Desires Driving Bucs And Baker Mayfield
February 28th, 2024
GM Jason Licht explains his confidence.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht spent a load of time yesterday — in various settings — acting like a GM who knows he has a returning Pro Bowl quarterback.
Licht’s attitude at the NFL Scouting Combine left Joe thinking a second Bucs contract for Baker Mayfield is hours away.
Consider what Licht told SiriusXM NFL Radio.
The subject turned to Mayfield during an interview with The Opening Drive.
“You know, I’m not taking anybody or anything for granted at all because anything can happen,” Licht said with a smile in his voice. “But usually, and I’ve been our GM for 10 years but I’ve been in the business for 30, when a player really wants to be with a team, which we know, and when the team really wants a player, there’s a way that you can make it work. It usually happens. And we happen to have several of those situations going on.”
Licht shared that confidence after lauding Mayfield on the show, painting him as a driving force in the organization.
“So like we said, [media] expectations were low and I think the players all had a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. And then we had a quarterback who eternally carries a chip on his shoulder. It’s a boulder,” Licht said.
“So it was the perfect marriage and he made that chip even bigger on everyone’s shoulder, including mine. I was enjoying keeping some receipts myself. Now we have some great players, though. … So it was a good place for [Baker] to go, it wasn’t like the cupboard is bare.”
No, the cupboard is not bare. And now that cupboard includes offensive coordinator Liam Coen, a guy seemingly chosen for (by?) Mayfield. Coen coached Mayfield with the Rams.
Interestingly, Coen and many offensive coaches are not attending the 2024 Combine. Joe was told they stayed home to work on planning offensive installations. Joe knows it’s a near slam-dunk bet that design isn’t for Kyle Trask or a rookie.
Listen to Todd Bowles on the Ira Kaufman Podcast, live from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
February 28th, 2024 at 4:01 am
The sign!
February 28th, 2024 at 4:15 am
It would be stupid to let him go (and even the haters know that, fu) but Bake, my man, youve got to try to be somewhat friendly….theres only so much…and you know weve got to get Evans back.
February 28th, 2024 at 4:52 am
Got to keep Baker. The team loves him. Everyone loved him during the pro bowl. He is our QB and yes the cupboard isn’t bare. Go Bucs!
February 28th, 2024 at 6:07 am
I’m getting tired of all this Baker the savior crap. I’m a big fan but if we don’t keep our OG day ones, this week turn into a sh!t show real quick
February 28th, 2024 at 6:11 am
I hope you’re right Joe, and Baker soon signs. The speculation is getting old. If Baker is as loved as all seem to think by the Bucs, a five year deal seems like the way to go rather then a three year deal. It would be better for Baker, more years, and better for the Bucs cap wise.
February 28th, 2024 at 6:33 am
Sign em all. Use Monopoly money if necessary.
February 28th, 2024 at 7:09 am
Stroud set Rookie records, Herbert broke Bakers rookie TD record set in 14 games but it took Justin 17. That,s a sign.
February 28th, 2024 at 7:18 am
Better pick the Center out of Oregon, he’s only 6’3” but a solid Center. It will help Baker’s line of sight and improve our Guard play.
February 28th, 2024 at 7:41 am
Amazing how an upbeat article on Baker makes all the haters go away temporarily. Hope Licht finds a way to bolster the O line. Need to fix it to improve running game and pass protection. Baker must have gotten through to some segment of the Hate Brigade because they now argue about how many mega millions he should be paid over the next 4 years. Hers is a news flash, once Baker signs that contract there will no longer be a QB controversy in Tampa. That won’t stop the Boys in the Band from complaining about every interception, fumble or overthrow.
February 28th, 2024 at 7:51 am
I love that the expectation is that the Bucs sign Mayfield. It just make sense on several levels. It gives us a QB that is more than serviceable for the near future. It increases the chance that ME13 resigns. It changes the draft – what QB would the Bucs get at pick 26? True, they could mortgage the farm to move up a few spots and try to get injury prone Pennix. Sign Mayfield, move back in the draft, pick the best player available and scoop up a couple of more picks. Makes perfect sense. Sign him JL.
