Due in major part to Baker Mayfield‘s genius, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently 3-1 and in first place of the NFC South.
Fans predicted the Bucs would select Caleb Williams in the 2024 draft until the former Oklahoma standout took Brady’s spot as the team’s main quarterback. Although Baker has only passed for 882 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions so far this season, he has been great.
The QB selection has so far satisfied the Buccaneers, but Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has speculated that he would play for another NFC team in 2019.
Last month, Mayfield led Tampa Bay to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener. And it has been speculated that he would begin the latter at the beginning of his next term.
Baker Mayfield under pressure this season:
🏴☠️ 23/35
🏴☠️ 334 passing yards
🏴☠️ 3 TDs ┃ 0 INTs
🏴☠️ 125.2 passer rating (1st) pic.twitter.com/wtVByOAogr— PFF (@PFF) October 7, 2023
According Alex Ballentine of the Bleacher Report ,
“The term ‘big contract’ is fluid here, because Baker Mayfield is not going to get a contract that is big relative to the league’s top quarterbacks. But if he keeps up his early-season play, he could be paid like an average NFL starter next spring,”
Given that Kirk Cousins would no longer be bound by a contract, should the Vikings decide to pursue Mayfield in free agency, a deal would be simple to complete.
With the Buccaneers, Mayfield has a one-year $4 million contract but, if he continues to play well, he may earn much more. The Buccaneers would also be able to give him a better contract, but Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, two of the league’s top wide receivers, are enticing Minnesota.
However, it is likely that he stays in Tampa Bay for as long as the Buccaneers want to keep him there.
