Bucs' Baker Mayfield Named 'Most Valuable Acquisition'

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield, it felt like his last shot to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Taking over from Tom Brady who finally retired, the Buccaneers were thought to be in a rebuilding year and not much was expected.

But as they say, change is as good as a holiday and Mayfield had arguably one of his best seasons as a starter. Baker would lead the Buccaneers to a 9-8 record, the NFC South title, and won a playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Such was Mayfield's season, CBS Sports.com has labeled him as the best acquisition of the season.

"The 2023 season was supposed to be a transition for the Buccaneers with Tom Brady retiring," CBS Sports writes . "Being in contention for a fourth straight playoff berth wasn't anticipated with Baker Mayfield taking over for Brady on a fully guaranteed one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $8.5 million through incentives.

"Mayfield was up to the task of replacing the future first-ballot Hall of Famer. He had the best season of his six-year NFL career. Mayfield connected on 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions to post a 94.6 passer rating."

By any measurement, Mayfield had a career resurgence as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback.

He is now in line for a contract extension and no one can say that after his efforts this season, he doesn't deserve it as he grabbed his first-ever Pro Bowl nod.

Related: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Pokes Fun At The Way His Season Ended

Now, attention turns to building on what was accomplished this season as Mayfield has gone from being close to landing on the NFL scrap heap, to a genuine starter in the league.

The post-Brady era is off to a good start for the Buccaneers, with Mayfield being a big reason why.