Bucs Love When People Doubt Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in an entirely different situation around a year ago this time when they were unsure who would be the team's starting quarterback. After signing a one-year deal, it was Baker Mayfield who won the job and led the Bucs to an NFC South crown.

Mayfield set career highs in both passing yards (4,044) and touchdown passes (28) during the 2023 season. After there were a lot of opening doubts about Mayfield and he excelled, General manager Jason Licht signed him a new three-year, $100 million contract to stay in Tampa Bay.

Licht spoke in a press conference Tuesday about the difference in Mayfield's game this year.

"He was very focused last year," said Licht. "There's just a little bit different gleam in his eye and I think a little bit maybe has to do [with the fact] that he's a father now. Once again, this is not saying he wasn't mature, but he just seems to [have] a little bit more to prove, which I'd love to see.

"I love when people say things about him and doubt him, it energizes this entire team."

Mayfield's wife Emily gave birth to their baby daughter Kova Jade in April, and Licht thinks the major life development for Baker can lead to even more success in 2024.

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Mayfield is entering his second season with Tampa Bay, and this time the expectations are a lot higher, but the offensive chemistry has looked really good so far. However, if the Bucs run game is revamped like they hope it will take some pressure off of Mayfield.

If the newest addition to the Mayfield family is as big of a motivator as Licht thinks, the Bucs can expect big things out of Mayfield this season.