February 28th, 2024 at 7:54 am
“ A perfect marriage…..”. Not for the whiners who are still anti Baker. Coach, GM, players and sensible fans are on board with Baker but the hard core anti Baker crowd still has a point to prove. Not sure what this crew will do once Baker signs his mega Tampa contract. When he does, there is no longer a QB controversy. So every interception, overthrow and fumble will be dissected and blasted on this space.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:03 am
Check out Ira with the sweet stage props!! Joe spares no expense.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:04 am
Why you stealing my name knockoff jersey buc
February 28th, 2024 at 8:14 am
Gipper says
Baker signs his mega Tampa contract. When he does, there is no longer a QB controversy. So every interception, overthrow and fumble will be dissected and blasted on this space.
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Because there was a QB competition that many fans think Baker lost, there will be a QB controversy until the winner of that competition has the opportunity to show what he can do in live games. It’s nothing against Baker but there are fans who think Trask is better and no contract, no matter how fat, will change that
February 28th, 2024 at 8:19 am
Go Bucs
February 28th, 2024 at 8:23 am
Trask rotfl
February 28th, 2024 at 8:25 am
Sign Baker and then showcase Trask in preseason for a trade. Keep Wolford who knows Coen’s system. I was surprised that Trask didn’t sub for Baker this past year when Baker was hurt. Why didn’t Trask play? If we trade Trask, maybe he’ll go and start somewhere, Carolina?
February 28th, 2024 at 8:39 am
Based on a straight, very direct quote from Jason Licht yesterday on the Ira Kaufman Podcast, Kyle Trask has no trade value. Zero.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:44 am
Bucs were well aware of the key signings coming into this season. No way they were expecting that that they were going to have to worry about another 30 mil for baker.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:47 am
Baker was brought in by Bowles to save his job and then far exceeded expectations.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:47 am
JOSEPH: “Coen and many offensive coaches are not attending the 2024 Combine. Joe was told they stayed home to work on planning offensive installations. Joe knows it’s a near slam-dunk bet that design isn’t for Kyle Trask or a rookie.”
Why do you automatically exclude Trask? New offensive installations were put in last season by new OC Canales and Trask beat out Mayfield in training camp according to your own reporting. Suggesting Trask is not just physically superior to Mayfield but also intellectually superior.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:50 am
JOSEPH: “Based on a straight, very direct quote from Jason Licht yesterday on the Ira Kaufman Podcast, Kyle Trask has no trade value.”
You didn’t answer the question. The question was about “showcasing” Trask in preseason – which has never happened since has never played with starters – and THEN trade him.
February 28th, 2024 at 8:52 am
It seems like we have a really great front office going on right now, with Licht at the center of it.
Reading about what goes on with other teams, or seeing the cold hearted moves made by other front offices or the weird posturing and crap-talking leaks that go on with their own media, the Bucs seem like a pretty great organization to be a part of.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:06 am
Joe didn’t spend $1,500+ to spend a week at the combine just to eat scalding hot shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo’s.
Besides, not too many teams spend valuable time away from the combine to build an offense for a backup with zero trade value.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:08 am
With everything Baker done last season and the way the coaches, staff and players are singing Mayfields praises not just as a football player but as the leader of the team. I think its time to hang up the Trask talk and support the team. If Trask was real the players would have rallied around him like the Eagles did against Carson Wentz in favor of Nick Foles. They are rallying around Baker and his play has proven them correct.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:19 am
If bake is being reasonable then sign the man.
