The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2023 offseason in need of a quarterback. Tom Brady’s retirement and Blaine Gabbert’s expiring contract left them with only 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask under contract at the position.

While Trask will be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job during training camp, it was inevitable that a veteran would join him. Tampa Bay was mentioned as a suitor for a few different players but ended up signing Baker Mayfield.

The No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft had a tumultuous start to the 2022 season. He was replaced by Deshaun Watson as the Cleveland Browns’ franchise quarterback. Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers but struggled mightily.

He went 1-5 as a starter with the Panthers, getting benched twice. He was eventually released and landed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. Given the circumstances surrounding the team, Mayfield’s performance with the team was solid.

It was likely a big reason why he was considered by teams in the market for a starter. While Mayfield hasn’t quite lived up to expectations as a No. 1 overall pick, there have been flashes of brilliance. An NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network expects that brilliance to occur more consistently with the Buccaneers.

“He’s going to go win that starting job and he’s going to turn his career around. Having Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to work with helps, but Baker has shown signs of elite arm capability. That will all come together in Tampa.”

Mayfield will certainly benefit from having two studs to target in the passing game. He hasn’t had this kind of receiving talent around him at any point in his career and should be motivated to make the most of it knowing this could be one of his final chances at cementing himself as a starter in the NFL.