Interesting Timing Reveal Of Baker Mayfield Pursuit
January 28th, 2024
John Spytek, the assistant Buccaneers general manager.
Every year, the free agency dinner bell rings in mid-March when the “tampering window” opens for a couple of days, allowing general managers to talk to representatives of pending free agents on any team.
Then, when free agency opens fully, team officials can contact pending free agents directly and visit with them if they haven’t been signed yet.
Almost never revealed are all the secret discussions to woo free agents before the NFL says it’s kosher to do so.
For example, Joe can only imagine the offers that will come Mike Evans’ way via backdoor avenues and unrecorded discussions in the coming days.
Enter Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek. He appeared to crack a window into that process during his recent visit to the Buccaneers Radio Network.
Spytek chatted about why the Bucs hired Dave Canales to be their offensive coordinator last February, a move reported by media on Feb. 15, weeks prior to the free agency window opening on March 13, 2023.
During the discussion, Spytek acknowledged the Bucs already were chasing Mayfield at that point.
“You know, when we hired [Canales], it was going to be Baker or, well, we hired Dave first obviously, but we were after Baker at that point, and then Kyle [Trask],” Spytek said.
“So there was going to be a lot of work that needed to be done with whoever was going to be the starting quarterback this year and, you know, [the Canales] resume suggested that he could help get the best out of those guys. ‘I want them to play point guard. I want them to run the offense. We’re not going to ask too much of them. We’re going to get the ball to our playmakers and let them play.’ And I thought that played out this year and I think we have a lot to build on there.”
The meaning of Spytek saying “we were after Baker at that point” is unclear. But it’s safe to say the Bucs found a way to express interest in the then-Rams quarterback after Tom Brady retired Feb. 1 and before Canales was hired two weeks later.
Joe is not trying to play “gotcha” with the Bucs to get the team in trouble. Spytek is a very smart dude and his commentary has been on the team website for nearly a week. And Joe suspects all kinds of important Bucs officials listened to it and found it appropriate for public scrutiny.
It’s fair to say every team finds ways to court and negotiate with free agents before they’re permitted under league rules. That highlights how critical it is for the Bucs to be very aggressive with Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Lavonte David — and Mayfield, too, if they’re not going to slap him with the franchise tag.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
“I think we have a lot to build on there.” This comment is what really jumps out to me. Spytek is speaking in the present tense. Sign Baker and be done with it. Check “find a new QB” off of the lengthy list of things to do this offseason. Promote Thad Lewis to OC for offensive continuity.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:15 pm
I would like to have Baker back next season but if another team is willing to give him a $40-$45M x 4 years with $80-$90M fully guaranteed I will be fine saying “good-bye and good luck”…
January 28th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
Hope they are working on getting an offensive minded head coach for next year.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Good quarterbacks don’t grow on trees, and Baker is a good QB. Not great, but good.
Let him go and we risk plummeting next year. Sure, we might get an upgrade in the draft, or we may get Josh Freeman.
Baker is the safe choice.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
I’m very happy with the way how our season ended 🙂 We won our division and won a playoff game. Baker Mayfield does deserve to be paid at least as much as David Carr who is making $35 million a year, so I don’t care how much money we pay Baker Mayfield as long as we have enough Glazer cash to pay everyone else, especially an elite pass rusher.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Dereck Carr***
January 28th, 2024 at 2:48 pm
@marinenuc….
Agree 100% with you bro!!
January 28th, 2024 at 2:51 pm
This is just another part of the NFL Cap/FArules/NFLPA input that is crazy.
Two different sites report remaining cap space 12 million apart. Byzantine rules about FA’s, asking permission to interview assistants…it just becomes gobbobldy gook at some point.
It’s not complicated for the Bucs. Sign Baker, ME,Winfield, LVD, and Wirfs if necessary to create cap space by extending his contract…whatever freaking complicated PAPER WORK is required. Then draft 2 monster OL, 2 QB heat seaking missiles…fill out the rest of the needs with the rest of the draft and UDFA’s an area where Licht has excelled.
January 28th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
The Bucs were 9 points away from being able to play today with Baker Mayfield leading a flawed team (No pass rush, Ryan Neals nonsense, inconsistent play @ CB, and a poor run game up until recently)
You absolutely resign Mayfield and build a contender around him.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:05 pm
@ ZZ
We found Baker on the scrap heap last off-season.
What if we can find another cheap rental?
– Cousins
– Wilson
– Fields
– Minshew
All might be available soon…
January 28th, 2024 at 3:22 pm
What the heck is an “ Administrative Time Out”?
Vegas on line 1? 🤔
January 28th, 2024 at 3:25 pm
The Ravens are showing us what good run blocking looks like
January 28th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
@ Jmark
There was a drone over the stadium…
These goof-balls and their drones.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Never heard of an Administrative Time Out either.
Thank you for the info Marine Buc. That person with the drone will be fined and I think criminal prosecution. Not taken lightly.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:34 pm
Marine,
Thanks, and I’d take Fields if we had a good QB coach-OC combo. He’s got the physical ability.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:35 pm
You guys do realize that even Superman Mayfield and a career year out of Evans, the team was 9-8, right?
