In 2022, he started the season with the disastrous Carolina Panthers, who released him after their last bye week. Then the Los Angeles Rams gave him a shot shortly after, but it didn’t amount to a long-term role.

Now Baker Mayfield is the franchise quarterback the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been searching for, and is the envy of teams doing the same thing around the league.

In March 2023, Tampa Bay signed Mayfield to a one-year deal worth $4 million. Mayfield would lead the team to a 9-8 record and win the NFC South to earn a home playoff game. While they lost in the divisional round to the Detroit Lions, it was a sign of hope that he could lead the franchise. His stats were also nothing to scoff at. He ranked ninth in yards, seventh in passing touchdowns, 10th in completions, and 12th in passer rating.

Baker Mayfield continues to prove he’s the franchise QB the Buccaneers have needed

Since joining the Bucs, he has shown a different leadership level than in previous years. Teammates constantly rave about what a great leader he is and how they love playing for him. Even general manager Jason Licht has boasted about his new franchise quarterback.

“He is a fricken awesome dude, he’s a dude and the players saw it right away… It’s not fake; he really knows how to be a dude with the team, and they love him,” Licht said on The Season podcast with Peter Shrager.

2024 has been a very frustrating season for Tampa Bay due to the long list of injuries. Despite his top two weapons, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, being out the last three games, Mayfield has kept their playoff hopes afloat in the NFC with a 4-6 record.

The 30-year-old still ranks in the top 10 in several vital areas. He’s third in completion percentage, third in passing touchdowns, eighth in passing yards, eighth in yards per game, and third in passer rating.

On top of that, the offensive line has been great in pass-blocking. According to Pro Football Focus, the Buccaneers offensive line ranks third in pass blocking grade.

Their post-bye week schedule presents a plethora of matchups against several below .500 teams. They have the easiest strength of schedule remaining in the NFL. They will play the Giants, Panthers twice, Raiders, Cowboys, and Saints in six of their last seven games.

With Mike Evans slated to return from his three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, the offense looks to dial it up and return to early-season form. The Atlanta Falcons lead the NFC South by 1.5 games and are on their bye week. Baker and company can pull within a game with a win on Sunday at the New York Giants.