Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has climbed to No. 11 in The Athletic’s annual quarterback rankings, marking a career-best position in his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL journey. This notable advancement reflects his growing influence and performance this season as the Buccaneers continue their unexpected rise in the league.
The Buccaneers’ quarterback has made a remarkable leap, earning 33 Tier 2 votes this year—almost as many as he received in the prior five seasons combined. This surge highlights a significant turnaround for Mayfield, who was the first overall draft pick and has experienced a mix of successes and setbacks throughout his career.
Thriving Amidst Constant Change in Tampa Bay
Mayfield’s ability to adapt has been crucial to his progress. Over three seasons with Tampa Bay, he has adjusted to the guidance of three different offensive coordinators: Dave Canales, Liam Coen, and Josh Grizzard. Despite this instability, Mayfield’s performance has steadily improved.
One offensive coach described Mayfield’s growth, saying,
“He went from being a wild man to being a contained wild man now… he can elevate everyone around him through his style of play.”
This evolution has been evident on the field as he continues to lead the Buccaneers’ offense effectively.
An NFL executive reflected on Mayfield’s development, stating,
“To his credit, he has different coordinators the last few years, and he is getting progressively better.”
The fact that both Canales and Coen earned head coaching positions shortly after working with Mayfield underscores the high level of offense he has helped facilitate. Another head coach commented,
“Talk about playing your best ball with your back against the wall.”
Versatile Playmaker with Unique Skills
Mayfield stands out for his playmaking skills, often compared favorably to other quarterbacks like the San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy. An NFL executive noted,
Baker has more playmaking ability — he can carry it a little bit more,
illustrating Mayfield’s capacity to extend plays and create opportunities beyond straightforward reads.
While Purdy may excel in quick decisions and precise passes, Mayfield’s adaptability to various offensive systems adds significant value. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff has tailored their offense to capitalize on these strengths, especially accounting for Mayfield’s physical stature.
A defensive coordinator observed,
“You can see the play selection. More of the throws are going outside. They’re opening his line of vision because he’s a smaller guy. Liam did a good job fitting the system around him.”
This strategic adjustment helps maximize Mayfield’s effectiveness, allowing him to leverage his skills fully.
Building on a Career-Best Season
As Mayfield continues to develop, the Buccaneers appear poised to benefit from his ascending play. Coming off a career-best season, he is well-positioned to maintain and potentially improve his ranking among the NFL’s top quarterbacks. The Buccaneers are eager to see how far this momentum will carry him and the team.
With the 2025 season underway, Baker Mayfield’s role as a driving force for Tampa Bay remains evident, and his reevaluation in rankings signals broader recognition of his talents. As he holds the spotlight in the Buccaneers’ offense, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether he can climb higher in the quarterback hierarchy.