Potentially losing to David to retirement and huge contracts for Wirfs and Winfield, this team – and coach – is closer to being bottom 10 than they are to a Super Bowl.
Expect Carolina to make both of them an offer they can’t refuse, if either to sign them or bankrupt the Bucs trying to match it.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Davenport
Agreed. If I had my way , Licht would move on. His work over 10 years and the way this team operates just isn’t top shelf.
Now I’m just resigned to the fact that he and Bowles will remain at least one more year.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Marine get real, Bucs can’t afford Kirk, can’t afford Russel, aren’t giving up draft assets for a unproven qb like fields, minshew ain’t a upgrade over baker, idk what drug you are on to think that. Bucs need to resign all of their own free agents first and then get some oline help and some defensive help. Baker is qb of the future for the Bucs and if not Bucs can go to the bottom of the division for the next 5 to 10 years
January 28th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
The SWEETEST of surprises would be if the front office is working behind the scenes to make Todd Monken the Bucs new HC!
January 28th, 2024 at 3:50 pm
Lots of these discussions will be taking place next week at the senior bowl. I wouldn’t be surprise if the Bucs hire their OC shortly after that (2/4) weekend.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Mike Edwards starting today for an elite Kansas City defense while the Bucs had to suffer a year of Ryan Neal at SS.
Easily Lichts worst decision of the offseason….both are making similar salaries so the salary cap is not an excuse for that blunder
January 28th, 2024 at 3:55 pm
Jack Clark- Did you watch D. Smith run block for the Pichecko TD? He is playing well. Smith isn’t good enough for jbf commit board but Andy Ried keeps winning SB with him.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:59 pm
@ chad
Is your wife’s name Karen? Just curious…
Anyway. I never said we should give up “high draft picks” for Fields.
I never said we should pay all of Wilson’s salary.
I never said Minshew is better than Baker.
And neither of us know what Cousins will be making in 2024.
Calm down. No need to act mental and start a fight you can’t win.
Baker was considered NFL trash in 2023. No doubt he exceeded expectations – but what if the Bucs can swing a reasonable deal and find another “diamond in the rough”?
January 28th, 2024 at 4:01 pm
Cousins and Wilson cheap rental? They’ll want more than Baker will receive . Fields great choice, if you want a track star. He is an abysmal thrower..ranked near last in qbr. If you want a cheap, solid qb, who won’t lose the game … Tannehill. A proven starter who just needs a great receiver ( he had aj brown )to get you to 8-9 next year.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:02 pm
I know a lot of people like Romo. But I can’t stand him..
Nance ain’t as sharp as he used to be either
January 28th, 2024 at 4:02 pm
Marine, Kirk is gonna get paid by the Vikings, Russel ain’t taking a pay cut and bears ain’t giving up fields for nothing and you named all these guys including gardner, as my guess was replacements for baker. I’m not starting anything but I ain’t losing any argument when it comes to baker. If the buccaneers are smart they will resign baker, and Mike. You lose one, there’s a good chance your losing the other unless you pay bank that’s just facts
January 28th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
@Davenport we’re in a better position than we were last year, losing Tom Brady and having no cap space to hire the best talent, yet we will succeeded, had a better regular season record than we did last year, won our division again, and won more playoff games than we did last year. Now we have more cap space to spend on hiring the best talent and keeping our best players on our team. Todd Bowles does a good job in developing new defensive players like KJ Britt, Jamal Dean, Zyon McCollun, Antoine Winfield Jr, Devon White, Vita Vea etc. so we will be fine if Lavonte David decides to retire next season (which I doubt he will). Plus we will probably get a better, more experience OC than Dave Canales so there’s no reason to think we will be a bottom 10 team next year.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Sign Baker, Evans and Winfield. David’s not retiring.
Then O-line, O-line and DE.
Don’t over-think this.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
So, they were after Mayfield all along, and during the season they were talking about the incentives Mayfield had in his contract that brought him here, where he had to play so many snaps , (came out to like 13 and a half games ), if I remember correctly , among other incentives, ( I wonder if Kyle got similar incentives in his contract ! I don’t think so!),So the fix was in, there was no quarterback “competition”, it was all a lie , That’s why they kept changing what they were supposedly judging what they were looking for in the competition as Kyle kept beating Mayfield, That’s why they would not allow the head to head “competition “ to be played against the Jets , wouldn’t even play Mayfield and never let Kyle work with the first team! It was also why they were terrified of putting Kyle in , they were afraid he would outplay Mayfield so badly they would have no excuse for not playing him! So much for fair competition and putting the best team on the field, Mayfield was gifted the position, and They absolutely cheated Kyle , They absolutely cheated the team and they absolutely cheated the fans.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
@Stanglassman haha yeah I agree with you. I think we should have kept Donovan Smith and kept Tristan Wirfs at right tackle so we could focus on strengthening our interior offensive line (i.e. guards and center). That way we wouldn’t be running up the middle to no where every first and second down 😆
January 28th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
JMARKBUC – i had no problem with Licht until last off season. He mortgaged the farm to win SB with Brady. The BA screwed the team with quitting so late… they were pretty much stuck with Bowles.
