Baker Mayfield Ranked 21st-Best Quarterback
May 20th, 2026
It is said that Baker Mayfield is the kind of guy fueled by criticism thrown at his game, leadership and ability.
So here’s a few gallons of gas for the Bucs’ franchise quarterback.
A couple of BSPN football heads agreed that Mayfield is the 21st-best quarterback in the NFL. For this “draft” of QBs, analysts Mina Kimes and Ben Solak did not factor in contracts and only focused on a three-year future window for NFL QBs, and skills and on-field play.
The duo squeezed Mayfield behind Broncos QB Bo Nix and Titans QB Cam Ward.
Both knocked Mayfield’s inconsistency.
“Baker just, from Cleveland to Carolina ot Tampa Bay, just struggles so much to calibrate,” Solak said on The Mina Kimes Podcast. “When he is on, he is on. When he is disagreeing with his receivers, when he is throwing into tight windows when he is getting pressured, he just continues to hammer high-velocity balls into coverage.”
Solak continued to bang away on Mayfield, “The pocket management is just so rough at times,” Solak said, adding that Mayfield doesn’t adjust enough in games.
Joe hopes somebody at One Buc Palace sends this to Mayfield. Think what you want about Kimes and Solak, but they influence a lot fans nationwide.
The fun part for Joe of their Mayfield disrespect was they ranked all the other NFC South quarterbacks below Mayfield.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:16 am
It just goes to show that these “experts” don’t know what the hell they’re talking about.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:28 am
i have baker around the #14-#16 range…
but when you lead the NFL in INTs & Fumbles like he did in 2024 and follow that up by choking in DEC, i can see how they landed on that number…
Baker still has a ton to prove…another 8 wins and he’ll be holding a clip board just like JW
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Sounds spot on to me. A guy who wilts under pressure nearly every time is not elite.
At some point criticism becomes the reality if no improvement is made.
Based on the results of last season, Baker is lucky to have a job.
And a major reason he sits with one year left to prove his worth.
Extending him only makes sense if he steps his game up in 2026.
And a .500 record or worse to win the division isn’t going to cut it.
Especially if we get bounced in round one, yet again.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:32 am
This is great bulletin board material for the locker room.
I would also give him a #21 jersey for practice some days “by accident” just to remind him… Not that he’ll need reminding.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:39 am
I love Baker but his ceiling is 10 and 21 is where he finished last year.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:39 am
Also, put his locker at spot 21. Have 21 items on the menu for lunch.
Start practice with a 21 gun salute periodically. Play 21 Questions by 50 Cent at practice. Give him a 6 sided die and say “hey, Bake, did you know that 6+5+4+3+2+1 equals 21? Well, now you do!”
“Who wants to play the game 20 questions??? Oh, hey, Bake, you get an extra question cuz you’ll probably need it. Yep, you get 21.”
Put “how to” blackjack tutorials in his locker from time to time. Congratulate him on being 21 and able to imbibe in alcohol.
Basically, theme this man’s life around being #21. He carries a chip well. So let him carry it well.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:39 am
So did Baker not have enough motivation after the bye last season? Did the opposing teams not trash talk Baker on the field during the games to give him real time “gallons of gas” as Joe put it?
The chip on Bakers shoulder weighs him down. He doesn’t need more motivation, hes needs to put in time with his WRs and improve. He’s in a contract year so expect the expected from Baker: hero ball and turnovers.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:42 am
LynchMob50,
Baker literally has the highest career playoff passer rating. He has come up big in many crucial moments only for his team to fail him. To have him behind Cam Ward is downright criminal
May 20th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Baker is much better than the narratives around him. His arm talent is among the league’s best, and he has a high football IQ. The roster around him on offense is well equipped, the main Baker concern is not ability, it is durability. Compare the first half of last year to the second half under many injuries. If he gets banged up again, the Bucs need to sit him out until he is not limited by his injuries. Does the team no good long-term to let the injuries get worse, and for Baker to never get healthy. He is just a guy who will not take a day off, and you need to force him when needed.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Where do they have Bowles ranked?
May 20th, 2026 at 9:50 am
This is a big year for Mayfield & the Bucs pertaining to him being here beyond this coming season. The 2024 season with Coen vs. 2025 season with Grizzard is a snapshot of Mayfield’s whole career in the NFL. Which QB is Mayfield? To me, his case is totally unique and perplexing. I don’t know if there has ever been another example of 1st round starting QB or, any round starting QB for that matter, that has had a different offensive coordinator every year he has been in the league. That’s got to be tough sledding and a little more than just a mitigating circumstance. I give him credit for doing as well as he has considering all that. We’ll never know if Baker can be a consistent top 10 QB having a different OC every year. Hopefully for the Bucs & Mayfield, we’ll have a great season and some continuity moving forward as a year to year contender.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:54 am
Bowles is ranked dead last as a dc and head coach!
May 20th, 2026 at 9:56 am
Hey Joe, how come my 21 theme comment was taken down? Honestly curious.
May 20th, 2026 at 9:58 am
21st? Baker is not elite by any means but that’s too low. At this point he’s alot better that Ward or Bo Nix.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:02 am
Bo Nix helped get his team to the conference championship and came back from a 26-8 deficit versus the Giants by scoring 33 points in the 4th quarter. When has Baker come close to that with the Bucs?
