Report: Bucs Gunning For Baker Mayfield
March 12th, 2023
Coming to Tampa?
Why go after an MVP when you can have a journeyman?
It seems the Bucs have made up their minds who they want to possibly lead the Bucs’ offense. And it doesn’t appear it’s former league MVP Lamar Jackson. No, instead it is another quarterback who has bounced around the NFL quite a bit the past two years.
The Bucs, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, are targeting Baker Mayfield.
When free agency begins, the #Bucs are expected to target ex-#Rams QB Baker Mayfield as a potential starting QB option, per me and @MikeGarafolo. This could be competition for Kyle Trask, their former 2nd-round pick, who the team likes a lot. As TB plots life without Tom Brady… pic.twitter.com/9PmbTG0tYW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2023
Joe is actually very surprised Mayfield doesn’t want to stay with the Rams. Probably the most success he has had in years was his brief stint in Los Angeles, and Matt Stafford is hardly locked in due to injuries.
Mayfield seemed to be on the rise in Cleveland, leading the Browns to the playoffs before losing to Kansas City in 2020. And they gave the Chiefs a run too.
There has been chatter recently that the 49ers want Mayfield as well due to all of the injuries the 49ers have at quarterback.
So it seems Bucs fans, you may have to be ready to buy No. 6 jerseys.
Hat tip: @MattSinn and @jimfectious
March 12th, 2023 at 1:31 pm
Bowles might as well start packing up his office if our QB competition is between Trashk and Mayfield. Dead man walking.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:34 pm
Mayfield has some upside. If Canales can make Geno Smith into a decent QB, who knows?
March 12th, 2023 at 1:35 pm
It’s a way better idea than Lamar Jackson… Jeezus, talk about delusional.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:36 pm
Why would anyone want to play for the Rams? The coach and the star players almost all left the league after they won a ring. Baker is hungry, they’re not
March 12th, 2023 at 1:38 pm
Listen at least he’d make watching Bucs games exciting. Jacobi Brisett is change the channel boringness.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:39 pm
I’d prefer Jacoby Brissett as Trask’s backup
March 12th, 2023 at 1:39 pm
BA loved Mayfield. But he also loved Winston. Damn. I don’t know what to think. I guess I’ll have to wait until I actually see him play some games for us before I provide my “expert” analysis.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:41 pm
It would still be Trask’s job to lose. We all know they are going to sign a veteran with starting experience. Mayfield would be as good as any in their price range. I agree with sasquatch…… Joe’s talk about Lamar Jackson is delusional!
March 12th, 2023 at 1:42 pm
Chasing compromise
Groundhog Day
March 12th, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Great!
March 12th, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Wow, if he don’t win the job he pouts and ask for his release make it make sense! Wow just wow!
March 12th, 2023 at 1:49 pm
Wow this this bad…
Never understood the Baker Mayfield love; injury prone, little guy, big ego, average arm, suspect teammate. Great job Jason (sarcasm) The argument could be made that he had way more to work in Cleveland. 3rd team in 2 years; If Kyle gets beat out by this guy he’s yet another second Rd whiff by Jason Licht…
This news jus ruined my Sunday 🙄…
March 12th, 2023 at 1:52 pm
I expect Mayfield has had some humbleness added to his repertoire over the last year, anyway he fits the need for an experienced/competent QB in camp in the event Trask doesn’t work out. He probably also would have an incentive-laden contract
March 12th, 2023 at 1:52 pm
Stafford is a lock for the rams.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:55 pm
This is what I wanted, hopefully it happens. Lots of upside on him. He could resurrect his career like Brees did at New Orleans.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:55 pm
What?
No Lamar Jackson?!?!?!?!?!
Noooooooo Joe!!!
Nooooooooo!!!!!
We want Lamar Jackson as our starter and Aaron Rodgers as our backup!
Make it happen or we revolt.
March 12th, 2023 at 1:59 pm
If the Bucs sign Mayfield it will show what Licht and Bowles think about Kyle Trask…
March 12th, 2023 at 2:01 pm
With the 1st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select QB Caleb Williams, USC
March 12th, 2023 at 2:01 pm
When the Bucs FIANLLY ink someone as qb, THEN it is actual NEWS!
Until then its a rumor or gossip…
March 12th, 2023 at 2:02 pm
All those clamoring for Lamar Jackson are out of your minds. Run-around QBs like him make all their highlight plays early in their careers. Remember when he had all those Michael Vick-type highlights four years ago? When was the last time you saw one?
