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 10:42 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 10:56 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 11:30 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 11:34 am
Idiots abound! Would be interesting to hear what they were saying in 2024 and first half 2025 seasons.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:40 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 11:43 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 11:50 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 11:53 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 12:55 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 2:47 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 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 4:55 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 5:27 pm
I am not going to debate about how Baker compares with current NFL QBs. However, I will assert that he is the second best QB in BUCS history. That is part of the reason why he has so many supporters. By BUCS standards, he is among the best.
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 6:59 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
Yikes, that’s brutal.
May 20th, 2026 at 7:13 pm
I guess I still suffer from Winston exposure 😉
May 20th, 2026 at 7:50 pm
Ugo Says:
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”
Just as soon as I thought the Pom Pom waivers couldn’t get any lower, they manage to drain a little more out of the pool.
Baker has the highest career playoff passer rating in history?????
And that equals a grand total of……..wait for it…….two wins total in the postseason.
These responses are writing themselves. I don’t even have to try!!!
Bowles + Baker = Broken dreams
May 20th, 2026 at 8:05 pm
What TB Bakes said.
Mayfield always tries to play no matter how many different “minor” injuries he has.The head coach should overrule him.
May 20th, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Stats can be deceiving sometimes – but its the place you have to start if you are comparing or ranking football players at a given position….
Baker’s stats these last 3 years as a Buccaneer are in the top 10 vs all other QBs in the league. Probably 7th or 8th best overall (I’m guessing – 10th at absolute worst).
12.237 yards – 66.4% completions – 95 TDs vs 37 Ints
Also 923 rushing yards – 5 rushing TDs and 67 rushing 1st downs
So he’s clearly top 10 in QB stats (both passing and rushing) and one of the best on field ‘leaders’at QB in the whole league.
The worst true things you can say about the guy are that he’s short for a QB and thus gets more than his share of balls batted down at the line – and that he won’t come off the field even when he’s too hurt to play well…..
So everything about Baker Mayfield – his stats throwing – his stats running – his arm strength – his high end leadership qualities – says top 10 Quarterback.
Anyone ranking Baker as 21st best in the NFL right now (or anything below 12th to 13th best at worst) is not dealing in reality…..
May 20th, 2026 at 9:26 pm
I’m much more worried about wins.
Not some mystical ranking system that justifies non stop lemming speak.
In the playoffs as a Buc, Mayfield is 1-2. That’s a .333 win percentage.
Where does that rank him?????
May 20th, 2026 at 10:01 pm
Steven. They did Jamies worser then Baker Mayfield Jamies played in a much harder division and he was demanded to throw 45 to 50 times a game up the field every game. And if he threw 1 pick in the first quarter regardless how he played the rest of the game when the bucs lost it was all his fault. Most people on the this site never gave him the injury excuse like Baker Mayfield gets. Jamies didn’t get it’s his defense fault or the SP teams fault when they missed game winning field goals . Not to mention a 32 ranked defense in every stat on the board that’s why Lavonta David didn’t get the recognition he deserves. And what’s crazy is we had a top 5 offense ever year with Jamies at quarterback with no running game but one year and that was his rookie year. And yet every time someone asked about the running game it was a excuse and not to mention the meadi hated him from day 1. And now it’s a team game it’s the defense fault it’s the running game fault or my favorite excuse he’s injured. So when I bring up Jamies it’s not about me being a fan because I don’t care about the players like most people do . I wish nothing bad on them but I’m a bucs fan for over 30 years now . But I bring him up because I remember those days and I was going to show some of y’all how you guys give excuses to players who you like and it’s more about how you feel about them than they’re play on the field. And now look Baker Mayfield has had a better running game, o line, and receivers and a much better defense while at the same time playing in a weaker division and most importantly he’s not asked to throw 45 to 50 times a game up the field .
May 20th, 2026 at 10:03 pm
Baker is not the best! But he sure isn’t 21st behind blow Nix and scam Ward that’s laughable
May 20th, 2026 at 10:07 pm
If you’re talking about wins, you’re not talking just about how good a certain qb is. It’s a ridiculous way of looking at it. Dan Marino didn’t win a Super Bowl largely because his team’s defense sucked every year. Phil Simms won 2 Super Bowls.
Was he the better qb?
