Bucs Gameday

Baker Mayfield has become a 'true leader' for Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was a former No. 1 overall pick, and he has lived up to that for the team.
Jeremy Brener|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws against Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was selected with the No. 1 overall pick seven years ago by the Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield has gone through a lot in his career so far, but now that he has landed on his feet with the Bucs, he is in great shape at this point in his NFL journey.

READ MORE: Todd Bowles offers major hint regarding Buccaneers' plan for NFL Draft

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Mayfield's stellar evolution

"Mayfield landed with a team that didn't win a single game in 2017. He proceeded to deliver six wins as a rookie while throwing a then-record 27 touchdown passes. He regressed under ill-prepared head coach Freddie Kitchens in 2019 but helped Cleveland win its first playoff game since the franchise's 1999 return in 2020," Bleacher Report contributor Kristopher Knox wrote.

"After a significant shoulder injury led to another down season in 2021, Mayfield was out. He spent time with the Panthers and Rams in 2022 before reemerging as a Pro Bowl quarterback with the Buccaneers in 2023. Over the last two seasons, Mayfield has thrown 69 touchdown passes, gone 19-15 as a starter and has helped deliver two division titles with one playoff victory. He's arguably a top-10 quarterback now and has become a true leader for the Buccaneers."

Mayfield still has a long way to go with the Bucs, and he looks forward to being able to take that next step in achieving more in the playoffs with Tampa Bay.

READ MORE: Legendary Hall of Famer sees greatness in Buccaneers All-Pro

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Buccaneers GM Jason Licht hints at $52 million cornerback's future

• NFL analyst says Buccaneers can’t win Super Bowl with Baker Mayfield

• Legendary Hall of Famer sees greatness in Buccaneers All-Pro

• Could the Buccaneers get a steal in the second round of the NFL Draft?

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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