He should have done the right thing and cleaned out the staff and the aging, high-price roster after the 2022 season. Better a year too early than too late
We do not have a SB roster and he’s decided to tread water with a career loser as HC and potentially kicking the can down the road in order to re-sign Mayfield & Evans
January 28th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
@ Chad
Like I said up top.
I hope the Bucs can sign Baker. There is a limited market for his services.
There will be @ 7-8 teams looking for QBs. Four maybe five of these QBs will be found in the first round of the draft. Then there are 3-4 decent QBs available in free agency.
I would not break the bank for Baker. If he finds a lucrative deal elsewhere than adios amigo and good luck…
January 28th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
““You know, when we hired [Canales], it was going to be Baker or, well, we hired Dave first obviously, but we were after Baker at that point, and then Kyle [Trask],” Spytek said.”
Confirmation that it was never a real competition.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Lamar Jackson completed a pass…to himself??? Holy Cow!
January 28th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Some Bucs fans deserve to see both Mayfield and Evans go to the Falcons
January 28th, 2024 at 4:14 pm
Davenport Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
“i had no problem with Licht until last off season. He mortgaged the farm to win SB with Brady.”
Did he really? We got multiple good years out of Brady…and it only took a year to get out of the cap issues as a result.
Ironically…Baker will probably cost us more than Brady did.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Lamar is great. Hoping the Ravens can with this game.
Pay Baker and Evans to stay. Get another good back up QB. Let Trask go to Carolina with Canales.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:18 pm
“Confirmation that it was never a real competition”
Bonzai, whats your point? First of all Baker outplayed Trask in every preseason game and everyone with half a brain knows Baker was the right guy to start
January 28th, 2024 at 4:18 pm
On the topic of Jason Licht…just about everyone here was complaining about the past two drafts at the start of this past season…and now, because of development and player experience, those drafts are looking pretty good.
I think Licht is doing a genius job, and I don’t want any other GM.
We, as fans, probably need to be much more patient in regard to young players.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:18 pm
@marinebuc
200% with you.
We are not saying we don’t like Baker, on the contrary.
We Just say, we need Evans Winfield and Wirfs first and if Licht and Co can get creative then sign Baker… but not at 35mm
Their is not top money for everybody….
Not sure why is so difficult to understand
January 28th, 2024 at 4:20 pm
Not impressed with the Lamar play, cant top this
January 28th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
@ Ron
Fine by me.
We just witnessed Baker Mayfield’s absolute ceiling and the best year he will ever have in his NFL career.
Also – how many wide receivers in NFL history have improved AFTER year 31?
Maybe one in the history of the NFL – Jerry Rice.
So I would be fine with letting Atlanta overpay for both of them…
However – I believe Mike Evans is probably headed to Houston.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:22 pm
2 good years out of 6 and you want to pay him 40+ a year
Wish I could be average at my job and shine a bit and someone wants to pay me that lol.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Tbbucs3 Says:
“Bonzai, whats your point? First of all Baker outplayed Trask in every preseason game…”
Debatable. But my point is, the staff lied to us. Trask actually out-performed Mayfield in camp. And during his games, key players were rested. Bowles made darn sure Trask was not in a position to continue to impress during the preseason.
Was Mayfield the right choice? We’ll never know…because Trask will never get a fair shot at developing on the field of play.
Mayfield was not a bad choice…I grant you that…but that doesn’t mean Trask would have been a bad choice.
I don’t like being lied to.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:28 pm
“ Trask actually out-performed Mayfield in camp”
This is a lie….he absolutely did not. He had a small stretch of practices early one when he was playing better then once Mayfield got familiar w the WRs he ran away with it.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:29 pm
And I’m still not 100% convinced on Mayfield…he earned some respect from me, yes. And I likely won’t be putting him down like I was before…he deserves that.
But is he worth more than we paid Brady? Nope.
But to be fair…we don’t know what his demands will be. He may surprise people and take a lot less to keep his favs on the team.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
“This is a lie….he absolutely did not. He had a small stretch of practices early one when he was playing better then once Mayfield got familiar w the WRs he ran away with it.”
Not a lie at all. But…history can resolve that. I won’t engage with you.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
@ ZZ
“We are not saying we don’t like Baker,”
Exactly. Baker is an average NFL QB. He isn’t top 10 but he isn’t a bad QB either.
I appreciate what Baker accomplished this season but I don’t think he is worth paying 15-20% of our entire salary cap to.
My deal for Baker – 3 years – $90M – $45M guaranteed – 4th year option @ $40M non-guaranteed.
The Bucs can cut him loose after year two if things don’t go well.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:35 pm
@Marine
300% with you Bro!!!
January 28th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
That’s interesting, I though Barker was signed and had to win the QB1? I guess that wasn’t true at all and the GMs knew who was going to be gifted the QB1, nice!
January 28th, 2024 at 4:38 pm
@Marine
I agree with your take totally. Although I might have to add some snark not directed at you but…well you know the group.
“The Bucs can cut him loose after year two if things don’t go well.”
Fans here will want to cut him loose after TWO GAMES if things don’t go well. LMAO
In fact with the Trasker’s here if Mayfield has two bad preseason games they’ll be screaming for a change.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:39 pm
Davenport
Before lucking into BA/Brady, Licht was ranked like 31st as a GM . Not sure if he had one winning season in those 7. Was about to be run out of town, by most everyone.. this board included. I still don’t think he’s the answer.
