As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Baker Mayfield is determined to prevent the NFC South title race from dragging into the final weeks, setting his sights on securing an early division win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With his Baker Mayfield 2025 NFL expectations clear, the veteran quarterback is aiming for a stronger performance than the previous seasons, focusing on capitalizing on the team’s momentum and talent.
Mayfield made it clear that closing out the division swiftly is a priority to avoid the prolonged contest seen in prior years. Addressing the team‘s goals, he told Bleacher Report,
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We’re trying to close out the division early on instead of getting down to the last few weeks like it was in 2023 and 2024.
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From Uncertainty to Stability: Mayfield’s Rise with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entering his third season with the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield and the team have made considerable strides since his arrival in 2022. Tampa Bay faced significant uncertainty after Tom Brady’s retirement and a disappointing record the previous year. Yet Mayfield’s initial one-year deal has blossomed into a multi-year agreement thanks to his breakout performances.
After an uneven start during his time with Cleveland Browns and short stints with the Panthers and Rams, Mayfield silenced doubts by achieving career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) in his first season with Tampa Bay. His contributions helped the Buccaneers secure a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and earned him his inaugural Pro Bowl selection.
The 2024 campaign proved even more productive, as Mayfield completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards and threw 41 touchdowns, despite an interception tally of 16. His efforts led the Buccaneers to clinch another NFC South title, marking back-to-back division wins and confirming his role as a franchise quarterback.
Despite increased external expectations and greater focus from opponents, Mayfield underscored the importance of internal leadership and accountability, stating,
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No matter the outside expectations, you have to set the standard within the building. We have great leadership in this locker room. There are great guys around me who understand the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl. Even though we’ve had some success the last couple years, it’s not what we really want. We’re still striving to be better and better.
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Rookie Receiver Emeka Egbuka Brings New Firepower to Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers’ offense is poised for further improvement with the recent addition of first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka. Throughout his college years at Ohio State, Egbuka not only helped lead his team to a national championship but also became the school’s all-time leading receiver, amassing 2,868 receiving yards.
Egbuka’s precise route-running, speed, and ability to make contested catches have earned him recognition as a formidable weapon. His arrival fills a vital role, especially considering Chris Godwin‘s ongoing recovery from a significant ankle injury last season. The Buccaneers’ decision to invest in a top receiver despite an already strong corps, including Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, demonstrates their intent to deepen offensive options.
Mayfield praised the rookie’s maturity and intellect, observing in regards to Egbuka,
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He’s a stud. Overall with rookies, normally their heads spin a little bit. You can see they’re thinking a lot. But he’s just an intelligent and bright kid who is wise beyond his years. He’s just a smart guy and great for the locker room.
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Egbuka made an immediate impact in the preseason by scoring an impressive touchdown.
Offensive Continuity with New Coordinator Josh Grizzard
In addition to fresh talent, Tampa Bay’s offensive scheme benefits from continuity with the promotion of Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator. Grizzard, previously the team’s pass game coordinator, has been integral in shaping the Buccaneers’ potent aerial attack, which ranked third in the NFL last season with an average of 250.4 passing yards per game.
Before joining Tampa Bay, Grizzard spent seven years as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins, bringing valuable experience to his new role. Mayfield emphasized the significance of retaining Grizzard within the system, explaining,
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Him being a part of all our quarterback meetings last year and a huge part of the passing game aspect is huge. When you keep someone in-house like that, you get the continuity. Nothing exactly translates from one year to the next, that’s just how it works. But we have continuity and chemistry with the guys, especially with the terminology since everyone doesn’t have to learn a new system even though there are some minor tweaks. Grizz has done a great job with that stuff to help make it easier. But we’re still going to rely on the run game and Mike Evans.
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Key Offensive Weapons and Strategic Approach for 2025
The Buccaneers’ offense will continue to revolve around a strong core that includes Mike Evans and running back Bucky Irving, alongside rising star Emeka Egbuka. With stable leadership, proven performers, and talented newcomers, maintaining offensive balance remains a priority as Tampa Bay looks to capture a third consecutive division title.
Mayfield’s proven chemistry with his receivers and coaching staff positions the team well as rivals like the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers face an even tougher challenge in 2025.
Fan Engagement Through the “Better Wings, Better Mayfield” Campaign
Adding a fun twist to the season, Tampa Bay fans have an incentive to cheer for Mayfield touchdowns through the Popeyes “Better Wings, Better Mayfield” promotion launching September 4. Whenever Mayfield scores, fans can redeem a free six-piece wings order with any $10 purchase through the Popeyes app or website.
Mayfield appeared receptive to the campaign’s festive spirit with comments on the potential touchdown celebrations:
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I might have to work that in there. It’s fun whenever you can get everybody involved and feel like they’re a part of it. We’ll see what we can do on the celebration aspect.
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Mayfield also shared a personal connection to Popeyes and his favorite flavor from their new lineup:
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I’ve always been a fan of Popeyes. From my days traveling to play baseball in Austin, there was only one restaurant on the way over there, and it was Popeyes. Whether it was post-practice or post-game, we’d always stop on the way home. So I have childhood ties and memories that made this pretty unique.
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He enjoys the ghost pepper dry rub from their newly introduced sauces and rubs.
Outlook: Sustaining NFC South Supremacy and Pursuing Greater Goals
With Baker Mayfield’s rising performance, rookie Emeka Egbuka’s addition, and Josh Grizzard’s promotion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear well-positioned to dominate the NFC South in 2025. Mayfield’s resolve to strengthen early control of the division and the team’s stability in coaching and talent offer a compelling formula for ongoing success.
The Buccaneers aim not only to continue their streak of division titles but also to contend seriously in the Super Bowl chase, maintaining high standards within the organization despite external pressure. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts will watch to see if Mayfield can elevate his team beyond the NFC South and deepen their playoff impact.