May 20th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Compare Baker’s stats to Patrick mahomes for the last three seasons
May 20th, 2026 at 10:07 am
ModHairKen Says:
May 20th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Where do they have Bowles ranked?
imo, bowles is around #14-#16 just like baker…both are mid
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 10:12 am
@Bee, drop the mic
Oh, but wait….his playoff PR is high (nm the record)
May 20th, 2026 at 10:13 am
Beeej Says:
May 20th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Compare Baker’s stats to Patrick mahomes for the last three seasons
LOL…compare WIN TOTAL lol…thats all that matters…
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 10:16 am
Baker is not elite. But I think they got the number backwards. He’s more like the 12th best.
Who’s better? Mahoney, Heibert, Lamar, Burrow, Maye, Allen, Goff, Dak, Daniels. That’s 9 and some of them are generous. I don’t think so, but others may say Stroud, Dart, Hurt, Darnold, Love and Caleb Williams because most of them are young and have upside. Even if you include all of them, that’s 15 and not all of them will make it.
I didn’t include those that probably won’t be around for 3 years like Stafford or Rogers.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:19 am
813bucboi Says:
“…but when you lead the NFL in INTs & Fumbles like he did in 2024…”
Here’s the thing…when compared to other years…the most Interceptions in 2024 was actually fairly low. He had, what? 17 picks? Tied with another QB?
Usually, the most picks are in the mid-20s or higher.
17 picks were not that bad.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
100% agree,
Hes not special. I like him, Hes right for what we are trying to do but hes not elite.
hes going on like year 8 or 9 and we have pretty much seen his best.
Sorry but hes not much better than the 15-20th best qb.
Hes very dangerious because if you pay him like hes top 10 you will get burned.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
2-7 in his last 9 games last year….the good QB’s don’t do that. I like Baker, but I am not signing him to an extension this offseason and I need to see him stay healthy and show more consistency on a game in and game out basis. Starting to see why he did not stick elsewhere.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:40 am
I told you guys months ago the EARLIEST in a ” QB only” draft Baker would go is #19 and that was being generous. I have him the nod over EVERY QB drafted in 2025-2026, THIS Aaron Rodgers, Tua (too injury prone), Murray, Bryce Young and Daniel Jones. It’s more then likely he would slide down the list before he moves up. The 18 before him are: Allen,Lamar, Burrow, Mahomes, Stafford,Goff,Dak,Herbert,Lawrence,Darnold,Hurts,Purdy,Stroud,Love and the 4 guys from the 2024 class: Caleb,Maye,Nix and JD5. That’s 18. You know it’s funny Purdy is almost 5 years younger then Baker but has accomplished a lot more already, title game,SB ,too 4 MVP finish, wins about 70% of his starts,etc. But to ppl like Kenton, somehow Baker is better. Mind you Purdy has better efficiency metrics across the board and per game averages too. But this is for Kenton… You have said 1,000 times Baker has the highest playoff passed rating….I don’t r understand it but it’s true. You said you put ALOT of stock in passer rating and the NFL does too….Well Purdy since he entered the league in 2022, has a passer rating of 104.0. No it’s ,well take this, exclude that lie you Baker ppl do for him. Just 104.0 in the regukar season over 4 years/49 games. Born again Baker has a passer rating of 97.4 just here in Tampa. To help you all out, I removed Baker’s horrendous 2022 season where he literally was the worst QB in the NFL even tho that’s the year Purdy came into the league. But yeah, 2022-2025 Purdy-49 games vs Baker 2023-2025-51 games. 104.0 vs 97.4. That is magnified by the fact that Purdys first 4 years are better then the best version of Baker. Actually 2/3 seasons Baker been here Purdy has had a higher passer rating. He’s 26. Baker is 31. Purdy actually led the league in passer rating one season. Funny, Trey Lance didn’t cut it in SF and the 49ers offense is significantly better under Purdy then Garapolo. Just in case you were to say ” it’s the system”. I’ll wait for you ridiculous response. Let the excuses begin:Defense,Bowles,Ol, different OCs, Cleveland, Carolina, the equipment manager chis mother, the economy , politics,et
May 20th, 2026 at 10:42 am
21 seems too low for me. I doubt I’d rank nix ahead of him at least to this point. But wouldn’t rank him any higher than top half.
Their points are well taken. He doesn’t manage the pocket well often enough, he’s quick to break contain, his passes often have way too much mustard on them.
Hes a good qb but needs a lot to go right for him to win. His first 7 games last year were fantastic as he was running around making plays, but he can’t do that forever. He has to learn to play from the pocket more and take less hits so he doesn’t end up like Russell Wilson.
I hope his line stays healthy and he adapts this year. But at 31 years old I’m not holding my breath.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:51 am
Here we go, another ” pissed, add fuel to the fire, chip on his shoulder”. I’m so tired of hearing about that going on 4 seasons. Look out NFL!! You will incur the wrath of the discarded scrapper!! He will add to his NFL record if ” chips on shoulders” and he is my pick to lead the NFL in moxies for the 4th straight year. They pissed him off and he’s going to use the red key. See, if he had no fuel, we’d go 7-10/8-9 with a 25th ranked offense. Now he is pissed we will go 8-9 for sure,maybe even 9-8. 4-2 in the division, 5-6 outside of it. Offense will be #20-22 now. Oh boy” they”have done it now!!! You know how MJ ” took it personal”. Well this is the new version. Kenton probably feels Baker is at least on the same level if not higher then MJ too..That’s the lunacy the Bake cult display. I know he fell out his rocking chair when he saw Baker ranked #21. I think Kenton would stroke out if Baker was ranked 21st all time LOL
May 20th, 2026 at 10:56 am
Obvious: he will NEVER,EVER be Russell Wilson. The stats,winning and accolades Russ put up on his 10 years in Seattle is a bar Baker could not even……it’s a staggering comparison..I seen Wilson get mentioned as a top 20-25 guy all time. He had about a 7 year run where he was a top 3-6 QB and that’s when the league was stacked at QB. Usually behind bad OLines too. I dot. See how you wouldn’t have Nix over Baker. Younger,bigger,better stats, wins more already has more post season wins. That’s what the Baker cult tell you when they foolishly sayBaker is over Herbert and Lawrence right?