He still managed to luck into a SB. It only took a plague and the 1 in 10 million chance that the GOAT ended up on the team. His biggest mistake was the whole misguided mission to resign everyone immediately after the SB. There were plenty of areas that could have improved. He shouldn’t make decisions while inebriated at the victory flotilla.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
@ StPete
“Fans here will want to cut him loose after TWO GAMES if things don’t go well. LMAO”
LOL!
Very true… We are a very fickle crew on this ship.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Marine Buc…Baker is better than average….his stats suggest he was top 10 this season and an elite escape artist…average is an insult to what he accomplished this season
The question is if he can do it again
January 28th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
It will be hard to build a team around Mayfield. No money left.
Salary cap is a real issue this year. If they can find a way to keep Winfield, Evans and Mayfield without selling the future even more that I’m down with it. If not, let Mayfield walk and pick up another flyer.
January 28th, 2024 at 4:53 pm
Right now debating who to sign at what price is pointless, since the Bucs can’t do anything until March 15. That being said, I’m sure the Bucs would love to have Mayfield and Evans back, but I expect them to tell the players …
Look guys, we’d love to have you back, but we still aren’t of cap hell. Rather than mess around with Franchise Tags or low-ball offers, why don’t you go out and see what kind of offers you can get. Come back and we’ll do our best to match or exceed.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
@ Tbbucs
Not trying to diminish what Baker accomplished here.
But I can certainly name 10 QBs I would rather have over Baker.
“The question is if he can do it again”
I have the same doubts. IMO – we just witnessed Baker’s ceiling this season. If Mike Evans leaves then we have certainly hit the ceiling here in Tampa with Baker at QB…
Can you imagine if Godwin is our WR1 and Palmer our WR2 next season?
Let’s see how Baker does then.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:24 pm
Baker was not my choice but will admit he grew on me.
His TD/int was also better than I expected.
Baker had some ugly games and threw under 210 yards 7 games this year. Only 3 games over 300 yds And yet had over 4,000 yds. With an improvement in protection his passing numbers should improve. I for one hope he resigns.
All the problems were not solely Baker.
Remember….. Bowles’ words, not Joe’s — “prolonging the obvious.” Baker didn’t outright Quit.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
That statement doesn’t necessarily mean they had made contacts. It could just mean, internally, they had already decided that was the plan and they knew what their pitch would be once the opening of free agency arrived. Then again, it could mean they had been working back channels.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:35 pm
They promised the gig to Baker. The QB competition was a sham.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Just hope the Bucs sign Mayfield, Evans and Winfield I would love to see the combo of Mayfield, Evans ,Godwin and Palmer with a decent run game next season. However, I hope Bowles go with Lewis or someone with the exact ideology that Canales had to keep continuity with the team so we don’t have to go through what we went this pass season in changing the offense
January 28th, 2024 at 5:44 pm
Antoine Winfield Jr. started a new trend of knocking the ball out for a touch back if players lunge the ball out in front diving for the goal line. Flowers should have realized it and been more careful. That will likely be the difference between winning and losing this game.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:49 pm
The job-security of a head coach is dependent entirely upon wins. If you seriously think that Bowles and Licht stuck with BM over trask because of a preseason handshake, I’ve got some magic beans to sell you.
January 28th, 2024 at 5:54 pm
Jeez so much for home field advantage vs a sly old coach like Andy Reid and a KC team that has Lamar Jackson and his offense rattled.
Baltimore is playing dumb
January 28th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
You mean these 2 great QB’S didn’t hang 50 points on each other? I mean when you are the best you are expected to do it against anyone anytime. Run them both out of town. This score is way to low!
January 28th, 2024 at 6:08 pm
Goodnight Baltimore.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Running QB’s do NOT win!!!
January 28th, 2024 at 6:12 pm
@ marine – the odds of hitting another diamond in teh rough are nil. You know it and I know it.
SMDH. Stop the walmart bargain bin shopping BS.
Baker is getting paid. We lucked out. Pay Baker then Winfield then Evans can get the scraps. Sorry.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
I’m sitting here watching Lamar Jackson piss away Baltimores playoff hopes AGAIN, and realizing how much better Baker has been in the playoffs than Lamar and just about every other QB in the EXCPT for Mahomes. The Bucs could do much worse than Baker Mayfield, and need to get deals done with Mike and Baker, a quality OC.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
And some posters were calling for Monken to be Bucs head coach.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
@ Ed
Yep.
Just like the Bucs vs. Lions.
There are normally 3-4 plays that usually dictate the conclusion of most play-off games.
Baltimore 5h!t the bed today.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
Not an AFC guy BUT I’d rather see the Chiefs in the SB and NOT the Ravens….
Chances likely slim BUT would be nice if its the Lions year…
Glaziers, go get Todd Monken as the Bucs HC!
January 28th, 2024 at 6:18 pm
DBS Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
You mean these 2 great QB’S didn’t hang 50 points on each other? I mean when you are the best you are expected to do it against anyone anytime. Run them both out of town. This score is way too low!
