Baker Mayfield Excited to Join Buccaneers

Quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke on Monday for the first time since signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The signing marks the fourth team Mayfield has joined in his career and the third in just one year.

Mayfield’s Path to Tampa

Mayfield was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. After leading the Browns to one playoff appearance in his first four seasons, Cleveland traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 offseason after they signed Deshaun Watson. Mayfield’s stint with the Panthers was not long, as they waived Mayfield in December of 2022. The Los Angeles Rams claimed the former Heisman-winning quarterback, and he led a 98-yard game-winning drive for them in his debut on Dec. 8. Mayfield entered this offseason as a free agent and signed a one-year $8.5 million contract with the Bucs on March 15, who are now without Tom Brady.

Mayfield said that his journey in the NFL so far, although it has not gone as he had envisioned it, has helped him make the decision to sign with the Buccaneers. He said he ultimately landed on Tampa Bay because he wanted to go somewhere where he could “win right away.”

Big Shoes to Fill

Mayfield will be stepping into a role last filled by Brady. Mayfield knows he plays a different style of play than the future Hall of Famer, and he does not plan on trying to mirror his style.

“I am not going to try to be Tom, I am going to be me,” he said.

Mayfield said that he is honored to be in this position. He also said he will try to learn from his teammates that played with Brady.

Secure in Tampa

Mayfield is happy that he is currently in a secure position heading into the upcoming season. He reflected upon where he was at this point last year, and the uncertainty that he was feeling.

That is why Mayfield is excited to be able to get settled in Tampa and get acquainted with his new teammates and coaches.