Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, and one former teammate believes he has what it takes to win a Super Bowl. Robbie Chosen, previously known as Robbie Anderson, played with Mayfield for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and expressed confidence in his abilities during a recent interview.
Chosen shared his impressions on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, saying,
“He was only signed there for probably a week, and by Day 1 of training camp, he knew the whole offense.”
He praised Mayfield’s skill set further, stating,
“He has a strong arm. He has all levels of his game.”
Emphasizing Mayfield’s leadership, Chosen added,
“He knows how to get guys going. He plays with that energy and that chip on his shoulder. But definitely, I believe he’s a Super Bowl quarterback.”
Baker Mayfield Overcame a Difficult 2022 Season to Shine in Tampa Bay
Mayfield faced considerable challenges during the 2022 NFL season, especially with his stint at Carolina. The former No. 1 overall draft pick endured a career-low year where he struggled significantly, leading to his release by the Panthers. A late-season opportunity with the Los Angeles Rams provided a brief resurgence that opened the door for a fresh start with the Buccaneers on a one-year deal in 2023.
Taking over the quarterback role in Tampa Bay, Mayfield had the difficult task of succeeding legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Despite the pressure, he delivered impressive results by completing 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. His efforts helped lead the Buccaneers to claim the NFC South division title and reach the playoffs’ divisional round.
This success earned Mayfield a lucrative $100 million contract extension. Continuing his strong performance in 2024, Mayfield elevated his game further by completing 71.4% of his throws for 4,500 yards, with 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Tampa Bay secured another NFC South championship and advanced to the postseason once again under his leadership.
Robbie Chosen Highlights the Importance of Surroundings in Mayfield’s Career
Mayfield’s path through the NFL has been complex, beginning with his high-profile selection as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. Though expectations were high, his career did not immediately unfold as planned. Chosen insists that Mayfield’s struggles were not entirely due to his talent or effort.
Chosen explained,
“Baker’s situation has showed that sometimes, it’s not always the player.”
He pointed to the difference environment can make, adding,
“He wasn’t in the best situations, then got to Tampa and flourished and showed that he was a No. 1 pick in the draft and he has that capability.”
During his early years with Cleveland, Mayfield helped lead the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 1994. However, the Browns traded him to the Panthers in 2022 and acquired Deshaun Watson to take over the quarterback duties. Since then, Cleveland has struggled to return to postseason play.
In contrast, Mayfield has appeared in the playoffs twice with Tampa Bay. Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Mayfield’s best season totals were under 3,827 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. His career was marked by frequent changes and inconsistency, impacting his development.
Experience with Receivers Has Influenced Mayfield’s Growth
Mayfield’s time in Cleveland saw him throwing to talented receivers like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, both of whom experienced considerable success during their careers. But the stability and longevity of Tampa Bay’s receiving corps have arguably helped Mayfield reach new heights.
Wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been a productive duo for the Buccaneers, playing together for eight seasons. Evans has recorded 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, while Godwin boasts 7,266 career yards and 39 touchdowns. The consistent support from these receivers has provided Mayfield with strong targets, although injuries to Evans and Godwin in 2024 challenged the team.
Despite those obstacles, Mayfield maintained solid performances, helping keep Tampa Bay competitive in the NFC South and continuing their playoff streak.
Mayfield’s Career Revival Signals New Chapter for Tampa Bay
Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa Bay marks a significant turnaround after years of uncertainty. His ability to lead the Buccaneers to consecutive division titles and playoff appearances shows his evolution as a quarterback capable of delivering high-level performance under pressure. As Robbie Chosen emphasized, Mayfield possesses the qualities of a Super Bowl quarterback, fueled by his strong arm, leadership, and resilience.
Looking ahead, Mayfield’s success could have lasting implications for Tampa Bay’s championship prospects, especially as he builds chemistry with his teammates and overcomes injury challenges. This revival positions him not only as a key figure in the Buccaneers’ present but also as a player with the potential to achieve the ultimate NFL goal—winning the Super Bowl.