May 20th, 2026 at 10:56 am
I think the key is that a lot of fans let Kimes and Solak make up their minds for them. At least on this thread. The simple notion of ranking 32 or more QBs in some precise order, especially given their varied team structures and situations, is prima facie preposterous. And to project it three years into the future? And to have people treat such bull session chatter as “data”? As for the value of Mayfield, what other player who, regardless of position, is ranked twenty-first at his job can generate such passionate attention among fandom nationwide? The NFL is entertainment; Baker is box office and TV ratings. Even Kimes and Solak know how to get attention on a slow news day.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Before the bye last year, he was #1. After the bye, he was bottom tier.
So, 21st seems about right if we are basing it on last year and therefore the current (what has he done lately) status.
He’s 21st in my book until he proves otherwise and starts playing good/great again consistently.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:00 am
813 – ” compare win totals”…
I get it, but these guys aren’t pitchers. As you well know it’s a team game. The defense can let you down. Special teams. Receivers. He has plenty of flaws, but in football especially it’s a lot more than the guy throwing the ball.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Cleveland is ancient history, forget it. Bake has three years here, with two rookie coordinators and Coen. Look at those years with those coordinators. Bake is way above a 21.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:13 am
Great Article. Great comments. So far, anyway. QBs are judged by wins and losses, pure and simple. And judging by that, they may be being a bit generous. Just another reason I’m looking for a great season.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:15 am
Funny article. Baker is his own worst enemy. His mindset is very similar to JW. Winston feels like there’s no throw he can’t make. He extends plays and it that lead to turn overs. Baker does the same except he’s smaller so his body cant hold up during the season and then the little ailments come up that he plays through. Add that with how bad our D was last year and you get those results.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:16 am
Bucs primetime games in 2026 – 3
Rams primetime games in 2026 – 7
If Baker is so box office and entertaining then why don’t the Bucs have more national games? Is it because Baker is 2-10 with primetime games including the playoffs in 3 seasons?
May 20th, 2026 at 11:23 am
Can’t figure out for the life of me why anyone cares where Baker Mayfield is ranked. The only important issue is … ‘Can he get the job done for the Bucs?’
If some pundits want to rank Baker behind Bo Nix or Cam Ward, I’m glad. That might be disrespect to some, but to me that’s MOTIVATION for Baker.
The one ‘mitigating factor’ that few seem to be mentioning this season when they talk about Baker is our new QB coach, Chandler Whitmer. I’m really impressed with that young coach, and am convinced that he’ll make a big difference in Baker’s performance this year.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Somebody check on Kenton Smith, Gipper and Stepmatt. I believe they are all the same person but someone check on them. Go to the nursing home and do a wellness check. Sal, you ok buddy? Just wait until Baker is in a tough division and don’t have a good roster to proo him up. 2027 in Arizona he’s going to look like he did in 2022 with the Panthers and Rams when he was the worse QB in football. Wait till you guys discover the team had to prop him up to be serviceable. Yes, he or any QB could be better with a improved supporting cast. By the same token, that supporting cast would be better with a better QB. A average OL would lol better with a QB who has a quicker release,can read a defense, can see over the line of scrimmage and play more on schedule ball.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:30 am
League leader in turnovers will do that to ya
May 20th, 2026 at 11:31 am
Buc Rogers he is the white Jameis
May 20th, 2026 at 11:32 am
Nix. First 2 years. 24-10. Playoffs first 3 years. 7700 yards,,54 TD and 23 int. Yes, that will outrank a undersized,scrapper, journeyman on team #4 with a sub.500 record and BARELY.500 here and actually below .500 outside the division. Someone check on Kenton,Gipper,Sal.anf Stepmatt even tho I suspect they are the same person. They did t take this article well.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:34 am
Idiots abound! Would be interesting to hear what they were saying in 2024 and first half 2025 seasons.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:36 am
So bad? 19th. More towards mediocre the n historically bad. Caleb was 11-6 and the Bears defense was 29th. Year before that he Commanders defense allowed more points the us and they were 12-5 and went to the title game. Winston could easily win THIS NFC south. How would Baker fare in the 2015-19 NFC south🤣🤣🤣. I don’t think the lil fella could compete it make it.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:40 am
BBBB doesn’t even know weightlifting language after spending years in the gym, how can he be intelligent enough to know anything at all, what a joke Deadlifts 😂🤤
May 20th, 2026 at 11:40 am
2024….started 4-6. Fluke season was 10-7. Barely won the NFC southin week 18. Finished 22th in MVP voting lol. His 2024 would be a ho hum year for Dak and down year for Goff. Led the leauge in picks. Loss in the wildcard round after his 4th qtr fumble. Last year…..started 3-1. Was 83/139 61% for 904 yards after 4 games . I don’t get it. Played like dog crap most of the Philly and Detroit game. Was 5-2 with a negative point differential and a mid offense. Best the Saints 20-3 in a ugly game to go to 6-2. What was the big deal? They so ugly.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Buccaneer Bonzai
17 INTs in a season aint good…you’re putting lip stick on a pig lol
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 11:44 am
Nix hasn’t completed 3 years in the league. He’s going in to year 3. Wonder what Baker’s record would be with that Broncos defense! Baker’s stats in the same time frame as Nix’s is 68 touchdowns, 27 interceptions and about 8100 yards. Plus his head coach is Bowles, Nix’s is Sean Payton.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:46 am
Baker can throw 50 interceptions and fumble the ball 100 times in 2026 but let’s face it he is getting an extension – the Glazers have 2 Super Bowl trophies and like the optics of the Bowles Mayfield Licht troika – they also have the lump-in-the-throat-inducing Raise The Flags film to complete the gauzy image of a historic franchise – and the team is profitable – winning is strictly secondary after money – an 8-9 record in 2026 is insufficiently embarrassing and sufficiently competent to maintain the status quo going forward
May 20th, 2026 at 11:48 am
Steven007 Says:
May 20th, 2026 at 11:00 am
813 – ” compare win totals”…
I get it, but these guys aren’t pitchers. As you well know it’s a team game. The defense can let you down. Special teams. Receivers. He has plenty of flaws, but in football especially it’s a lot more than the guy throwing the ball.