………………..
Wonder how many ravens fans want Jackson ran out of town. No one. He has no touch on his passes and makes bad decisions but he gives them a chance to win, take note Bucs fans, Mayfield gives Bucs a chance and has a better touch on passes, read’s defenses much better with a far inferior line. Fact
January 28th, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Man you people are negative. With friends like this who needs enemies. Mayfield and Evans have indicated they are willing to do team friendly contracts to stay together. Mayfield is back to being a cult hero and will probably pick up some commercial work to make up any money he leaves on the table.There is more cap space too. interview Van Pelt already.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:22 pm
The Raven message board posters are going after Monken.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Ken Dorsey is a scratch for OC… HIRED by the Browns!
January 28th, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Licht let a starting superbowl safety who just helped shut down Lamar Jackson walk for Ryan Neal #unacceptable
January 28th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
i’m so sick of these chiefs…
and even more sick when i think about dave cantalones
🙂
January 28th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
Lamar has a long history of under performing in the playoffs. Baker is the opposite. He over performs in the playoffs. That is why the weak NFC South is perfect for him. Just get in the playoffs and he turns on the jets. There has been a lot of slamming Baker foe being inconsistent. So is Lamar but in the more important playoffs he is inconsistent.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:29 pm
Andy Reid is a far better coach than Bill Belichick ever was and will hopefully go down in history as the greatest NFL coach of all time
January 28th, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Tbbucs3. Remember some of this was money driven. We didn’t have the money to resign everyone. They went after the money and what we got in return we only the players we could afford.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:32 pm
Monken didn’t fumble and make boneheaded penalties. Do you really think Monken would craft the same offense in Tampa as Baltimore?
January 28th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
@NE Boy – The Ravens had the best record in the NFL this season, beat the best teams, and made it to the AFC championship game because running quarterbacks do win … oh and don’t forget win NFL MVP
January 28th, 2024 at 6:34 pm
Chris, you missed GOFF. Jackieboy@ I would agree to disagree, Belichick has 6 rings to prove it. Don’t use the Brady excuse, Reid is in the same boat without Mahomes. He couldn’t do it with Alex Smith.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:35 pm
Jackieboy@ what SB has a running QB won? Answer -0-
January 28th, 2024 at 6:45 pm
“You know, when we hired [Canales], it was going to be Baker or, well, we hired Dave first obviously, but we were after Baker at that point”
Nothing to see here. Of course they had an idea of who “it was going to be” well before free agency. That doesn’t necessarily mean Baker knew about it.
January 28th, 2024 at 6:53 pm
Let Licht and Baker walk, We need Evans, Winfield and David to return for SURE and of course Wirfs!!! Go BUCS!!!
January 28th, 2024 at 6:54 pm
UKBuccaneer: OK , so it’s OK for a head coach and GM to lie to anybody and everybody if THEIR jobs are on the line? Well let’s see how well that works out when they bring in those critical free agent players and other players who deserve raises and they start making promises to THE PLAYERS concerning redoing contracts and THEIR compensation based on nothing but handshakes and trust, especially if they have offers elsewhere.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:05 pm
@Uppity NE Fan – Bill Belichick as head coach has a losing record without Tom Brady, as many playoff wins without Tom Brady as Todd Bowles (i.e. only one 😂) and no Super Bowl appearances without Tom Brady. But Andy Reid as head coach has a winning record without Patrick Mahomes, 11 playoff wins without Patrick Mahomes, and a super bowl appearance without Patrick Mahomes because Andy Reid is a better head coach than Bill Belichick
January 28th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
@Uppity NE Fan – Define running quarterback. Lamar Jackson is a good pocket passer and can also scramble. You can also say the same thing about Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Russel Wilson to name a few Super Bowl winning quarterbacks who are good pocket passers that can also scramble.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:11 pm
So is Kyle Shanohan a terrible head coach and horrible offensive coordinator because his team is getting blown out by the Detroit Lions? Or do you JBF commenters only save that vitriol for Todd Bowles?
January 28th, 2024 at 7:13 pm
If Baker doesn’t choke, this could be the Bucs right now.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
DBS
Mike Edwards isnt making much more $ than Ryan Neal at all. They are both 1 year deals. Plus, if you are going to move on from Edwards (a very solid safety) you can’t replace him with the worst safety in the NFL
January 28th, 2024 at 7:17 pm
No Rod, this could be the Bucs right now if they has a pass rush and defensive backs that dont get juked by white TEs
January 28th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Tbbucs3 – The team put Baker in a position to have the ball, with 2 minutes left, and the game on the line – and he lasted all of two plays before blowing it.
I’m not the one that spent all year comparing Baker to Brady, Brees, Mahomes, it was you insane Baker Bois that did.
I’m fine with Baker coming back to see if he can improve on a fairly middling season (18th QBR, 20th scoring), but you Baker Bois do him no good when you dopes are comparing him legends.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Jackieboy@ there is a difference between running and scrambling. I do remember that SB, Reids team was loaded and Donovan McMamm was Reids QB. I believe if I’m not mistaken was Belichick, who by the way developed Brady. Admitted by Brady himself. What game are you watching where Detriot is blowing out SF?