Even though he is a little above average, this team should not need a superstar qb….like SF.
now draft a #1WR
February 28th, 2024 at 9:24 am
Priorities are Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Winfield. Kyle trask needs to play or else their going to pay Baker Mayfield too much money and we will be in a situation like the Giants. Stuck with an overpaid !st round pick who has zero chance of leading us to the super bowl. Is Kyle Trask really that bad? Im sure he can at least see over the O line and not lead the league in batted balls. Our defense saved us last year and despite baker having one of his best seasons we still are not a threat or feared offensively like say the chiefs. We were barely the Texans offensively. Keep the OGs and start the offensive rebuild. Anyone can throw to Evans, Godwin and Palmer, why not Trask for cheaper and pick up one of these great RB’s in free agency. Just saying.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:28 am
P L E A S E E E….. You Trask people are ridiculous. I personally have nothing against the man and wish him well but you folks live in some type of fantasy land.
Trask outplayed Baker….. NO HE DID NOT OR HE WOULD OF STARTED
Trask should of played when Baker was hurt…. NO, the coaches would of made that decision, but they felt a wounded Baker was better for the team than a healthy untested Trask.
Trask has trade value…. NOPE only if about 15 starters go down and 15 of their replacements go down also.
Bucs made a terrible decision on drafting him as high as they did. Maybe he will play out his contract and get a new start with a new team. Then we will see what happens. I bet it will be the same for him all over again.
February 28th, 2024 at 9:29 am
JOSEPH: “Not too many teams spend valuable time away from the combine to build an offense for a backup with zero trade value.”
True, but some teams do, like the Bucs did last season, building a new offense for the new OC, and the “backup with zero trade value” beat out the heralded 6-year veteran in training camp.
February 28th, 2024 at 10:23 am
A horse with no name: “backup with zero trade value” beat out the heralded 6-year veteran in training camp.
If Trask beat out Baker then they would’ve played him this season. Not only was he not the starter, he wasn’t even the preferred option in trash time. Stop trying the hype the poor guy up.
February 28th, 2024 at 10:25 am
Question: when Trask outperforms Baker this year in training camp and preseason games will the new OC play Kyle or will he be forced, by Bowles, to play Baker like Canales was?
February 28th, 2024 at 10:25 am
Atlbuc…you back here showing the good folks just how ignorant you are when it comes to football…your hatred of anything Baker Mayfield is always on full display…let’s point out some statistical stats…you’ve heard of those haven’t you…lol
Preseason stats: Kyle Trask was 45/69 for 509 yards 2 tds and a pic in 3 games for a rating of 90.8…not bad
Baker Mayfield was 14/15 for 106 yards 2 tds and no pics for a rating of 135.7
What’s this fantasy you keep spouting that Trask flat outplayed Baker…you are simply delusional…Baker is our man…period…I suggest you root for the falcons
February 28th, 2024 at 10:35 am
Trask beat out Mayfield in PS?
WTF?
I must have been watching another Bucs’ team all PS…
(Note to casuals: PS games are meaningless except for marginal players. All that matters is PS practice & scrimmages with other teams.)
February 28th, 2024 at 10:40 am
Joe” I want to thank you for all you do. I personally don’t have NFL Network and stream most of my programming. Your coverage of the combine is great and I appreciate it as Joebucsfan and Buccaneers.com are my go too for coverage. You guys are awesome.
February 28th, 2024 at 10:44 am
Better not sign him for anything more than 3 yrs 100mil and definitely leave a way if he regresses that we can cut the cord without being cash strapped the following years. Baker has had 2 decent years out of 6. He’s just to inconsistent to tie up a lot of money in my opinion
February 28th, 2024 at 10:59 am
Two consistent themes I keep hearing on the board from a faction of the contributors. First, Baker was preferred by Bowles to save his job and Trask clearly out played Baker in the preseason.
Since his very name is a lightning rod, let’s say the Bucs brought in QB X for $4MM. Clearly at that salary, the expectations were not high. Had Bowles made the decision to go with the in house QB, nobody would have been upset with him.