I understand its a team game but that doesnt erase the fact that Bakers performance in DEC were horrible when his team needed him the most….
if you’re going to say a lot goes into losing, you have to say the same about winning….it was a team effort that got us to 6-2…it wasnt ONLY Baker..and he had a few mid games during that stretch…HOU & NO come to mind…
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 11:48 am
I still don’t see your joke WWW, yes deadlifts are what they are called lol..Look at you trying to stay off topic🤣🤣🤣. What type of sandwich are you getting off the food truck today? Keep drooling over the HR lady that walks out on the floor that would never give your he time of day lol. I can get off topic and make it personal too..Baker 2024 overrated fluke of a year is only surpassed by the he was great in 2025 until he got ” hurt”. Both myths. Hey, I want you guys to look up Ryan Fitzpatrick 2011 start. 3-0. Beat Brady head to head. Offense was averaging like 38 and he was averaging 300 and had 9 TD passes on those 3 games. Or that heater he went on here back in what 2017,2018? So veteran bridge/journeyman backupds don’t get streaky huh? Did Brissett have a better 2025 then Baker? Oh,I forgot. The ” injury”
May 20th, 2026 at 11:50 am
Bee … ‘Bo Nix helped get his team to the conference championship and came back from a 26-8 deficit versus the Giants by scoring 33 points in the 4th quarter.’
Two-sided coin Bee. Broncos were down 21-0 late in the 3rd qtr; they’d punted SIX times & gone Out-on-Downs once before they finally scored over 42 minutes into the game. Then the Giants defense really fell apart and surrendered 4 TDs and a FG … 33 friggin points … in barely 17 minutes of play. That’s what the Giants do.
Last season Bo Nix threw for 25 TDs against 11 INTs, completing 63.4% of his passes for 3931 yards in 17 games. And oh yes, he was supported by the #3 defense and the #2 rushing attack in the NFL.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Baker threw for 26 TDs against 11 INTs, completing 63.2% of his passes for 3693 yards in 17 games. And in his case, he was supported by the #20 defense and the #5 rushing attack in the NFL.
I don’t see a huge difference in their 2025 stats, except maybe the W-L records (difference in defenses might explain some of that?). And oh ya, Nix had a highly-experienced Sean Payton calling plays for him; Baker had a rookie OC calling plays for him. And don’t know if Nix was hurt any last season, but do know that he was only sacked 22 times, as opposed to Baker’s 36 times. Some of those factors MIGHT have played in there.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:51 am
Oscar your deliberately lying…..Baker first 2 years, 27-28 starts he had like 35 picks and 49 TD passes. He had the defense ranked 7th ins scoring in 2023. As far as defense….again 2025 Bears and 2024 Commanders. Dallas had the 32nd ranked defense last year,did that stop Dak from winning more? Yes. Did it stop him from doing HIS job..but I get it.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:52 am
Baker excuse bus ready in 5,4,3,2 aaaaand GO!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 11:53 am
@ bye baker:
Baker doesn’t have Kyle Shanahan or Christian McCaffeey every year.
What Baker doesn’t have is poor HC and Dc. Also different Coordinators EVERY year so it’s difficult to consistent. You have to look at the QB play from a lens of coaching and supporting players also. Not sure u are comparing apples to apples
May 20th, 2026 at 11:53 am
Exactly. They are projecting the next 3-year window (and not even including contract$ supposedly). It’s exactly what I’ve said… If you were redrafting all the Starting-QB’s in the league, Baker would NOT be drafted in the Top-20 (and he was definitely NOT a Top-20 QB for the majority of last season). The “Baker Fatigue” is wearing on THE BUCS. He’s not focused on the right things, AND Solak is sooooo ‘spot on’ about Baker’s pocket-awareness. I’ve noticed it and have been saying it all along. He had just as much time to throw as ANYBODY (and was sacked less than most). He’s just HORRIBLE under pressure, and makes BAD decisions. He can’t see and is TERRIBLE at manipulating the pocket. Brady was soooo good at it. Was soooo smooth. Mr. Joe Cool. Best I’ve ever seen. Baker just panics, and is Mr. Too Cool For School (or ‘thinks’ he is).
