Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reacted to re-signing with the franchise on Sunday.
Mayfield reportedly agreed to a three-year deal worth $100 million that will also give him $50 million guaranteed.
Baker Mayfield & the Buccaneers are closing in on a three-year deal worth $100M and $50M guaranteed, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/WdSgF3gETp
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) March 10, 2024
The former No. 1 overall pick shared that he wanted a chance to come back to the Bucs and play for head coach Todd Bowles after the team made the playoffs last season.
Baker Mayfied confirmed the three-year deal. “I wanted a chance to come back,” Mayfied said. “I love coach Bowles and the staff. I’m happy to be here and I want to win more in the postseason.” https://t.co/Y4mRr8sGOI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
Despite losing legendary quarterback Tom Brady – who retired following the 2022 season – the Bucs won the NFC South division in the 2023 campaign thanks to a bounce-back season from Mayfield.
Tampa Bay went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Detroit Lions.
Mayfield’s career took a rough turn after the 2021 season when he was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers. Cleveland decided to trade for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for much of the 2022 season, instead of keeping the University of Oklahoma product on the roster.
During his time in Carolina, Mayfield struggled, throwing for just six touchdowns and six interceptions across seven games (six starts). He was released by Carolina during the season and ended up signing with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mayfield looked slightly better in Los Angeles, recording four touchdown passes and 850 passing yards across five games (four starts). However, he really turned things around last season in Tampa, earning a nod to the Pro Bowl.
In 17 games, Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards, a career-high 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading the Bucs to a 9-8 record. He also completed a career-high 64.3 percent of his passes.
The Bucs took a chance on Mayfield in 2023, and the young quarterback earned himself a long-term deal because of his impressive play.
Tampa Bay has also already brought back receiver Mike Evans this offseason, so the team’s offense looks poised to build on the success it had in the 2023 season.
In the 2024 campaign, Mayfield will look to show his doubters that his 2023 season was not a fluke. He should have the pieces around him to do it with Evans, Chris Godwin and Rachaad White now all under contract.
