According to a recent report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there remains a strong mutual interest between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield in reuniting, though Mayfield is set to become a free agent if a new deal isn’t reached before the start of the new league year on March 13.
“Baker Mayfield and the Bucs do have mutual interest here,” Rapoport stated. “Them being together makes a lot of sense. The fact that they hired Liam Coen as offensive coordinator, who Baker Mayfield is familiar with, makes sense too.”
Mayfield saw a resurgence in his career during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, throwing for 28 touchdowns and 4,044 yards. He also played a pivotal role in leading the Bucs to the NFC South title and securing a playoff victory.
This marked a significant turnaround for Mayfield, who had faced setbacks, being released from the Cleveland Browns in 2021 in favor of Deshaun Watson, and then experiencing a mid-season departure from the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: With Mike Evans locked in on a new deal and Antoine Winfield on the franchise tag, all eyes turn to QB Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/Rf43f007x6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
Following his time with the Los Angeles Rams late in the 2022 season, where he took on the role of QB1 due to an injury to Matt Stafford, Mayfield has had positive remarks about Coen, who served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2022. Coen has since joined the Buccaneers as offensive coordinator, replacing Dave Canales, who now leads the Carolina Panthers.
Expressing his fondness for Tampa, Mayfield stated, “I love it there… But, it’s a great place.” While he has the option to explore free agency, Mayfield emphasized the gratitude he feels towards Tampa for embracing him and his family.
With key players like wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. already committed to the Buccaneers, Mayfield’s potential return could solidify the team’s playoff prospects for the upcoming season, marking their fifth consecutive postseason appearance.