He’s constantly injured, has never proven himself as an elite passer, is getting older and less explosive, and now wants to hogtie the entire salary cap for whatever team he plays for via a guaranteed contract.
There’s NO way the Bucs should touch this guy.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:02 pm
Baker Mayfield would be an excellent addition. If you’re looking for a franchise that’s been even sorrier than the Bucs you could go to the Cleveland Browns.
In 2020 Mayfield led the Brownies to an 11-5 record. He has the ability to win.
Again he may not “carry” a team but he can certainly win with a good team.
In the Wild Card Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mayfield went 21 of 34 for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns during the 48–37 win, leading the Browns to their first playoff victory since the 1994 season, and the Browns’ first playoff road victory since the 1969 season.
IMHO the Bucs could feel very comfortable with Mayfield and Trask competing for the starting job. Given his past record I’d probably give Mayfield the advantage.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Now that Walter is music 2 my ears
March 12th, 2023 at 2:07 pm
Baker Mayfield? God please..NOoooooo. Go ahead and pack your bags Bowles. You are being set up for complete failure. I already got my wife making the bag for my head. Buc Life,,here we come.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Trask is practice squad still after two years under Brady. I hate Mayfield with a firey passion but where the money is right now, he’s the vet to come in to compete with Trask and a rookie QB. All the talk about Lamar Jackson has been a laugh riot.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
If you get him, why not!! Competition at qb could create a starter worth keeping!!
March 12th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
The worst part of this decision is we’ll have to hear Skip Bayless on Undisputed try to gas him up before the season starts and then proceed to make excuses for him every week when we lose.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:09 pm
Guys…give Canales a little credit. When it comes to working with a QB reclamation project, he does have experience. And since he is responsible for the dinner, let him pick the groceries.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:10 pm
Sasquatch has it spot on. Baker converted me to a fan when he came in on like three days notice and played spectacularly for the Rams. He’s got enough legs to execute RPO and hasn’t ever had targets like Mikey Chris and Gage. Of all the post-Brady ideas, this one sucks the least.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:11 pm
Rather have Baker than mushmouth Jackson! Now go get Hendon Hooker
March 12th, 2023 at 2:12 pm
Mayfield is a much much better option. And obviously a much more realistic option more importantly. We’ll see what happens but I’ll be on board with this. Let’s see what the new OC can do with a guy who has some tools that seems to fit the offense he has in mind.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:12 pm
Worse case scenario, next year we have earlier draft picks.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:16 pm
I’m good with this.
Lamar Jackson rumors please stop now.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Walter Says:
March 12th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
The worst part of this decision is we’ll have to hear Skip Bayless on Undisputed try to gas him up before the season starts and then proceed to make excuses for him every week when we lose.
___________
You can also choose to not listen to him or any of the other annoying morons as well.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
BM seems to be the best doable option if he can get signed!
March 12th, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Baker sucks
March 12th, 2023 at 2:23 pm
They may well need to sign two veteran QBs, unless they draft another one. Maybe Heineicke or Minshew?
March 12th, 2023 at 2:24 pm
I like the move. He could still be a good option. Hasn’t had a very good team in the past. New coaches every year in Cleveland.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:25 pm
DoooshLaRue Says:
March 12th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
Walter Says:
March 12th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
The worst part of this decision is we’ll have to hear Skip Bayless on Undisputed try to gas him up before the season starts and then proceed to make excuses for him every week when we lose.
___________
You can also choose to not listen to him or any of the other annoying morons as well.
——————————-
I’ll still end up watching just to see Shannon Sharpe having a good laugh. Unfortunately it’ll be at our expense.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:29 pm
“ I already got my wife making the bag for my head.”
Would be cool if it was a plastic bag!
March 12th, 2023 at 2:31 pm
“I want a Baker Mayfield jersey.” Said no one ever.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Sasquatch hit the nail on the head
March 12th, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Ewwww
March 12th, 2023 at 2:37 pm
Why does Baker Mayfield remind me of the dude from Revenge of the Nerds? What was his name….Booger?
March 12th, 2023 at 2:41 pm
This is more realistic then all the other proposed qbs on this website, I wouldn’t mind this move.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:43 pm
Baker Mayfield is trash lol 🤣🤣 but I get it they have to have more quarterbacks than 1 on the roster!!