May 20th, 2026 at 11:55 am
Baker Mayfield is a “Middle of the Pack” QB
I had him ranked 17th best QB in the NFL
But, he could very easily be the 21st ranked QB
There’s not much difference between the 17th and 21st
May 20th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
I meant “ what Baker does have” bad HC and DC.
Anyway it doesn’t matter. If you don’t have a better player to replace him or a plan to develop the replacement it’s a nonstarter. Truth is if you don’t have Allen, Lamar, Mahommes, Burrow, Stafford or Hurts ( I guess I have to add Darnold) then you are still developing or looking for a franchise QB. Probably missed a couple so I’m sure the corrections are coming
May 20th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
Yeah, that is who HE is… Middle-of-the-Road. Maybe, slightly above average. He has a HUGE sample-size and overall body of work to look at. And, I agree with Colin Cowherd (a big Baker Fan) on this one… I like Baker okay, at the $30-$35MIL per season mark. It’s when you start to creep over that $40-MIL mark when you start to feel like… Ehhh. EHHH. Not so much. He is what he is and it is what it is. But, just wait until next season, when you’ll have at least 3-4 more to add to this list, after the 2027 Draft-Class arrives. AND, you’ll have them on the CHEAP for the next 5-YEARS, while on their Rookie-Deals!!!! He’s going to have to have THE season of HIS LIFE, if he’s going to get that last BIG long-term deal next offseason.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:41 pm
It’s funny, because Baker was in the mvp conversation first part of season as he played really well despite all the injuries on offense. Second half was the complete opposite and a complete disaster for Baker and the Bucs. Honestly, there are not 20 better than him and he falls somewhere between 10 and 14 range.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
813, I don’t disagree with you actually. But I hate when people put one total solely on the quarterback. And this game more than any other probably, that’s unfair. Do I wish we had a more consistent quarterback or one of the true elites? Of course. But we don’t. So we have to make sure the rest of the team is up to par. Hopefully the change is on defense. Will make enough of a difference. Did a special teams.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
“17 picks were not that bad.”
I think it was 16 and he was tied with WILL. LEVIS. Lead the league in turnovers, and that was in an offense that was most a short to intermediate RHYTHM Offense. So, that is A LOT of INT’s for an Offense with A LOT of dink-n-dunkin. There is seriously, no-telling HOW MANY he would’ve had in Bruce’s No Risk-It/No Biscuit Offense. Baker was much more worried about all the cameras following him around last season, while shooting his little docudrama, and his commercials… As well as his own personal grievances, instead of the TEAM. All the WRONG things. He better WAKE TF UP.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Ole “Fitz-Magic” looked-like an MVP too, for a few games.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Halfway through the season last year and Baker was considered a legit MVP candidate.. then getting hurt behind a bad OL and missing receivers and a running game that struggled and now he’s bad? The dude got two coordinators in a row head coaching jobs, one of which was a worse coordinator than the one we fired. Canales was not and still isn’t a good coordinator… that was all Mayfield. Then the next year, the offense was one of the best in the league… you don’t have a top 3 offense with a bottom 10 QB. You just don’t. Then there is the matter of having the all-time highest playoff QB ranking ever… doesn’t sound like a choker to me. The dude is good, top 10 for sure. Whether the same times of nit-wits that wanted him out of Cleveland and now think he’d be easy to replace in Tampa like him or not, makes no difference to me. He’s easily one of the best QBs to ever play in Tampa. Luckily, Jason Licht knows talent and will retain him. Your opinions are meaningless if you don’t see his worth.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:54 pm
Old-school 1976: See Sam Darnold 2024-2025. Also, what QB in Baker rea has played with as many, forget more but as many all pro/pro bowl offensive players in their prime? If Cleveland was such the problem why did he have a slightly better record the 4 years he was there then he had the 4 years he been gone? Also, tour thinking is flawed,lazy,outdated and mired in excuses. If here in Tampa 2/3 of his OC are young and cured t playoff HC with offensive minds that means his ecosystem fosters a environment of bright, young minds that get pilfered away by other organizations and have varying degrees of success. So Bakey Bake has been exposed to some of the best coaching you can ask for. But hey,nice try. As far as Purdy, if it was “just add water” why didn’t Trey Lance succeed. Surely if the last pick in 2022 can then the 3rd pick of 2021 shoujd at least be his equal too right? Didn’t Garapolo (who was a winner btw) have Shannahan and a top ranked run game? Is not the offense not better under Purdy? Purdy didnt have CMC his rookie year when he went 5-0 and the offense averaged 34 PPG en route to the NFC title game. Carry on.
May 20th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Put Sam Darnold on the Bucs last year and the Bucs still stink,, I’ll ride with Baker,,!would only want Mohames , Allen, Burrow, Lamar or Herbert ,, other than that I think we can win with him,,, I would like to see how he does with the Rams ( and would root for him) in 2027 if we don’t re-resign him
May 20th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Put Sam Darnold on the Bucs last year and the Bucs still stink,, I’ll ride with Baker,,!would only want Mohames , Allen, Burrow, Lamar or Herbert ,, other than that I think we can win with him,,, I would like to see how he does with the Rams ( and would root for him) in 2027 if we don’t re-resign him
May 20th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
DR
My point is when the opportunity presented itself Bo Nix won the game. He made it happen, doesn’t matter who the team was especially when Baker cant beat the 3rd string QB on Miami. The last 9 games were very different for both QBs, Nix had 300 more passing yards and 3 less interceptions with a better completion % 64.6 > 62.4. Yes the Broncos are a better team but with this convo I’m focusing on what the QBs have control of.
