Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was one of the feel-good stories of the 2023 NFL campaign, as Mayfield revitalized his career in dramatic fashion.
After splitting the 2022 season between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, throwing 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, Mayfield signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers last year.
No one knew what to expect from the former No. 1 overall pick, but Mayfield ended up throwing for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 picks while completing 64.3 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 94.6 en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Not only that, but Mayfield led Tampa Bay to an NFC South division title and a Wild Card Round playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
But perhaps most importantly, Mayfield looked happy again.
In a video posted to the Bucs’ official YouTube account, Mayfield revealed that he “had lost the joy of football” prior to linking up with the Buccaneers.
It seems fairly safe to say that that joy has returned, especially after Mayfield inked a three-year, $110 million deal worth up to $115 million with incentives to remain with Tampa Bay last month.
The University of Oklahoma product began his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and spent the first four years of his career with the Browns, producing mixed results.
His best season in Cleveland came in 2021, when he totaled 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight picks and guided the Browns to a playoff appearance.
However, his final season in Cleveland was massively disappointing, leading to the Browns trading Mayfield to the Panthers that ensuing summer.
Thankfully, Baker Mayfield eventually made his way to the Bucs.
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