So why in the world would he start QB X over Trask, with his job on the line, if the latter was clearly the better QB? It’s not like had they failed with QB X his job would still be safe. It makes no sense for him to do anything other than to go with the guy he thinks will give the Bucs the best chance to win.
While the viewing public saw the preseason games, what they did not see were all the practices, the progress each made in the new system, the response from all the other players on the team, the leadership, etc. I’m sorry but barring some major financial commitment that forces their hand, every HC is going to field the best set of players they believe gives them the best chance to win games.
So feel free to think whatever you want to, the bottom line is NOBODY had them winning the division that I saw. Win totals ranged from 2 up to 7. Many ‘talking heads’ had Baker being replaced by game 4. Bowles, with whatever perceived flaws he may have, made the right call.
February 28th, 2024 at 11:42 am
Trask is a non factor. Use him to trade for an additional pick somewhere. Get a backup that knows the new OC’s system.
Trask has never done anything in the NFL. He might have had an opportunity this past season if the Bucs signed a low end QB, but Baker showed his true colors and balled out. Now Kyle will be someone else’s problem.
SIgn Baker long term, he’s in his prime and likely won’t regress. 5 years, $200 million. $130 guaranteed. That let’s us spread out the money and in years 3, 4, & 5 it will be under market value.
February 28th, 2024 at 11:49 am
Trask is worthless not sure why folks think he has value, he has thrown 7 passes in 3 yrs lol that’s 7 more than me lol
February 28th, 2024 at 11:52 am
ATLBUC Says:
February 28th, 2024 at 10:25 am
Question: when Trask outperforms Baker this year in training camp and preseason games will the new OC play Kyle or will he be forced, by Bowles, to play Baker like Canales was?
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This really illustrates how little you know of the NFl. When Baker resigns there will be no Qb competition. Trask won’t even get the opportunity to play that much with the starters to outperfrom Baker.
IF and when Baker signs, the trask as backup with the Bucs era is over. This is his final year. Theres little doubt he will want to walk after the season unless he gets a chance due to injury and plays poorly. Then maybe he reups with Tampa for pennies but his prospects of beign a starter then would be close nil.
February 28th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Baker’s missed 10 games in 6 years, roughly 2 games per year on average. He was especially ‘available’ in his first 3 years (only missed 2 games total), but missed 8 games in the last 3 years. Personally I’d say that he’s durable as all git-out, but that doesn’t mean we can expect to get 17 games every season out of him, plus the playoffs.
Kyle Trask and/or John Wolford stand a good chance of starting at least 1 or 2 games this year, maybe even as many as 3 or 4. Before you all beat up on each of them even more than you already have, consider that one day you’ll probably be hoping & praying that 1 or the other can deliver a victory or 2 to keep us in the playoff hunt. The head coach is the one who decides who starts & who doesn’t, not any of us. Opinions are great, but there’s absolutely no worthwhile data to support any contention one way or the other.