March 12th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Welcome back to QB purgatory. No option is going to be good.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
The Quarterback Du Jour……almost as comical as Gronk-a-day……when will it end?
Jimmy G. Carr Lamar Rodgers Wentz Ryan Geno, Darnold, Dalton, Brisette
We are running out of options…..perhaps an article on America’s QB is next.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:47 pm
It was reported on the NFL network!!
March 12th, 2023 at 2:47 pm
Bowles shouldn’t have unpacked his office
What’s the line on the Bucs making Playoffs this year 300-1
With Bowles the Bucs will stay in the Toilet
March 12th, 2023 at 2:48 pm
Much like OneLilBuc/ONeilCousins…I’m a huge Trask Force Fan Boy. Having said that…Baker from the bargain bin makes some sense.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:49 pm
Who else are they going to cut, trade or restructure to get the cap room? Last I heard, they were still over the cap.
March 12th, 2023 at 2:52 pm
Give me minshiew mania
March 12th, 2023 at 2:55 pm
Why. Gosh I don’t know. Maybe to save 230 million guaranteed and 2 1st round picks to start.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:00 pm
He has a Winston like personality so uh lol what could go wrong. If he wasn’t good enough for Carolina why on earth would he work here
March 12th, 2023 at 3:09 pm
If the Bucs defense is actually good, having Mayfield should definitely make this team 10-7 or 11-6. It would be hard to imagine the Bucs offense being worse than last year with Mayfield.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
@ St.Pete
“Baker Mayfield would be an excellent addition.”
I agree. It’s probably the best the Bucs can do this off season given the current circumstances.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
LOL. Within 12 months, Cleveland, Carolina, and The Lambs pass on this guy, but maybe he can turn it around in Tampa under Bowles and a guy who never called NFL plays. Brilliant! Trask must really be impressing the powers at OBP.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:12 pm
Didn’t Canales say he wanted a QB who doesn’t turn the ball over? Mayfield has 78 turnovers (64 ints and 14 fumbles) in 5 years…Something doesn’t add up.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:14 pm
951 – LOL!!!
March 12th, 2023 at 3:22 pm
Yeah, let’s pass on LG. Stupid. LJ is a top 5 qb. 2 ones is a bargain. He won’t get what he’s asking but we should test the waters for him. He’s in the prime of his career. He keeps relevant for the next 6 plus years. Doubt Maye or Williams will be LJ.
Baker please, talk about an overdraft player.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:23 pm
I understand people not liking baker mayfield , but there is no denying his talent and ability to make throws on all levels and in script and out of script. He has a live enuff arm and accuracy . His highlights show elite level, dare I say this , ability. People just hate him and dont really delve into his career fairly. His career with the browns was a lot better than given credit for. Haslem was going after Watson hell or high water in 2021.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:24 pm
Baker>Jimmy G> Brissett
March 12th, 2023 at 3:25 pm
Why settle for Baker, when guys like Mahomes and Allen would give their right leg to play here?…ROTFL.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:28 pm
I would be ok with that. He has some skills and experience.
I am with Marine Buc and sptimebucfan on this.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:32 pm
Sigh
March 12th, 2023 at 3:37 pm
People who wanted Lamar Jackson should be happy to hear this, Baker Mayfield is a slightly worse version of Lamar Jackson. Plus side being that he will be cheap and not cost us two first round picks. Negative is that in my mind this means that Trask may not get the start, Mayfield has shown just enough that if everything is even in training camp and the preseason the Bowles will go with Mayfield, so we will have wasted a second round pick.
March 12th, 2023 at 3:47 pm
If they sign Mayfield, that says they definitely aren’t sold on Trask at all. He’s a legit threat to win the starting competition, unlike Lock or a late round draft pick – the Kyle Trask fan club’s preferred level of competition.
If Trask can win the job over a legit NFL starter like Mayfield, he’s more likely legit.
March 12th, 2023 at 4:04 pm
Eh makes sense if looking to have someone to compete with Trask. You guys have to realize our cap situation and the reality we need to build back up the rest of the roster. Basically this or resign Gabbert. Selling out for someone like Lamar doesn’t make sense when rest of roster will be left with lots of holes
March 12th, 2023 at 4:10 pm
Mayfield had OBJ, Landry and Njoku to throw to in Cleveland.
Mayfield had Pro Bowl offensive line studs in Tretter and Bitino blocking for him.
Mayfield had Pro Bowl Nick Chubb running the ball for him.
