Baker Mayfield Lands in Tampa on 1-Year Deal

The next era in Tampa Bay Buccaneers football began Wednesday, as the team agreed to terms on a contract with Baker Mayfield. The pact is a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. That’s what we call in the business a “prove-it” deal, but it’s one that does position Mayfield as the presumptive starter in 2023.

Following a meteoric rise in his final year in college that culminated with a Heisman trophy, Mayfield was the first selection in the 2018 draft. Initially, he appeared to be worth every bit of that pick, as Mayfield got off to a hot start to his career and was positioned as the face of the Browns’ franchise. However, things can change quickly in the NFL, and his tenure with the team fizzled out after just four seasons.

Mayfield was shipped to the Panthers last year, starting six games under the ill-fated Matt Rhule regime. He then was sent packing once again to a Rams team that was in desperate need of quarterback help. While Mayfield was far from a standout for the Rams, he did flash enough to help his free agency stock. 

In Tampa, Mayfield won’t simply be handed the starting job, though it’s difficult to envision any scenario where incumbent Kyle Trask beats him out. Given where the Bucs pick in the first round (19th overall), Tampa isn’t likely to select a quarterback in the first round of next month’s draft. All things considered, this is about as good of a landing spot for Mayfield as they come.

Of course, for the Tampa skill position players, Mayfield is a massive downgrade from Tom Brady. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans come with significantly more fantasy volatility this season. And while having those weapons is helpful, Mayfield won’t be a viable option in 1QB leagues and is best viewed as a QB3 in superflex formats.