Baker Mayfield Bristles When Asked About Protecting Himself
June 17th, 2026
Baker Mayfield is who he is.
If you want the good from Baker Mayfield, you’re going to have to tolerate the not-so-good.
Mayfield plays football the way it should be played. With heart. With raw guts. Physical.
If Joe had to pinpoint maybe the best Mayfield-like game he played with the Bucs, it likely would be the win over Mike Evans’ new team, San Francisco last season. Down his top-three receivers, Mayfield willed the Bucs to win with the offense on his back.
But through those wonderful moments, Mayfield takes a pounding. In two of his three seasons with the Bucs, Mayfield limped to the finish line.
Former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians always liked to say, “Put a quarterback in harm’s way, harm will find him.” And that’s been Mayfield in his Bucs days.
Still, he has answered the bell each week. He may not be physically 100 percent but he’s on the field when kickoff rolls around.
When Mayfield was asked yesterday after underwear football practice if, now in his 30s, he should tone down his devil-may-care approach and maybe dial things back to have a fresher body at the end of the season, and if that subject has been part of his contract negotiations with the Bucs, Mayfield slightly bristled.
“I’ve started every single game last year, for three years,” Mayfield said. “I don’t know if that should be a question.”
He’s right. But Joe doesn’t think that was the question. Sure, Mayfield has started every game. But was he even close to 100 percent in all of them? No.
Remember the Bucs 9-0 win over Carolina on the road to end the 2023 season? It was a win-or-go-home game for the Bucs.
Mayfield couldn’t throw. He physically could not throw and the Bucs ran an old-school 1960s ball-control/keep-away offense by staying on the ground. Mayfield was hurt on a cheap shot the week prior facing — who else? — the slimy Saints.
If the Bucs were playing any other team than the trash Stinking Panthers that day, Joe isn’t sure the Bucs make the playoffs.
Then there was last year. Everybody and his brother with the Bucs has told Joe how beat up Mayfield was, especially late in the season.
It isn’t so much about starting. It’s about producing. It’s very difficult for any player to produce if he’s physically maimed.
But this is Mayfield, love it or leave it.
You’re going to get the good (San Francisco win) and the not-so-good (Miami loss last year). You just hope you get the good Mayfield much more often.
June 17th, 2026 at 7:13 am
Baker will miss games this year – so will Godwin – and who knows who else – 8-9 or worse and we will still have Bowles Licht Baker in 2027 – it’s a Bucs life
June 17th, 2026 at 7:23 am
Experience teaches a dear school and fools will learn no other way. Some will never learn, Baker will never learn and that is why he will NOT be the Bucs QB in 27.
June 17th, 2026 at 7:51 am
I like Baker, but he should stop acting offended that someone would ask about him protecting himself, when it was obvious he had injuries affecting his play last year.
Quit being an ass, and just try sliding more instead of looking for someone to hit. It would be nice to see you stay healthy.
June 17th, 2026 at 7:51 am
We sure have some dumb fans. Both above comments are ridiculous . Frankly the Joe that doesn’t want Baker signed is as well. What happened to availability is the most importantly thing. