Baker Mayfield’s performance as an NFL quarterback remains a focal point in the 2024 season, especially following the thrilling NFC Divisional game between the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 12, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Despite the Buccaneers’ narrow defeat, Mayfield’s role as an above-average quarterback drew widespread attention, highlighting his influence on the team’s recent success and its potential future.
Mayfield’s journey has been marked by both adversity and achievement. After multiple coaching changes forced him out of the Cleveland Browns in 2022, he found a new home with the Buccaneers in 2023. Since then, he has led Tampa Bay to consecutive playoff appearances, reinforcing his importance to the franchise. Analysts and fans alike recognize him as a key player, even calling him a hero despite recent setbacks.
Comparing Mayfield with Emerging LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier
The college football realm has its own rising star in Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, whose challenges in the spotlight contrast with Mayfield’s NFL grind. During a recent game against the Ole Miss Rebels, Nussmeier completed 22 of 51 passes, throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns, including a decisive overtime score that secured the win. This performance generated comparisons between Nussmeier and Mayfield, particularly after the May 23 episode of The McShay Show, where draft analyst Todd McShay highlighted parallels between the two quarterbacks’ playing styles.
However, challenges remain for Nussmeier. Stephen Muench, McShay’s co-host, noted,
He throws really well on the move, but there are times when you’re just wishing he has time and space to reset and make a little bit more of an accurate throw. And I wish he would take advantage of that at times. But overall, I mean, I think he’s an accurate passer with great touch.
—Stephen Muench, Co-host on The McShay Show
Statistically, Mayfield has maintained a higher completion rate, finishing the 2024 NFL season with a 71.4% completion percentage. In comparison, Nussmeier’s college record over four years shows a 62.6% completion rate, never surpassing 64.2% in a single season. Nussmeier, the son of NFL coach Doug Nussmeier, faces significant expectations as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, with Mayfield serving as a potential role model for his development.
Insights Into Mayfield’s Rising NFL Rankings and Team Impact
Pro Football Focus, aiming to create momentum around NFL players during the off-season, recently ranked quarterbacks, positioning Baker Mayfield among the league’s above-average performers. According to their senior football analyst, John Kosko, Mayfield’s 2024 season marked a career peak, with notable improvements that helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers contend closely in key games.
Throughout the 2024 season, Mayfield played 17 games, leading the Buccaneers to a 10-7 record. He completed 407 of 570 passes, achieving a 71.8% completion rate, amassing 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. Though the interception total was the highest in the league, Mayfield’s touchdown count mitigated some concerns. His performances in the Wild Card round demonstrated the team’s potential to win, even if the ultimate victory narrowly eluded them.
The rankings by analysts reflect varying opinions. Anthony Treash Kosko placed Mayfield 13th among NFL quarterbacks, while another analyst, Joe, ranked him even higher, positioning Mayfield above quarterbacks such as Geno Smith of the Seahawks (10th), Justin Herbert of the Chargers (8th), and Jordan Love of the Packers (12th). Joe’s ranking considers recent head-to-head outcomes, with the Buccaneers decisively defeating the Packers in 2023 and the Chargers in 2024, though they have not faced the Seahawks in the last two seasons.
Coaching Feedback and Future Expectations for Mayfield
Despite these accomplishments, Mayfield’s coaches urge improvement, particularly regarding ball security. Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis emphasized the importance of self-preservation and teamwork in a May 22 media briefing, stating,
Let’s play a little team ball; we have a good defense.
—Thad Lewis, Buccaneers Quarterbacks Coach
Mayfield’s high interception count has been a key factor limiting the Buccaneers’ success, suggesting that minimizing turnovers could significantly improve the team‘s winning chances and overall morale. With two Pro Bowl selections over seven NFL seasons, Mayfield now faces heightened pressure to secure a Super Bowl championship to solidify his status among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Broader Implications and What Lies Ahead for Mayfield and Nussmeier
The juxtaposition of Mayfield’s established NFL career and Nussmeier’s emerging college trajectory illustrates the challenges quarterbacks face at different levels of football. While Mayfield continues to battle for legacy-defining achievements with the Buccaneers, Nussmeier carries the weight of expectation as the son of an NFL coach and a top college prospect.
The Buccaneers organization is already investing in fan engagement through stadium upgrades, signaling a commitment to long-term success that will depend heavily on Mayfield’s continued development and leadership. Nussmeier’s progression over the next year will be closely watched as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, with potential lessons drawn from Mayfield’s ability to overcome instability and maintain solid performance under pressure.