As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to bounce back from a disappointing end to their 2025 season, all eyes are on quarterback Baker Mayfield. Despite battling an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Mayfield's resilience was evident, although it wasn't enough to prevent the Bucs' slide from a promising 6-2 start to missing the playoffs.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, head coach Todd Bowles addressed Mayfield's situation, offering both a vote of confidence and a cautionary note. "Baker is who he is," Bowles remarked.
"But he needs to be smarter, especially in the latter part of the season. Taking care of his body is crucial for his availability.
We've had him for three years now, and we trust him completely."
Mayfield's performance noticeably dipped after his Week 12 injury. While he managed just three interceptions in the first ten games, the final seven saw him throw eight more and lose one of four fumbles.
Despite these struggles, Mayfield's toughness and leadership have been praised by teammates and coaches alike. Yet, it's clear that his effectiveness wanes when he's not at full health.
Bowles remains optimistic about Mayfield's potential. "Baker can play," he stated confidently.
"He’s won some great games for us. While last year didn’t end as we hoped, and there are plays he’d like to have back, our confidence in Baker is unwavering.
We’re looking forward to him being even better this year."
The future of Mayfield with the Buccaneers is also a topic of discussion. General manager Jason Licht, speaking on "Pro Football Talk Live," emphasized the team's commitment to Mayfield.
"Everything’s on the table right now," Licht said. "Our plans revolve around Baker for the future.
He's tough, a great leader, and everything we know about him is positive."
While there’s no set timeline for a contract extension, it's clear that the Bucs are keen on keeping Mayfield in Tampa Bay. His grit and leadership qualities make him a pivotal figure for the team's aspirations moving forward. As the offseason progresses, the focus will be on ensuring Mayfield is ready to lead the charge once again.