Baker Mayfield may have finally found peace. He finally has the opportunity to benefit from a little stability and stay with a franchise that wants him. But will the stars (and greenbacks) align to make this happen?
Baker Mayfield's career has been a roller coaster ride. A rollercoaster that started high, very high, with a selection as the first choice in the 2018 draft by the Cleveland Browns, a cursed franchise. And then a cannonball start to his professional career: touchdown record for a rookie quarterback, then return to the Cleveland playoffs after 18 years and even first victory in 26 years. And the slump in 2021, hampered by an injury, and a franchise (ungrateful?) which goes all-in on a Deshaun Watson in full legal torment and the exchange to Carolina. The start of vagrancy with the Panthers for half of the season, then as a luxury understudy for Matthew Stafford with the Rams.
In 2023, Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers. It all feels like he's only here to transition from Tom Brady's aging ex-team to future better days. His miserable contract (all things considered!) reflects this: 1 year and only 4 million dollars. He is then the 37th highest paid quarterback in the league: starter with a replacement salary.
But Baker is one of those players who thrives in adversity, who performs at his best when no one believes in him. Year after year, the Buccaneers gain momentum during the season before securing a place in the play-offs during the last regular season meeting. Ironically, these are Carolina's division rivals, the very ones who only kept him for half a season.
A free agent at the end of this successful season with the Buccs, Mayfield sees himself returning:
“It’s so important to me to be in a stable place, to be the best version of myself. This franchise, the staff, the locker room, it’s really special. I really enjoyed being part of it. I hope the team knows that. I tried to reciprocate every day, putting all my energy and passion into it. »
Before adding:
“I'm going to evaluate my options and see where it takes me. But our other pillars must also be back. We want another chance. We've had success this season, and I know the guys are hungry for more. »
The love seems mutual between Tampa and Mayfield, as evidenced by coach Todd Bowles who explained (after the defeat against the Lions) that he hoped for the quarterback's return. Mayfield would also have been consulted for the selection of the new offensive coordinator (Liam Coen), whose system is close to that of ex-coordinator Dave Canales.
The main pitfall could then be financial. If the Buccaneers have an attractive financial margin ($45 million according to Spotrac), will they be able to keep Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield with this amount?
