Buccaneers GM discusses Falcons hype, growth of Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles previously indicated they were keeping receipts as analysts routinely predicted that the Atlanta Falcons would win the NFC South this season.

Licht sang somewhat of a different tune while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

"That's great," Licht said about such forecasts while flashing what the JoeBucsFan website referred to as "a broad smile."

According to the Buccaneers' official quote sheet , Licht added that people "should be picking the Falcons" to finish atop the division standings after Atlanta added big names such as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, pass-rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons this offseason.

Licht and his front office went in a different direction following the 2023 season, as he largely kept the band together for another run by holding onto key contributors such as quarterback Baker Mayfield, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and wide receiver Mike Evans . Mayfield originally signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers in March 2023 and had to compete for the starting job last summer before he emerged as a Comeback Player of the Year Award finalist and as a playoff-winning signal-caller with Tampa Bay.

"He was very focused last year," Licht said about Mayfield's growth . "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 love to see. I love when people say things about him and doubt him – it energizes this entire team."

It's been suggested that the Buccaneers bonded more with Mayfield than with future Hall of Famer Tom Brady serving as their QB1 because Mayfield "is more one of the guys." Licht acknowledged on Wednesday that kind of positive team chemistry is "important" as it pertains to the club getting beyond the divisional round.

"It doesn't necessarily mean you're going to win," Licht continued, "but I can tell you that if it's the opposite, we're pretty much a recipe for disaster. So, it's better to have it the way that it is than not, and it's one of the better, more cohesive groups I've been around."

As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as the betting favorites at -130 odds to claim the division crown for the 2024 campaign. History shows Licht will have plenty to say about those who doubted his squad if Tampa Bay earns a fourth straight NFC South title under his watch.