One player down the stretch played better on a better team but at least he didnt hurt his team in the 4th quarter. Also Nix got a season ending injury on the last play of the divisional playoff game they won.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
“Both knocked Mayfield’s inconsistency.”
Reasonable knock, because it’s all over Bakers’ tape in his 3 years of playing in Tampa and probably part of the reason he’s yet to be extended.
“Baker just, from Cleveland to Carolina ot Tampa Bay, just struggles so much to calibrate,”
“The pocket management is just so rough at times,”
There’s a reason, ever single year in Tampa if not the OC the QB coach have all talked about working on Mayfields’ footwork/foot discipline a problem that has followed him since the earlier years of his NFL career. Before Whitmer it was Thad Lewis, Coen also talked about correcting his footwork along with Dave Canales. Going all the way back to when Alex Van Pelt was in Cleveland in Bakers’ 2nd year saying the same damn thing. A clean bill of healthy for Baker or the OL isn’t going to fix that.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Rank Baker where you want, but just make sure that you’re looking at the whole picture if you have any hope of concluding accurately.
Whole different scenario beginning this season in comparison to last season with a healthy O-line, and competent new OC and QB coaches.
Add apparent improvements with new defensive and special teams acquisitions and the potential maturation of the younger defensive players, then see how you rate Mayfield into this season.
If you see this as a make-or-break season for Baker, in which bucket are you putting your money?
The antibakes are on the “break” side and actually hoping Baker fails. The majority of the rest of us are not really speculating that much because we know that if you count him out without due consideration, he’ll prove you wrong.
I’m really looking forward to the season! Go Bucs!!
May 20th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
I think the situation is more nuanced than one simple thing. I like Baker more as a competitor than player. He’s not the type to give up and that can be a blessing and a curse.
Coaching clearly matters given the last two OC’s. And Todd can’t seem to get the defense consistent. Why can’t they beat a team like the Dolphins last year? Is Baker trying to do too much? If so, why?
If coaching is a major factor in determining Bakers play and Todd is on the hotseat, and given next years draft, why would anyone sign him to an extension? The risk is not worth the reward. If Baker plays well and deserves an extension I would gladly pay a few extra dollars to reduce the upfront risk. This team is in a great position to rebuild very quickly if things go south.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Solak Al’s made a great point about him failing to make adjustments. It’s another thing I have noticed about his game. He and it has always been the same. I thought he did a much better job of protecting the ball for the most part last season. But, Baker only knows just one-way, and that is HIS WAY. In his mind, he thinks he’s perfect and THE Best QB in the league. And, he is too stubborn to grow and to be willing to do what it takes to evolve and to improve on his game. I understand that he is ‘limited’ due to his lack of size, BUT there are still LOTS of things, especially internally and within, that should’ve already changed by now, going into his 9TH (aged 31) season.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
He’s a “system” QB.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
It’s the big reason for why he usually looks and plays soooo poorly throughout the first 3-quarters of ballgames.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
“Why can’t they beat a team like the Dolphins last year?”
Because the Baker and the offense took 3 of their own opportunities to score and gave the ball to Miamis’ defense.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
We’re not…and doesn’t Baker have more TD passes in the last 3 seasons than anyone else? Seems a LOT low to me. I figure he’s about 6-8.
May 20th, 2026 at 1:59 pm
I’ll have to respectfully disagree on the lack of comparison between Wilson and Mayfield. They look awfully similar to me. The difference IMO is that Russell was drafted and developed by an elite organization from top to bottom. They consistently took mid and late rounders and developed them into all stars. If you put Mayfield in the ’12-’18 timeframe with that defense, head coach and run game i would not expect different results. You would see what Russell did….avoid the rush, break contain and hit guys late in their routes because it takes time to do that and/or hit them when they are in the scramble drill.
Then you saw what happened when Russell was expected to play in a timing offense when his legs were gone…game over. And that’s what will happen to Baker if he doesn’t learn to play more composed and with his eyes and head. I actually think Baker is better in the pocket than wilson was but not nearly good enough.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Going through this epic list of comments, I can’t believe that someone wrote that Baker isn’t box office, an attention magnet. LA has more prime time games because they’re a bigger market. Without Baker, the Bucs would have zero prime time games. And if I’m not mistaken, Miami was the game during which a field goal was blocked and a kickoff fell short and was returned to midfield, setting up the Dolphins’ winning kick. You’d probably say McLaughlin single-handedly lost that one.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:07 pm
I got Baker at 15 or 16. But nowhere below that.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
WBL – agreed, I just don’t know if that’s happening because he’s trying to do too much. And our D let a Rook like a stud.
And that doesn’t fall totally on the OC, Todd hired the wrong guy.
I think most would agree the Baker that played under Liam was a pretty good QB.
So if you can’t get him the right OC, time to move on.
JL has done a great job making this team younger, Baker, CG, Vea and Alex are the only older starters.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
Steven007
i get what you’re saying…
many factors go into Ws & Ls…my apologizes for coming across as a a-hole
GO BUCS!!!!
