All offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield had to listen to the host of detractors who questioned what the franchise could become in 2024.
After a season that saw Mayfield make the Pro Bowl and win the division title in 2023, some thought it could be a one-hit-wonder. But Baker doubled down and got even better in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6).
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
He posted 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns while having his highest completion percentage (71.4) of his career, yet he did not receive a Pro Bowl nod this time around.
But while plaudits for Baker have been few and far between over the last 24 months, PFF, in listing their top 101 players for the 2024 season, lists Mayfield at No. 63, one of only seven other quarterbacks to make the list.
“Under yet another new offensive play-caller, Mayfield earned an 85.9 overall grade this season, which represents a new career-high for him and ranked him sixth in the NFL,” PFF writes. “Including the postseason, his 43 passing touchdowns tied him for second-most in the league. His signature performance came in Week 18 with an NFC South title on the line, as he posted a career-best 94.8 overall grade.”
So that is a fair nod to Mayfield, who was ahead of Jalen Hurts (91).
Now, facing his third offensive coordinator change in three years, Baker will again be asked if he can do it again. Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator last season, so the offense won’t be completely overhauled, which should make the transition a little easier.
It has taken Mayfield two seasons of Pro Bowl-caliber play to get some recognition from the outer NFL world, and now in 2025, all eyes will be on him and if he can do it again.
Based on his previous seasons, we are fairly confident that Baker and the Buccaneers will again be playoff-bound in 2025.
