When he signed a one-year take care of the Bucs final offseason, Baker Mayfield rapidly grew to become a beloved teammate for therefore many within the Tampa Bay locker room. It was straightforward to see, because the younger journeyman quarterback typically let his actions converse for themselves.
Early on within the staff’s offseason program, it grew to become clear that Mayfield was positioning himself as a staff chief and a teammate that everybody — not simply the fellows on offense — might look to. Throughout the stretching and calisthenics portion of practices, Mayfield didn’t stick to the offense. He went by means of warmups proper in the midst of Tampa Bay’s massive defensive linemen, together with Vita Vea. That’s a pre-practice ritual that Mayfield has stored with to at the present time.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and NT Vita Vea – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
And all of that began whereas Baker Mayfield was nonetheless entrenched in a quarterback competitors with Kyle Trask. He approached it as a very good chief and teammate, so when he received the job and took the reins as Tom Brady’s successor, the Bucs had no drawback seeing him as “the man.” He was later voted as a staff captain.
As a lot as his actions have helped him match proper in with the family-like tradition within the Bucs group, Mayfield additionally hasn’t been shy along with his phrases. He’s at all times lifting up his teammates and giving them some shine when he’s within the highlight as their quarterback. That occurred once more throughout an look on Monday’s Pardon My Take.
Whereas discussing the staff’s turnaround late within the 2023 season, Mayfield talked about that the Bucs had been capable of embrace an easier method largely due to the standard of men they’ve on their roster, particularly his high two receivers.
“We lastly turned it round,” Mayfield mentioned. “It was like, ‘easy is healthier,’ particularly with the fellows we now have in Tampa. Like, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin… studs.”
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
That prompted a dialogue on Evans and the truth that even after ten years, he’s nonetheless neglected nationally. In ten seasons, Evans has 762 catches for 11,680 yards and 94 touchdowns. He ranks thirty third all-time in receiving yards whereas sitting simply outdoors the highest 10 in receiving touchdowns.
“If he has a median 12 months stats-wise (in 2024), for his information, he’ll nonetheless be top-10 in touchdowns, he’s up there in yards,” Mayfield added. “I imply, he’s had ten seasons in a row of 1,000 yards. I do know he’s had some good quarterbacks, but additionally he’s had a bunch of various ones. He’s the constant one. He doesn’t get that recognition.”
Mayfield is correct.
Evans wants simply six touchdowns in 2024 to tie himself for the ninth-most in NFL historical past. Clearly, seven touchdowns would put him in ninth place alone. As a lot recognition as different receivers throughout the league get, Evans deserves to be acknowledged as a future Corridor of Famer.
There’s one other underrated longtime Buccaneer with a Corridor of Fame Case, and naturally, Mayfield additionally praised him throughout his interview on Pardon My Take.
Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Picture by: USA Right this moment
“I’d be remiss to [not] say Lavonte David as nicely. One other a type of guys in Tampa that will get no recognition. The dude is a Corridor of Famer. He’s unbelievable.”
David has been perennially underrated for over a decade and has fallen sufferer to a scarcity of recognition that has stored him from racking up the All-Professional and Professional Bowl honors he has lengthy deserved.
However anybody who watches the veteran linebacker play is aware of how good he’s, and along with lastly profitable a Tremendous Bowl ring, he’s performed at a constant sufficient stage and racked up the numbers to have individuals — together with Baker Mayfield — go to bat for him in Corridor of Fame conversations.
Simply As Tampa Has Embraced Him, Baker Mayfield Is Embracing Tampa
Within the 16 months since he signed with the Bucs, Baker Mayfield has definitely been embraced by his teammates in addition to town of Tampa and its followers. He credited that as being a part of his success as not too long ago as final week.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
However as straightforward because it’s been for the Bucs and their followers to naturally embrace Mayfield because the staff’s franchise quarterback, there’s little question that the 29-year-old has reciprocated the love he’s acquired throughout his time in Tampa.
He has typically mentioned how a lot he loves the Tampa space and the Bucs group. And after bouncing round between three groups in 2022, having a brand new three-year, $100 million take care of the Bucs offers him a spot he can actually name dwelling.
A lot in order that Mayfield mentioned on Monday’s Pardon My Take that he and his spouse, Emily, adore it a lot that they’re making an attempt to promote their Texas dwelling and develop into “full-time Floridians.”
“As a proud Texan, that’s wild to say,” Mayfield mentioned.
He later recounted his journey from the Browns to the Panthers to the Rams and at last, to the Bucs.
“Going to Tampa final 12 months and simply making an attempt to satisfy all people and get that chemistry going… It’s an ideal spot,” Mayfield added. “I perceive why individuals wanna be there.”
Watch The Full Pardon My Take Interview With Bucs QB Baker Mayfield
The complete interview with Barstool Sports activities’ Massive Cat and PFT Commenter coated Baker Mayfield’s time with the Browns, the whirlwind he went by means of when going from Carolina to main a comeback for Los Angeles two days later, seeing a UFO, being a brand new father, head coach Todd Bowles’ demeanor, his friendship with ESPN’s Adam Schefter and extra.
You may watch the total interview with Baker Mayfield on Monday’s Pardon My Take right here (begins at 1:12:52):