January 28th, 2024 at 7:29 pm
Rod Munch Says:
If Baker doesn’t choke, this could be the Bucs right now.
—————
Jared Goff didn’t get hit all day long, but sure. It’s all Baker’s fault.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:34 pm
McNabb
January 28th, 2024 at 7:39 pm
Rah rah in atlanta is a joke, Canales in carolina with Bryce Young (ABust). No threat even if if the bucs start trash.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:44 pm
30m is too much for baker. 25m is too much for baker. If you can’t put together more than two good games in a row all season. How far do you think that QB will take you into the playoffs. I like Baker the man. I do not like the production. Not willing to lose other more important players for him. NWIH is he more important than Evans Winfield or wirfs. That’s a big no.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:44 pm
NE- Both Qbs are top 7 rushers. Lamar made a bad decision much like Mayfield at the end of the game. Lamar can make all the throws. His touch and placement on swing passes and crossing routes is elite. His deep ball is pretty amazing too. It’s wasn’t his fault his defense kept giving KC crucial 1st downs because of personal fouls. Flowers fumble into the endzone wasn’t on him either. Ravens lack discipline and got out coach by Andy Reid tonight.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:46 pm
Marine Buc Says:
Can you imagine if Godwin is our WR1 and Palmer our WR2 next season?
Let’s see how Baker does then.
—–
yeah I can imagine it. Mike of course would be missed but in some ways the offense would be better. Its no coincidence the offense got better around the time Mike go t his 1,000 yards. The ball went wherever it went and it was a good thing
Meanwhile Palmer has shown flashes and would no longer be a rookie plus another full training campe to get down the route running. Personally would love to see it. At least I’d stop reading the drop down silliness of how Mike makes any QB look good like Mike can actually throw the ball to himself and catch it he’s so great.
You are all worried about what Baker gets but the real albatross will be Mike because Father time catches up to all men and is undefeated. GO ahead and pay Mike the Max he wants for 3-4 years. I give Mike one more solid year before you see how father time works his magic on us all.
P.S. Did you mean do it again – again . Because Baker already did a similar year in Cleveland – and behold there was No Mike evans on the roster. there. Who da thunk?
January 28th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Marine Buc Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
@ Tbbucs
Not trying to diminish what Baker accomplished here.
But I can certainly name 10 QBs I would rather have over Baker.
“The question is if he can do it again”
I have the same doubts. IMO – we just witnessed Baker’s ceiling this season. If Mike Evans leaves then we have certainly hit the ceiling here in Tampa with Baker at QB…
Can you imagine if Godwin is our WR1 and Palmer our WR2 next season?
Let’s see how Baker does then.”
…………………………………………
About as well as Mahomes did THIS year
January 28th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Notice the great Brock Purdy looks VERY average with no time to pass?
January 28th, 2024 at 7:54 pm
@Uppity NE Fan – You still didn’t provide a definition of what you think a “running quaterback” is. Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Russel Wilson are good pocket passers who are also good at “scrambling” (i.e. running past the line scrimmage). I’m watching the game where the Lions are winning 21-7 against the 49ers, and one touchdown away from winning by 21 points–which is a blow out.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:56 pm
Tbbucs3 Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 7:17 pm
No Rod, this could be the Bucs right now if they has a pass rush and defensive backs that dont get juked by white TEs
—
Tb you don’t get whats really eating Rod
IF the lions blow the Niners out it makse Baker and the bus look even better for how they played them.
IF Detroit then goes on and wins the Superbowl then we only lost to the Champions. Even better narrative.
It would be like the final dagger to the heart of the Trask Occult.
January 28th, 2024 at 7:57 pm
Josh Queipo prediction:
Mayfield new contract.
Franchise Tag Likelihood: Low
3 years $82.5M, $27.5M APY, $32.5M Fully Gtd
Year One Cap Hit: $12.5 million
If you ask me, this is the best case scenario.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Rod Munch Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Tbbucs3 – The team put Baker in a position to have the ball, with 2 minutes left, and the game on the line – and he lasted all of two plays before blowing it.
I’m not the one that spent all year comparing Baker to Brady, Brees, Mahomes, it was you insane Baker Bois that did.
_____________________
Hey Munch, “Baker bois” aren’t the ones comparing Baker to Brady. Tampa Bay Buc management is doing it on its own website. See below. When you are losing an argument, pound on the facts,wjhen that doesn’t work pound on the truth. When neither the facts nor truth are on your side, pond on the table. Give it up Munch you are just pounding on the table. Pass around that humble pie to the Hate Brigade.
Tampa Bay QB Playoff Passing Leaders
Quarterback Playoff Round Opponent Yards
Tom Brady 2020 Wild Card Washington 381
Tom Brady 2022 Wild Card Dallas 351
Baker Mayfield2024 Divisional Detroit 349
Baker Mayfield2023 Wild Card Philadelphia 337
Tom Brady 2021 Divisional L.A. Rams 329
January 28th, 2024 at 8:03 pm
RodMunch,
I can keep going. More from Tampa Bay website.