With those offensive weapons he only had one winning season with the Browns.
March 12th, 2023 at 4:29 pm
Mayfield was so bad that he was replaced by Watson in Cleveland.
Cleveland was okay with a guy in Watson who has an extremely checkered past and was suspended and not playing for most of the year.
Mayfield couldn’t beat out PJ or Sam Darnold.
The Bucs are in trouble if they are targeting Mayfield.
March 12th, 2023 at 4:34 pm
This could be competition for Kyle Trask, their former 2nd-round pick
What a load of bull-S
If they bring in Mayfield there will be no true competition for Trask because they will automatically gift the position to Mayfield for the money they will have to pay him. I swear these reporters must think we are totally clueless and ignorant.
March 12th, 2023 at 4:39 pm
Rand I agree 💯 percent bro but the fan base or against Trask so they’re trying to bring in a name just to sale tickets. This is why I didn’t like the Brady move good we won a superbowl that Brady gets all the credit for . If you were going to move on from a quarterback that quarterback should have been a rookie not a old quarterback that wasn’t going to play long.
March 12th, 2023 at 4:54 pm
Oof.
March 12th, 2023 at 5:16 pm
^ That quarterback was exactly whom it needed to be, based upon the results
You know if Baker had about four more inches in height, he would be comfortable enough in his own skin to be a top NFL quarterback. There’s obviously something there but can he ever find and use it with any consistency? Maturity helps. Newness and style of offense helps. He’ll be good competition for Trask.
March 12th, 2023 at 6:52 pm
The type of offense Baker played in the Rams will be similar to what Canales will be implementing in Tampa. Baker was solid in his short time with the Rams.
March 12th, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Oneilbuc, Buc defense had a historic performance against PAT, and the all pro TE said that was the best team he had ever played….. so no, Not ALL the credit goes to Brady.
March 12th, 2023 at 7:24 pm
OhKneel………….WordSmiff
March 12th, 2023 at 8:35 pm
At this point I’m starting to doubt the Bucs like Trask all that much. Maybe he’s a bad practice player.
March 12th, 2023 at 8:37 pm
The Buc organization and the team shop might make more millions if they go ahead now and start manufacturing the Head Bags now for the fans.
March 12th, 2023 at 9:19 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
March 12th, 2023 at 9:20 pm
S*ck it GOAT haters…. HAHAHAHAH I hope your Mayfield experience is everything you wanted
March 12th, 2023 at 9:57 pm
Eh, as long as he’s cheap….
March 12th, 2023 at 10:01 pm
At least he’s a white fella
March 12th, 2023 at 10:04 pm
^^^^
c’mon dude
quit being ignorant
March 12th, 2023 at 10:09 pm
I see Joe don’t mind a dumb stupid racist comment by Lefty and I just asked a question and he didn’t post it. So I know how he feels about certain types of people.
March 12th, 2023 at 10:14 pm
[No idea what the hell you are talking about. This may surprise you but Joe doesn’t have the time to nurse a laptop and read each and every comment all day and night. — Joe]
March 12th, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Lefty Says:
March 12th, 2023 at 10:01 pm
Hey Joe-
This might be what Oneil is talking about. This kinda crap passes through all the time and those who challenge Ray Cyst crap invariably end up in moderation. I think the word r*cist even triggers the filters.
March 12th, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Lefty just is being a Florida Man.
March 13th, 2023 at 12:44 am
I am sure I am probably in the minority on this, and I don’t care.
I would take Baker Mayfield all day long as my QB over Lamar Jackson.
I want a fighter, I want a guy who will lay it ALL on the line for his team.
Baker has that.
March 13th, 2023 at 12:46 am
And really…. people are insinuating race into this?
Are you frikking kidding me?
My favorite BUCS QB of all time is Doug Williams.
And YES, I still want Baker over Lamar.
Sorry.
March 13th, 2023 at 3:01 pm
The free agent quarterbacks available are very weak. Within the comparison, Mayfield isn’t any better than most of them but he does have more athleticism and could run around to buy time and throw some jump balls to Mike Evans to get some big plays.
TB12 didn’t have the ability to extend a play past 3 seconds so a QB like Mayfield could make some big plays in the Bucs offense but a game manager or guy who is going to make last minute drives, don’t expect that.
But there at least is the threat of him going downfield while he is moving around, something we havn’t seen in Tampa Bay for a long time.