The Buccaneers quarterback, who expires at the end of the season, is focused on winning to advance in the playoffs
The rejuvenated Baker Mayfield said he is focused on defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, and not on the future of a career he has revived by leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFL postseason.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft has likely had his best season as a pro, leading the Buccaneers (9-8) to what six weeks ago seemed unlikely: winning a third consecutive division title and a Wild Card Round appearance. this Monday night against the defending NFC champions, the Eagles (11-6).
Since arriving in Tampa Bay on a one-year, $4 million deal in March, Baker Mayfield has put himself in position to land a potential long-term deal with the Bucs or perhaps another team impressed with the way he’s performed. vindicated from less successful stages with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.
Baker Mayfield ends his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of the season. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“It means the world to me just to be in a stable place, to be at my best version of what I’ve been allowed to do,” Baker Mayfield said. “The organization, the staff, our locker room, it’s a special place, I really appreciate it.”
Tom Brady led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl win and three postseason appearances between 2020 and 2022 before retiring after losing in the Wild Card Round to the Dallas Cowboys last year.
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However, head coach Todd Bowles not only saw Baker Mayfield as a good fit for a new system being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Dave Canales, but for a locker room that was being transformed from one of the oldest in the NFL to one of the youngest since Brady left.
Star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin remain, as do defensive standouts Vita Vea, Lavonte David, Shaquil Barrett, Devin White and Antoine Winfield Jr.
Baker Mayfield has thrived on the contributions of young players like second-year running back Rachaad White, developing tight end Cade Otton, and rookie defensive backs Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby.
Baker Mayfield’s start Monday night against the Eagles, who appeared headed for the NFC’s No. 1 seed before finishing the season 1-5 to move into the No. 5 seed, will be his first postseason start. since competing with the Browns in 2020.
2024-01-15 16:23:55
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