Highest Career Postseason Passer Rating, Active NFL Quarterbacks (min. 3 games)
Quarterback Team(s) Rating
Patrick Mahomes Chiefs 106.7
Matthew Stafford Lions/Rams 101.7
Brock Purdy 49ers 101.0
Baker Mayfield Browns/Bucs 100.4
Aaron Rodgers Packers 100.1
January 28th, 2024 at 8:05 pm
If you ask me a few years ago if Godwin could be a quality #1 I would have said yes, of course. Now I don’t know. Has Godwin really lost a step after the knee injury? Or was he misused this year on the outside? I’m still holding out hope it’s the latter and he bounces back next year.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Remember when Mahomes choked with the game on the line today?
Oh right, he didn’t.
No one does more harm to Mayfield’s image than the Baker Bois cult.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:08 pm
So can we all agree Todd Bowles did a better job against the Lions in the playoffs than the #1 NFC ranked 49ers head coach? 😂
January 28th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
If Todd Bowles was down 7-24 at half against the Lions in the playoffs all you JBF commenters would be demanding for him to be fired 😂
January 28th, 2024 at 8:13 pm
Hard to argue with Jack Clark. Bringing the truth.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:13 pm
Stanglassman – I think Godwin hasn’t quite been the same guy as before the injury. But he’s not going anywhere. If they wanted to get rid of him, it would have to be a post-June 1st move, and you’d still take a $7.5m hit this year and next year and still have to replace him.
I don’t think Godwin is a top end #1, but he’s still going to be one of the very best #2 WRs in football. Which is why the Bucs bring Evans back.
But also why the Bucs should take a WR if one falls to them – as Godwin only has a year left on his deal.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
RodMunch,
Bowles, Baker and Canales all the guys you have beaten up all year, gave Detroit a much better game so far than 49er’s who trail Detroit 24-7 at halftime. Yeah, and you speak with such absolute certainty.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:24 pm
Gipper – Yeah, which is why it’s so disappointing that the team put Baker in the position to be a legend, and he choked in record time instead. If he didn’t do so, that could be the Bucs today, and Bakers legend would grow.
Instead Baker has no legend, except for choking in the biggest moment of his life.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:25 pm
Rod Munch Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Remember when Mahomes choked with the game on the line today?
Oh right, he didn’t.
No one does more harm to Mayfield’s image than the Baker Bois cult.
_______
Keep trying to make yourself relevant. It’s not working. You have a full season and playoffs to atone for. Will give you credit that no matter how wrongheaded, you stay your lonely course.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:34 pm
Find me a AB who hasn’t thrown a pick with the game on the line.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:34 pm
Rod Munch,
Gee, when I watch tight ends in today’s game they do what a tight end it supposed to do against a zone defense. They sit down in front of the zone. Told you last week Otton got too deep and went past the linebacker in the play that was intercepted. Also told you that in the interception replay it is obvious that Otton and Godwin would have collided in midfield because both were coming from opposite directions. That is how I know Otton ran the wrong route. Mayfield didn’t hang it on Otton then or ever. Real football people know what happened. Pretend football people just keep pretending.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:34 pm
QB* stupid fat-thumbs
January 28th, 2024 at 8:37 pm
Rod Munch Says:
Instead Baker has no legend, except for choking in the biggest moment of his life.
—
We shoud all know you are seething roddy. Only making concessions because Baker has forced you to – hatred bubbling to the top in between.
Watch some more NFl – Happens to the best of em. INts were low on Baker this year so you have no point
With only one time out left and under two minutes while being pounded by rushers untouched coming his way He tried to force one in and make something happen
Seh la vie. Not as bad as you record on predictions and certainly doesn’t negate him coming back with TDs over an over to keep the Bucs close.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:39 pm
Gipper – most QB’s fail in that situation, but I’m not the idiot comparing him to Brady and Mahomes.
I assure you, if Brady had the ball at the end of the game, if Mahomes at the ball at the end of the game, the Lions would have been s–ting themselves.
They really weren’t very worried about Baker, however.
Baker would need to actually succeed in those situations, many times, in many big games before, before anyone who isn’t insane to bring up Bakers name.
Baker was fine this year, 18th in QBR, 20th in scoring, a very middling performance. I’m fine with him coming back next year, to see if he can improve – but he needs to improve to keep his job, otherwise you just got a lesser version of Derek Carr.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:41 pm
We knew what you meant UK.
Interesting point Gripper. I didn’t realize it. I wonder if Lamar had the same issue tonight? Thought his receiver was stopping short or curling back on the int.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:43 pm
Rod Munch Says:
They really weren’t very worried about Baker, however.
—
I guess thats why they were playign such tight defense
as usual with haters
Don’tmake a lick of sense. Just typing to see yourself typing….lol derek carr.
January 28th, 2024 at 8:53 pm
RodMunch,
Right!! See comments 8:03 on this thread. Baker will move up today vs actives. Let’s see MaHomes , Stafford, Mayfield, Purdy, Rodgers highest rated playoff QB’s among active QB’s. Nothing “middling” about Mayfield 2023 stats. Most have Mayfield for full season rated 8th. Moreover in terms of durability Mayfield maybe missed a couple of snaps all year.