February 28th, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Atlbucs says u & the rest of the real deal baker just say the samething over & over & over if Trask has really won that battle on this site wud have disagreed but when the live preseason started it was abundantly clear who won the starting job even if Trask had done a bit better in practice it all changed when the real pre season started u can not change those facts it was clear who was the better qb once the real deal started even u traskites can’t deny the preseason changed all u r talking points all that crap isn’t non factor anymore so sit back & enjoy the show.if Kyle really believes he won that job I’m sure he wud have spoke out.remember his 1 op.on the 1 yd line & failed his chance period I am sure he knows that if I was Trask I wud have ran that ball in the end zone himself but he blew it
February 28th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Atlbucs says u & the rest of the real deal baker just say the samething over & over & over if Trask has really won that battle on this site wud have disagreed but when the live preseason started it was abundantly clear who won the starting job even if Trask had done a bit better in practice it all changed when the real pre season started u can not change those facts it was clear who was the better qb once the real deal started even u traskites can’t deny the preseason changed all u r talking points all that crap isn’t non factor anymore so sit back & enjoy the show.if Kyle really believes he won that job I’m sure he wud have spoke out.remember his 1 op.on the 1 yd line & failed his chance period I am sure he knows that if I was Trask wud have ran that ball in the end zone himself but he blew it
February 28th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
BucsMarley says where the heck do u get 2 food years stop with jibber jabber include his rookie season he broke rookie td’s record with 14 games shud of got rookie of year but oh well he really had 1 bad partial season in Carolina Panthers who wud not have bad season those morons let McCaffrey go at the same time look at young this year wtf I don’t hold baker responsible for that we got a good QB let’s ride this to success
February 28th, 2024 at 1:50 pm
The band will get back together again. I think there will be an upside on the offense with heavier input from Baker and the vets earlier in the season, and Coen being as experienced if not more than Canales at this time last year. Draft a center early to improve the running game and physicality of the offense, then let Bowles have his pick of the next guys he is going to get after the quarterback with. The X factor this season will be Todd Bowles. Can he once again cobble together a group of young guys and put up a top 10 performance? He has his kickers, and his qb.
February 28th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Sick of the Trask apologists!!! Let it go!!
February 28th, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Baker in his first year in Tampa with a 1st year OC that never called plays..a reworked offensive line and no run game whatsoever between the tackles and he leads the team to a winning record…we win our division…we soundly beat Philly in round 1 of the playoffs and give Detroit a real fight in week 2…and after all that Baker plays in the all star game and is voted MVP…….yep should have played Trask
February 28th, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Again — no intention to dis Kyle, but Coen also has a previous working record with John Wolford. Wolford also has real NFL playing time experience and will be very familiar with the new offense, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he climbed the depth chart in ’24.
February 28th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Like I have said I will support whoever the qb is because I’m a true fan. Just don’t be surprised when you see that baker is and always will be a gritty, likeable, streaky .500 qb. Personally I wouldn’t sign him to a long term contract.
February 28th, 2024 at 6:29 pm
Not worried about signing Baker Mayfield I honestly think it’s a dumb thing to do I think we’re better off playing track or find another quarterback for a cheaper price for a year and if we do well we do well if not guess what we get a high pick and get a quarterback that hopefully will be our quarterback for the next 10 to 15 years at some point you’ve got to just let it go and find a quarterback that’s going to be there for you for 10 to 15 years one that you don’t have to pay a shitload of money too right now because he showed one year that he was decent not good decent
February 28th, 2024 at 6:32 pm
@Defense Rules
What are you talking about. Tyrod Taylor started for Cleveland his rookie year. After he got hurt, Mayfield missed zero games. 2019 and 2020 Baker missed no games. 2020 he missed two. He missed zero games last year. He was unemployeed during part of the season. He missed no games last year, so he missed two in his entire career, so about .333 games per year
February 28th, 2024 at 6:34 pm
@Defense Rules
What are you talking about. Tyrod Taylor started for Cleveland his rookie year. After he got hurt, Mayfield missed zero games. 2019 and 2020 Baker missed no games. 2021 he missed two. He missed zero games last year. He was unemployeed during part of the season. He missed no games two years ago, so he missed two in his entire career, so about .333 games per year
Corrected
February 28th, 2024 at 10:22 pm
So, Im right yet again..
Trask has no trade value.
NO TRADE VALUE!
Drafting in the 7th round would have been a reach.
HE HAS A NOODLE ARM.
Cant make NFL throws.
Yet there people so incapable of judging talent and so ignorant about Football thet they have babbled on about this talentless kid all season.
No Trade value, per the Bucs GM.
Lmfao.
There are some real simpletons around here.
February 28th, 2024 at 11:35 pm
Trask DOES have a nice arm. became evident last summer after he (finally) was properly worked with. Dude can throw a frozen rope thru a tire at 40 yards with the best of them