Baker is an excellent qb who may have a much better defense now. That’s a formula to go far in the playoffs if we can avoid injury and the defense is actually quite a bit better.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:07 pm
Where is this report? What 20 QBs do they think are better than Mayfield? It’s hard for me to fathom more than 10 or 11 and half of those are a tie.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:15 pm
LynchMob50 said= “In the playoffs as a Buc, Mayfield is 1-2. That’s a .333 win percentage. Where does that rank him?????”
It’s easy to cherry pick stats – especially ones that are team stats, not QB ones. Using your “logic”, Sam Darnold is the best QB ever, having won 100% of his playoff games.
Or, do you go with this one? …
Baker Mayfield currently holds a career playoff passer rating of 105.9, which ranks as the highest in NFL history among eligible quarterbacks. Over his five career postseason appearances, he has recorded 1,338 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:36 pm
Oneilbuc … Dude, you are right, which is why so may teams have been eager to put Jameis as their starting QB since he left the Bucs.
His best seasons as a starter were with the Saints.
Bucs: 28-42 (61.3 completion %, passer rating 86.9)
Saints: 6-4 (59.9 completion % passer rating 89.1)
Browns: 2-5 (61.1 completion % passer rating 80.6)
Giants: 0-2 (56.1 completion % passer rating 82.1)
Mayfield, incidentally, has a three year average of a 97.3 passer rating and a completion percentage of 66.3% with the Bucs. Oh, and in 2024, Mayfield became just the fourth QB in NFL history to record over 4,000 yards, 40 touchdowns, and a 70%+ completion rate in a single season
May 20th, 2026 at 10:46 pm
Scotty. Again Baker is not asked to what Jamies was asked to do and we all know with those sats Bucky played a major part in that and let’s see how many times BAKER threw 40 times in a game or 50 times in a game and how many of those passes were 15 yards per throw not catch and run. It’s a reason why Baker haven’t gotten a extension yet. Ain’t no quarterback that a team believes they can win a Superbowl will play in his last year of his contract . And all this if not Baker then who that’s easy draft a quarterback in the first round even if you have to move up. The chiefs were winning 12 and 13 games a season Alex Smith and he was also going to pro bowls . But the chiefs saw they wasn’t going to win or go to a Superbowl with Alex Smith . So you draft a quarterback just like all the other teams do.
May 20th, 2026 at 10:48 pm
Bucs And Them – spot on about the carousel of offensive coordinators Baker has had to endure. Patrick Mahomes has had exactly one his entire career as a starter for the Chiefs.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:01 pm
Because he gets injured and keeps playing… that’s not inconsistent. Over-heroic maybe. Up until then he was headed for the MVP, so 21st seems pretty misguided.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:07 pm
he’s been getting so much hate on the NFL media that I listen to… I like Baker but I wasn’t a fan of his before he came here… But having watched him play and looking at stats, he is grossly underrated and now it is starting to piss me off.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:14 pm
Been watching the 2020-2023 seasons and I have to say, Brady threw a ton of horrible passes and ridiculously terrible interceptions all three years. He had a hell of a lot better players on offense and an infinitely better defense to bail him out.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:15 pm
Oops, I meant the 2020-2022 seasons.
May 20th, 2026 at 11:47 pm
Looks to me like Baker Mayfield is right there with the cream of the crop. Opinions are like you know whats. Everyone has one and they all stink. If Baker can throw for 8,000 yards and 70 touchdowns (he can) these next 2 seasons and most importantly, win a Super Bowl with this team and coaches (they could) then he’ll be among the top QBs of all time for their first 10 years in the league. Probably cement a first ballot selection into the Hall. And his next five years will be icing on the cake. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it, too? Hogwash. Go Bucs
May 21st, 2026 at 12:04 am
And solely as Bucs fans go. If Baker just squeezes in a couple of crummy years (26tds and 11 picks) like that horrible 2025 season that he just completed? Well then he would crush every single QB stat in the history of Tampa Bay football. Wonder if that might happen BBBB? Odds are it’s going to happen BBBB. And BBBB. Not a thing you can do is gonna stop it. You’re impotent to do anything about it. So why not just lay back and enjoy it. Like the good little twerp you are.
May 21st, 2026 at 6:30 am
The only difference between Baker’s 2024 season and Darnold’s last year is Darnold had the defense to back him up. Hopefully Baker draws ever closer to that starting this year.
