Baker Mayfield arrived at Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training camp with an improved physique and confidence - and his teammates and coaches are taking notice.
Back in March, Mayfield inked a three-year, $100 million deal with the Buccaneers after propelling Tampa Bay to a first place finish in the NFC South last season. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles conceded that the 29-year-old likely has more confidence thanks to his lucrative deal.
“He’s probably got a bigger chip [on his shoulder] now,” Bowles said in his press conference. “Baker is going to be the same every day. He works his tail off to be the best he can be. The guys believe in him and would run through a brick wall for him. I don’t see any change.”
READ MORE: Raiders cause controversy with Kermit the Frog puppet dressed as Patrick Mahomes
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers rates New York Jets' Super Bowl chances among '8-12' contenders
In 17 games played last season, Mayfield completed 364-of-566 passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions en route to being named to the Pro Bowl. Though former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales left Tampa Bay to assume the Carolina Panthers head coach position, Bowles asserted that Mayfield has adopted the new offense under OC Liam Coen well.
“Baker has the keys to the bus,” Bowles said. “He’s driving it. He’s comfortable, we’re comfortable with him. We’re both in a great place right now.
“He has to run the offense - we talked about this, as far as getting the ball out where he needs to get the ball out, and understanding the offense, and making the correct checks. I think he’s taken it upon his shoulders.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
“He came back in great shape and we expect him to do that. There’s a lot more stability there than there was last year.”
Mayfield has struggled to find a permanent home in the NFL since being drafted by the Browns with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 Draft. Following four underwhelming seasons in Cleveland, the Oklahoma-product had brief stints with the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Buccaneers last March.
Since signing an extension with Tampa Bay, Mayfield has slimmed down considerably ahead of the 2024 season. Speaking to reporters while hosting a youth football camp, he attributed his new physique to an established gym routine and training team.
“I definitely am in the best shape I’ve been in a long time,” Mayfield said. “I just found my routine, found a gym and some trainers that I really like and it’s important.
“You learn that throughout the process [and as] the years go on. Honestly being able to stay in one place throughout the offseason helps, too. I found some great people to help me get to this point.”
Local Tampa, FL
Most Popular
Comments / 0