after a lengthy discussion. After the season, the team informed Mayfield that they would consider other quarterback options for 2022.
The team eventually traded for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and moved Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers for a 2024 conditional pick.
How Did Mayfield Play in 2022?
Mayfield only played seven games with the Panthers before being released. He threw six touchdowns and six interceptions, leading Carolina to a 1-5 record. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Rams signed him to replace the injured Matthew Stafford.
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Mayfield’s highlight with the Rams was on Christmas Day when he completed 24 of 28 passes for 230 yards in a 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos. It was a huge difference from Christmas Day 2021 when he threw four interceptions against the Green Bay Packers in his second-to-last game in Cleveland.
Who Did Mayfield Beat Out for the Starting Job?
Mayfield beat out Trask in the preseason. The former Florida Gator completed three of nine passes last season in his only NFL action. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles named Mayfield the starter after saying both played well in the preseason.
