Now that we have closed the books on the Buccaneers 2023 season, the real work begins to improve the roster and go even deeper in the playoffs next season.
One of the most critical decisions the Buccaneers will make this off-season will be at quarterback. What should the Buccaneers do with Baker Mayfield?
Should they resign Mayfield, or should they move on?
The Bucs had nothing to lose, and Mayfield had everything to prove when he signed a one-year, $4 million contract last spring.
With Tom Brady retiring, no one wanted to come in and try to fill those shoes. Enter Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has always been the underdog. From his high school days to his college career to his NFL career, everyone has counted Mayfield out except… well, Baker Mayfield himself.
Baker Mayfield Had The Best Season Of His Career With The Buccaneers
All he did was lead the Buccaneers to the division title and set personal highs for himself in games played (19 counting playoffs), yards passing (4,044), and touchdown passes (28)—both career highs.
The Buccaneers do not make the playoffs without the play of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Signing Mayfield to a new contract must be at the top of the off-season priority list for the Buccaneers.
It’s safe to say that Mayfield will get a big contract somewhere, if not with Tampa; he is just 28 years old and has plenty of football left.
Mayfield Would Like To Return To Tampa
Mayfield talked about his season in Tampa and possibly returning next season. “I love this group. I’ve said that all year, and it’s authentic. It would mean a lot to me to bring back a lot of key pieces, to get this back together, and to get into year two in the system. I feel like we could make huge strides. I would love that. Obviously, we’ll see how it’s going to play out, but I can’t say enough about this organization and the opportunity they gave me this year.”
I can’t imagine the Buccaneers drafting a quarterback or going the free agent route again and that quarterback having a better season than Baker Mayfield.
Todd Bowles was asked about the possibility of Mayfield returning and what he meant to the Buccaneers’ success this season. “He most definitely earned it. Obviously, it’s too early to talk about that, and business is business, but Baker had a hell of a year. We love him, the guys love him, and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Mayfield and Mike Evans developed some good chemistry as the season went along. If Mayfield does come back, he wants Mike Evans back as his top receiver.
The feelings appear to be mutual, as Evans called Mayfield “criminally underrated” in his post-game comments after the season-ending loss in Detroit.
What Kind Of Deal Will Baker Mayfield Get?
You will hear all kinds of crazy numbers regarding a new contract for Mayfield. I’ve heard three years, $90 million. I’ve also heard that he could sign a deal similar to what Geno Smith signed, a two-year deal worth around $40 million per season.
Realistically, the deal probably lands somewhere between those two: three years, $70 million, somewhere in that range.
Mayfield proved he could be a starting quarterback in this league and lead a team to the playoffs. And the Buccaneers need to make it a high priority to get a contract with Mayfield done quickly.
NFL Analyst and HOF quarterback Kurt Warner had high praise for Mayfield this season. “There is so many good things that Baker is doing. I love it, and love watching it. Got thrown away a little bit by the last couple teams he was on, got a bad rap I thought in Cleveland. Should probably still be in Cleveland, he’d have that team in the playoffs as well. But I love that he bounces back he’s got great confidence in himself, believes in himself and it showed this year, and I hope it turns into a big contract.”
Baker Mayfield did his part this season. Will the Buccaneers do their part and give Mayfield a new contract to be the quarterback for the foreseeable future?