May 20th, 2026 at 2:42 pm
As usual you conviently miss the point BBBB. The point is you claim you have been in the gym for years but don’t know the language, still. If you are that dense how can you know anything about athletic talent, of which you don’t. 🤣 lmao BBBB what a joke
May 20th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
Ok,WWW. I dont even understand the point your “trying” to make but yes, deadlifts is a acceptable term. You always have the invite if you want to compare who has a better physique and im willing to put my money where my mouth is. Until then…….STFU. Whatever your gym vocabulary is, your not in my tier of power lifitng and body building.
But oh, back to my point you dance around, baker wasnt hurt and he’s a trash can of a Qb.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:47 pm
Patrick Mahomes had a lousy year before he went out injured. Know why? His offensive line was injured and several of his receivers were out/gone. Sound familiar? A quarterback **cannot perform** without protection from interior pass rush. He cannot step into his passes. He cannot use even a small part of his playbook when both starting guards and their backups are OUT since there is no time for timing plays or patterns to develop before the pass rush is crashing down on him. It’s even worse when the qb is a little short like Drew Brees. I don’t know why this site constantly publishes the same article when the explanation is entirely obvious to anyone that watched all the games all season. We were able to work around 1 guard being out some of the time but our consistency was dramatically affected. Once our second guard was out, the entire offensive ecosystem COLLAPSED. We couldn’t run or pass anything deeper than 5 yards. And when you’re that one-dimensional defenses notice! Compare Baker with his whole offensive line uninjured and full complement of wide receivers and he’s top 5, easy.
Simple as that.
May 20th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
Mobucs
The Buccaneers had 8 total offensive possessions in the game.
Here are the final 6 possessions
Start of 3rd Quarter
Result: Field Goal (Chase McLaughlin 33-yard kick)
13 plays, 50 yards, taking exactly 8:06 off the clock.
The Bucs opened the half with a prolonged, time-consuming drive that chewed up over half of the third quarter, pulling Tampa Bay within one score at 17-10.4.
End of 3rd into 4th Quarter
Result: Interception
Drive Details: 7 plays, 37 yards.
Moving into Miami territory, the drive stalled and Baker Mayfield threw an interception to Aston Davis, which eventually led to a Dolphins field goal to make it 20-10
Middle of 4th Quarter
Result: Punt
Drive Details: 5 plays, 24 yards.
The Buccaneers’ offense failed to gain momentum and was forced to punt, giving the ball back to Miami with under eight minutes remaining in the game.
Late 4th Quarter
Result: Fumble (Lost)
Drive Details: 6 plays, 38 yards
With under 4:00 on the clock, Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb beat his block and delivered a strip-sack on Mayfield. The fumble was recovered by Miami’s Quinton Bell, which effectively iced the game.
Baker stat padded to end the game and threw Evans a TD. What’s entertaining and box office about this end game performance against the 24th ranked defense?
May 20th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Lightning Vinny: Lazy take about Darnold. 2023 Minnesota was 6-11 and added Darnold and had a relatively subtle off season, they went 14-3. The year after him they went 9-8 (still better then us) so he added 8 wins then his departure subtracted 5 wins.
Then, Seattle had a run of Geno being “on paper” a top 6-8 Qb for 3 years and they were in the 9-10 win range those years. They add Darnold as the only major addition and they go 14-3 and win the SB year one. Lucky for them they had the foresight to upgrade the most important position in teams sports.
May 20th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
Where’d my post go??
Patrick Mahomes had a lousy year before he went out injured. Know why? His offensive line was injured and several of his receivers were out/gone. Sound familiar? A quarterback **cannot perform** without protection from interior pass rush. He cannot step into his passes. He cannot use even a small part of his playbook when both starting guards and their backups are OUT since there is no time for timing plays or patterns to develop before the pass rush is crashing down on him. It’s even worse when the qb is a little short like Drew Brees. The explanation is entirely obvious to anyone that watched all the games all season. We were able to work around 1 guard being out some of the time using scheme but our consistency was dramatically affected. Once our second guard was out, the entire offensive ecosystem COLLAPSED. We couldn’t run or pass anything deeper than 5 yards. And when you’re that one dimensional defenses notice!
Compare Baker with his entire complement of offensive linemen and receivers and he’s top 5, easy.
Simple as that.
May 20th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
Hi Joes- where did my posts go? Feel free to delete this message if you find the second missing one…
May 20th, 2026 at 3:52 pm
813, no issues. Bee, you’re falling into the same trap when you say that Baker couldn’t beat the dolphins third string quarterback. Baker wasn’t facing the dolphins third string quarterback. Our defense was. Granted he didn’t play great in that game, but he’s never the sole reason for a loss regardless of what Munch says.
May 20th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
He might be close to last because:
His game is to look through a few reads, panic, run, and take a hit.
Face it: He’s small.
His body won’t hold up and then he’s a liability.
If they give him a new deal, he’ll eat up a lot of cap space, and he’ll pull the entire team down once he’s hurt.
May 20th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
What is his ranking on the moxie scale? That’s all that matters to Bowles, and Licht.
May 20th, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Stepmatt: Top 5? I think its a tad premature to say he is one of the 5 best HS Qbs in the state of Florida, let the season playout first. For some ungodly reason you bring up Mahomes..the mvp/multiple Sb champ/ Top 2-3 all time before he turned 30? The guy who is actually younger then Baker? What abt him? Lol. yes, he has capital in the “good will” bank. Put mahomes on this roster in this division and Put Baker on KC. That will be funny AF lol.
