The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Dallas this Sunday for a showdown with the Cowboys, and all eyes will be on their quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
Once a Heisman Trophy winner and a former number one overall draft pick, Mayfield has had a career full of twists and turns. Now, as the leader of the Buccaneers, he’s looking to prove he can guide the team to success in the post-Tom Brady era.
Here’s a closer look at Mayfield’s journey and what makes him a pivotal figure in Sunday’s matchup.
From walk-on to Heisman winner
Baker Mayfield’s football journey is the ultimate underdog story. Starting his college career as a walk-on at Texas Tech, he transferred to Oklahoma and won the starting QB job. In 2017, he claimed the Heisman Trophy after a record-breaking season, cementing his place among college football’s all-time greats.
First in the 2018 NFL draft
Mayfield’s standout college performances led to his selection as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. He entered the NFL with high expectations and quickly made an impact, breaking the record for most touchdown passes (27) by a rookie quarterback despite not starting until Week 3.
Rollercoaster career in Cleveland
Mayfield showed flashes of brilliance in Cleveland, helping the Browns end their 18-year playoff drought in 2020 with an 11-5 record and a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the postseason.
However, inconsistency and injuries plagued his time there. After a disappointing 2021 campaign, Cleveland opted to move him on, trading Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers.
A fresh start in Tampa Bay
After short stints with the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers in 2023. Taking over from the legendary Tom Brady was no small task, but Mayfield embraced the challenge, bringing his trademark confidence and swagger to Tampa.
In his first season in Tampa, he ended with a career high pass completion for the season at 64.3%, a number he has blown out the water thus far this season where he currently sits at 70.8%
Strengths as a quarterback
Mayfield’s strengths lie in his quick decision-making and his ability to make plays under pressure. Though not the most physically imposing quarterback, his accuracy on short-to-medium throws and his knack for extending plays have been key to the Buccaneers’ offense.
Challenges ahead
Sunday’s game against the Cowboys will be a litmus test for Mayfield. Dallas boasts one of the league’s top defences, led by star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Mayfield will need to rely on his offensive line and stay composed under pressure to navigate the Cowboys’ ferocious front seven.
What’s at stake for Mayfield
For Baker Mayfield, this season is more than just another chapter—it’s an opportunity to redefine his career. A strong performance against a team like Dallas could further solidify his position as the Buccaneers’ long-term solution at quarterback.
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