Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is drawing attention in the 2025 NFL season as fans and analysts watch to see whether he will maintain his recent form or slip back into the error-prone style that marked earlier stages of his career. After two strong seasons pushing him into the top tier of quarterbacks, expectations are now at their peak, with many anticipating a Super Bowl run.

This growing recognition of Mayfield’s development highlights a significant transformation, with Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame sharing insights from an NFC evaluator on the quarterback’s progress. The evaluator noted the importance of coaching, system design, and team construction in Mayfield’s emergence, emphasizing that his quick decision-making and timely ball release have allowed him to overcome traditional physical expectations for the position.

I think Mayfield is proof of the concept of coaching matters, systems matter, team build matters,

the NFC evaluator said.

But more than anything, if you can process quickly and get the ball out on time from the pocket, you don’t have to be 6-foot-5 to play in this league. He has become a professional quarterback as opposed to a college kid just running plays.

—NFC Evaluator

This observation serves as a nuanced compliment that ultimately endorses Mayfield’s growth into a mature, reliable quarterback rather than a collegiate throwback. Now working under new passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard, who previously served under Liam Coen, Mayfield is adapting to another coaching voice, further proving his ability to handle change while maintaining performance.

Mayfield’s Supporting Cast Strengthens His Role

Mayfield benefits from an enviable array of offensive weapons alongside him, including one of the league’s best running games and a surprisingly sturdy offensive line. These elements are combining at an ideal moment in his career, creating a strong foundation for success in the Buccaneers’ offense.

Such a balanced and well-built team structure enhances Mayfield’s effectiveness, allowing him to focus on efficient play rather than relying solely on physical attributes or improvisation. This synergy is pivotal as Tampa Bay eyes a postseason run, and potentially, a Super Bowl appearance.

Mayfield’s Rise Highlights the Evolving Quarterback Prototype

The 2025 season showcases how Mayfield’s evolution underscores a broader shift in what defines a successful quarterback in the NFL. His ability to quickly process defenses and deliver accurate, timely passes challenges the conventional emphasis on stature, proving that cerebral play and precision matter just as much.

As Mayfield continues to develop, his performance will be a key storyline for the Buccaneers, whose fans and analysts alike are cautiously optimistic. His transformation from an error-prone young player into a “professional quarterback” signals a potential new chapter not only for his career but also for the team’s prospects moving forward.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why did Baker Mayfield sue his dad?

A. AUSTIN, Texas – Baker Mayfield, a Lake Travis graduate and quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is taking legal action against his dad’s business, accusing it of taking millions and not repaying him.

Q. Did Baker Mayfield and his wife have a baby?

A. Baker Mayfield is now a father! In April 2024, the NFL quarterback and his wife, Emily Wilkinson, had their first baby, a daughter named Kova Jade Mayfield. They met in 2017 after a friend introduced them, according to ESPN.

Q. Did Baker Mayfield lose his money?

A. Mayfield, his wife Emily, and their business, Team BRM, sued Camwood Capital Management Group in a Texas federal court. They claim that from 2018 to 2021, almost $12 million was taken from Mayfield without his knowledge.

Q. Did Baker Mayfield and his wife have their baby?

A. Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his wife, Emily Wilkinson, shared that they had their first baby on Saturday. According to WJW-TV, Wilkinson shared the news on her Instagram Story. Their daughter, Kova Jade Mayfield, was born on April 9, weighing 9 pounds and 2 ounces.