May 20th, 2026 at 4:55 pm
As is usual, you completely missed the point of the post. Mahomes had a lousy season before he was injured because his offensive line was in shambles. He was also short offensive linemen in the Super Bowl against us or it might have at least been a little competitive. No matter how great you think he is, if his line is out he’s entirely pedestrian. Just like every other QB.
Just like Baker.
May 20th, 2026 at 5:22 pm
Those 2 are NFL qbs. That is pretty much where the similarities end. Dont you ever put those 2 in the same paragraph, short story, dead sea scroll together. You have scavenge and be a jackal, giddy Mahomes had a bad season. How many bad years has Baker had? 2019, 2021, 2022. he was average in 2020,2023, 2025. Lol. Compare mahomes 2018 in 16 games To baker 2024….LOL
May 20th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
StpeteMatt: Save your efforts for a real discussion. BBBB is oblivious to the concept of team.
May 20th, 2026 at 6:12 pm
A lot of people spouting off in here that don’t know what they’re talking about. While I generally enjoy Kimes’ have to question anyone that puts Ward ahead of Mayfield. Ward sucks, bottom line. Did they also have Young ahead of him? Lmfao. People don’t know what they’re looking at. Some of the pocket gripes are legit, but Baker is still miles better than Cam Ward, and it’s not close. Baker’s biggest issue is his size and gumption, which leads to injuries that impact his effectiveness which he refuses to come out for. That was his downfall in Cleveland playing through a significant shoulder injury, after leading Cleveland to their only playoff victory in the last 20+ years. Baker is 10-15 in my book. Depending on his health and the OC. He’s not perfect, but he’s certainly good enough to win.
May 20th, 2026 at 6:16 pm
This Guy was the leader of the MVP race last year before getting hurt I love that ppl disrespect Baker watch out he will have a Chip on his shoulder
May 20th, 2026 at 6:18 pm
Ok. But Baker “led” the Browns to the playoffs despite the fact Nick Chubb was a exponentially better football player in 2020. Actuallly, baker was probably cleveland’s 11th-12th best player that year but he “led” them?
In 2023 he was the 4th best player (at best) behind Wirfs, Milke, AWJ.
Last year we were 3-1 with a mid offense and you guys act like Baker did it all by himself when he was 83/139 for 904 yards after 4 games yet somehow he was according to you guys the mvp front runner? baker was mid pre “injury”…Lions game, first half vs the eagles, the first 3 games he was 61/99 for 615 yards
Falcons game we win 23-20. he was 17/32 for 167 yards and. Houston game he was 25/38 for 215 yards in a 20-19 win. Jets game we won by 2 thanks in large part because of a defensive td.
going into the Saints game, we were 5-2 with a middling offense and had a negative point differential. Then they beat the saints 20-3 to go to 6-2. If you are going to give him a verbal bouqets when you have some success, Baker and his cult cant tuck tail when the losses pile up.
No team is going to experience enormous success with baker. he’s not that type of player. he is a limited, scrapper with intangibles that at times cover up his multitude of defeciencies. His holy grail 2024 started out 4-6 and ended 10-7. he lost at home in the wildcard round. he finished 11th in mvp. That would be a ho hum year for dak or Goff. Those fan bases would want to run those guys out of town, here you guys want to erect a schedule for a low impact, fantasy football season that was a outlier.
You will never have a 13-14 win season with baker, be a top 2 seed and finish top 5 in the mvp and get you to the title game. The 3/8 seasons he made the playoffs it all came down to the last game of the season in a win or go home.
Even her ehe is below.500 outside the division and barely .500 here overall. Go ahead and make the stafford reference. You dolts compare him to Mahomes, Brees, Brady, Favre….might as well throw another HOF Qb in there. SMH. Lunacy.
May 20th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
The next 8-10 years will determine his legacy. And my guess is it will be an excellent one. However, football is a *team* sport. You win if your team is good. Baker’s individual performance has been excellent when his offensive line is healthy and his receivers are good- just like any other quarterback. And he certainly has that here and is primed for success. He’s loaded with talent, not shortcomings.
May 20th, 2026 at 7:12 pm
813bucboi Says:
“Buccaneer Bonzai
17 INTs in a season aint good…you’re putting lip stick on a pig lol
GO BUCS!!!!”
Most picks in 2025: 17
Most picks in 2024: 16 (Mayfield and Cousins; so I got the number wrong)
Most picks in 2023: 21
Most picks in 2022: 15
Most picks in 2021: 17
Most picks in 2020: 15
813bucboi, I stand corrected!
May 20th, 2026 at 7:13 pm
I guess I still suffer from Winston exposure 😉
May 20th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
I tell you Joe keep writing articles with your special slant. Brings you plenty of customers even if half them are trolls not Bucs fans but you don’t care as long as you get plenty of views.
May 20th, 2026 at 7:26 pm
Dude, he’s NOT GOING TO BE A STARTER for 8-10 years. Are you crazy??? I dont think he will be in the next 2-3 years…legacy??? Are you NUTS?? I get it. You like him but your objectivity is non existent. SO, if baker would accept would you sign him to a 11 year/1.2 billion dollar contract? He’s such a great guy idk if he would take “another” team friendly deal. Hes such a team first guy he just might take it.