Could Tampa Bay move for Baker Mayfield? NFL insider gives insight into Bucs’ offseason QB targets (EXCLUSIVE)
Baker Mayfield ended last season with the Los Angeles Rams after starting with the Carolina Panthers. The former number-one overall pick is currently in the free agent market as one team could be a potential suitor.
On The Ballfather podcast, NFL insider JP Pederson noted that the quarterback is on the shortlist for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a target this offseason.
Pederson said:
“They've told Todd Bowles listen, we're not going after Derek Carr. We're not going after Aaron Rodgers. It's going to be Jacoby Brissett, maybe that they bring in some type of veteran like that maybe a Baker Mayfield, we've heard his name mentioned as well."
Baker Mayfield was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Panthers last July after four seasons with the team. He started six games for Carolina, throwing for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. Less than six months after trading for him, the Panthers cut the former Heisman Trophy winner.
The Rams later picked him off of waivers due to various injuries at quarterback, including Matthew Stafford. Mayfield started four games for Los Angeles, throwing for 850 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The Buccaneers are in the quarterback market due to the retirement of future Hall of Famer Tom Brady this offseason. If Tampa Bay chooses to pass on Baker Mayfield, Pederson commented that another young veteran quarterback is an option.
Who are the Buccaneers targeting besides Baker Mayfield this offseason?
According to Pederson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock could be a good fit in Tampa Bay as the new offensive coordinator comes from Seattle. Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker could be an option as well, per Pederson.
Pederson said:
“With Dave Canales, the new OC from Seattle, Drew Lock is a guy who knows that offense, who's, you know, a very good thrower. The football hasn't really gotten a great shot with a great surrounding cast. His time in Denver was certainly a lot less than that."
He added:
"So I think maybe Drew Lock is the guy that they bring in and they may draft the quarterback to I think maybe if Hendon Hooker falls to them in the second round, I think that might be a wise pick.”
Quarterback Kyle Trask, whom the Buccaneers drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft, could get an opportunity at the starting job. Based on Pederson's assessment, Baker Mayfield is one of the many choices for Tampa Bay this offseason.