May 21st, 2026 at 11:41 am
@ Stpetematt Says: “The next 8-10 years will determine his legacy.”
YOU seriously think that BAKER is playing another 8-10 SEASONS in this League!? Until, he is 40+ YEARS OLD… Seriously!?
May 21st, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Quarterbacks can play a long ways into their 30s. Why not? Certainly he has a great 5-7 years to go at least.
May 21st, 2026 at 1:06 pm
Oops forgot to fix my name. lol.
May 21st, 2026 at 8:10 pm
Bucboi and BBBB love to avoid talking about Baker throwing for 41 TDs and rushing for critical 1st downs repeatedly over 4he last few years. Also completely ugnore the offense I very line injuries, wrong injuries and the defense collapsing close games. Take anything 5hose fools say with the understanding they cherry pick 5he bad and ignore the immense good that Baker does. He has been fantastic in 5he playoffs and the stats prove it so 5hat argument doesn’t hold up either. Go back to Cleveland bozos!
May 21st, 2026 at 11:44 pm
All this controversy is generated by two pundits whose statements don’t hold up because they are holding Mayfield responsible for losses and “inconsistency” that resulted from playing on teams that had huge defensive and offensive line failures. Even with those challenges he posted numbers as good as or better than the supposed elite QBs who had the advantage of playing on better teams. Last year was a good example: Mayfield somehow gets blamed for the second half collapse that came with a total defensive breakdown and offensive line collapse that had him running for his life. Look at the tapes. When he has time to step into his throws he is one of the best in the league. There are a lot of critics who don’t seem to grasp that football is a team sport with 22 guys on the field at a given time. A QB should be rated on what he has to work with and on that basis Mayfield is one of the best.
May 22nd, 2026 at 10:12 am
To state the obvious, a full season playing at Pro Bowl level cannot be considered a “fluke.” A game here and there might be a fluke, but not a full season. Anybody making such an absurd claim should maybe ask himself what it is that stirs such unhinged anger.
May 22nd, 2026 at 2:28 pm
ProBowl in 2023 and 2024. MVP in ProBowl game 2023. Career playoff rating of 108. Named as possible MVP in 2025 until he and whole team devastated by injuries, notably to the offensive line. No QB can perform well when there is a total collapse of the offensive line and if you go back to the second half of 2025 and watch the games you will see he had no way to step into his passes because the line was collapsing in pass protection. When he had time to step into throws they were accurate. So even if you say he’s the reason for the second half collapse, which doesn’t hold up, you have 2 and a half seasons of outstanding performance with the Bucs. So much for the “fluke” narrative.
May 22nd, 2026 at 6:52 pm
@BBBB, HS? Nope. I grew up watching Marino carry the Dolphins. Marino n3ver won a Super Bowl and had a bad game vs. SF in the one Super Bowl he went to. Does that mean Marino bucks in your book? You don’t know what good QB play is. You are in the Baker hater cult, posting on this board all damn day while the rest of us ARE AT WORK. I’ve been watching football since the early 80s and have always been fascinated with great QBs, Marino was my favorite athlete in the world because of his arm strength,LEADERSHIP, AND YES HIS MOXIE. I know you Baker haters hate that word so I had to throw it in their because it’s true. Baker is more similar to Brett Favre, very similar in fact and nobody had the nerve to call him a bad QB because of his INTs, his willingness to rake a hit, give a hit, or tell a defensive lineman to screw off for roughing. These are MEN, and they aren’t afraid of anything on that field. Other grown men can appreciate what these types of leaders do for their team and it can’t be measured in numbers. Baker has the qualities of a great QB, and yes sir, offensive line injuries can get a QB career ended, and yes sir as with Maruno you do in fact need a good defense and a solid running game to win a SB and you also need special teams that don’t shoot themselves in the foot in close games. Your arguments come from a place of personal hatred for Mayfield and people that like his game and you have the nerve to call people cult members? You protest too much sir. Look in the mirror.
This entire article and thread was created by Joe to get Jerry Springer level comments from haters like you, and it worked. You don’t have an objective bone in your body. I on the other hand have 40 years of NFL Fandom and k owledge of what a great QB looks like and is capable of, and Baker Mayfield has all the tools to be great. A year of good health from this offense is gonna make you eat crow and if you were a true Bucs fan you’d be happy to do it.
May 23rd, 2026 at 9:53 am
Chris, thank you. Well stated and rings true.