Baker Mayfield, now with his fourth NFL team, believes he has finally found the right fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In an appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, Mayfield expressed confidence that Tampa Bay is where he truly belongs. He contrasted his current situation with his previous stints on the Browns, Panthers, and Rams, where he often felt pressure to change who he was.
Mayfield shared that throughout his NFL journey, teams had urged him to “tone it down” and act like a traditional franchise quarterback—something he admits doesn’t align with his personality. However, upon arriving in Tampa, General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles welcomed his authenticity. They encouraged him to stay true to himself, which Mayfield described as a refreshing and empowering change.
Baker Mayfield (NFL)Buccaneers Embrace Baker Mayfield’s Fiery Personality, Fueling Career-Best Performances in Tampa
He explained that his emotional, passionate nature is an essential part of how he plays the game. Known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve and for his outspoken demeanor, Mayfield said the Buccaneers embraced these traits rather than suppressing them. This support has allowed him to play more freely and confidently than in past environments.
As a result, Mayfield has delivered some of the best performances of his career in Tampa Bay. His resurgence has led some to wonder if his earlier struggles—especially in Cleveland—might have been avoided had he received similar encouragement and backing. The Buccaneers’ decision to let Mayfield be himself appears to be paying off both for the quarterback and the team.
