Baker Mayfield to struggle or flourish at Buccaneers? Ex-NFL HC delivers brutally honest take (Exclusive)
Baker Mayfield has jumped around the league since being taken with the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 draft. He now finds himself on yet another roster, and this time, it's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After Tom Brady's retirement, head coach Todd Bowles had a position to fill and that led them to Mayfield. So how can we expect Mayfield to fare in his first season in Tampa?
Well, former NFL head coach Mike Smith, who spoke on Sportskeeda's BallFather podcast, said that the move could see Mayfield play rather well under Bowles.
Smith said:
“Baker Mayfield, unfortunately, he was in Cleveland. And look, when you go to Cleveland, it's hard. I don't know what it is about that organization right now. You know, historically, it's tough, but not to be banging on Cleveland, but I think Baker Mayfield will fit in well and have a new life wearing a Tampa Bay helmet. I really do.
"I think, he's, you know, he's an athletic guy, he can extend plays. He's not your traditional drop-back quarterback. He's a guy that can run the RPOs. And that's the Vogue thing right now. And I think it'll be interesting to see how Todd Bowles and his staff put him on the field and what they want him to try to do."
Can Baker Mayfield flourish in Tampa Bay?
That will certainly be the hope for Buccaneers fans. With offensive weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage, there is something for Mayfield to work with.
Buccaneers to sign QB Baker Mayfield to one-year, $8.5M deal. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) https://t.co/kPGybP7DHr
Now, those who want the same production out of the offense as last year should probably cool their jets as this will likely be an entirely different offensive scheme.
Mayfield showed, last season for the Los Angeles Rams, that he can still win football games with good quarterback play (who can forget his first start for the Rams), so the Buccaneers will be looking to draw on that in 2023.
Having a full preseason under his belt will do wonders and in a division that isn't exactly dripping with talent, there could be a scenario where the Buccaneers could make the playoffs with Baker Mayfield.