January 28th, 2024 at 9:04 pm
The wheels are falling off the Lions. Fumbles, drops and had tgem
Pinned at the one after a monster punt. These guys are gonna blow it. 🫣
January 28th, 2024 at 9:08 pm
Gipper – Baker was literally the lowest scoring QB out of QB’s that starter 16 or 17 games. 11 teams that had to play backup QBs in at least 2 games, score more than Baker.
He was fine – you can win with a guy who is 20th in scoring by relying on the defense, and the Bucs were 7th in scoring defense.
Baker had a handful of very good games, a handful of very very bad games – but was mostly middling, which is why he finished 18th in QBR.
January 28th, 2024 at 9:26 pm
Of note: Geno’s contract wasn’t simply 3 years at $25 million, he had something like $7 million in incentives
January 28th, 2024 at 10:17 pm
This team doesn’t know how to evaluate QB in the draft “Trask”. The bucs can’t develope a QB “Trask” and they can’t get a veteran QB which was a first overall pick to play well in more than two consecutive weeks and only did that once. So what will the bucs do.
January 28th, 2024 at 10:32 pm
To all you Trask might have done this and Trask might have done that. KYLE TRASK NEVER STARTED A HIGH SCHOOL GAME. And he was lucky to get that year in college because he stuck around until no one was left.. Dude seems to be a great guy, but he is NOT an NFL starter. A lot of coaches decided that.
January 29th, 2024 at 12:07 am
It has been said the NFL teams lie and throw smoke around draft time to convince their counterparts to play into their hands. What makes you think they don’t weeks before free agency. The season is not even over yet and the smoke begins. Those were very careful words to the access sports media. Why do this, I am just conjecturing but maybe –
1) Knock Baker’s price down by inferring it was the coach not the QB that was more important to the team success
2) Play the Trask card for leverage
3) Convince the fan base what a bunch of smart guys the Bucs have in the front office in case Baker leaves or they don’t meet his price
I hope Baker has matured enough and recognize this is par for the league. And he doesn’t blow his cool and gives up on the team now the Bucs are using the useful idiots in the media. I can only imagine where Baker and the Browns would be right now had he not written that goodbye letter after the media reported the Browns’ brass flew down to talk to D Watson. He’d be in his 4th year in the same offense with a playoff worthy Brown’s defense. And probably already in a contract that paid $30-$35M a year with renewal to updated market value in coming years.
January 29th, 2024 at 5:27 am
The word “if” is used more than, I have leaves in my yard.
And we all know, “if” elephants had wings……….
January 29th, 2024 at 8:02 am
Rod Munch Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 9:08 pm
Gipper – Baker was literally the lowest scoring QB out of QB’s that starter 16 or 17 games.
—-
Utterly dumb stat since a large amount of Qbs get injured at least a game or two
at least try harder to make a good point.
January 29th, 2024 at 8:13 am
Chris Says:
January 28th, 2024 at 6:13 pm
I’m sitting here watching Lamar Jackson piss away Baltimores playoff hopes AGAIN, and realizing how much better Baker has been in the playoffs than Lamar and just about every other QB in the EXCPT for Mahomes.
—-
I was chuckling watching that game
batted passes…… BOTH Qbs missing open receivers. All things we hear here every week makes a QB a bust.
January 29th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
I always thought Belichek made Brady until Tom came here and succeeded and the Pats went to crap. I admit that I was wrong all those years.
January 29th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Y’all need to check out the record setting shootout between Mayfield and Mahomes in the 2016 Sooners/ Red Raiders game. (It’s incredible!)
January 29th, 2024 at 5:28 pm
These Trask fanboys – BWAAHAAHAHAAA.
Of course there was no real preseason competition because Baker is 1000x better.
Baker had several stats show he was a top ten QB, hell the Bucs had to pay him because of the escalators in his contract.
If you don’t resign Baker, Mike likely leaves and we become a 3-4 win team QUICKLY. Pay Baker and build around him. And you dreamers better get ready, because there’s no way he gets less money than Derek Carr. 4 years, $150 million. $100 guaranteed. That’s just the going rate for a playoff winning QB.
AND HE”S WORTH IT.
I honestly believe a good portion of you ignorant fans would have been happier if we’d only won a handful of games and lived in the NFC South basement.
Ridiculous.
I’ll say it again for the cheap seats – “PLAYOFF WINNING QB” After every playoff game up now have been completed only Mahomes has more yardage in this years playoff. And only by like 30 yards!
January 29th, 2024 at 5:30 pm
These Trask fanboys – BWAAHAAHAHAAA.
Of course there was no real preseason competition because Baker is 1000x better.
Baker had several stats show he was a top ten QB, hell the Bucs had to pay him because of the escalators in his contract.
If you don’t resign Baker, Mike likely leaves and we become a 3-4 win team QUICKLY. Pay Baker and build around him. And you dreamers better get ready, because there’s no way he gets less money than Derek Carr. 4 years, $150 million. $100 guaranteed. That’s just the going rate for a playoff winning QB.
AND HE”S WORTH IT.
I honestly believe a good portion of you fans would have been happier if we’d only won a handful of games and lived in the NFC South basement. Ridiculous.
I’ll say it again for the cheap seats – “PLAYOFF WINNING QB” After every playoff game up now have been completed only Mahomes has more yardage in this years playoff. And only by like 30 yards!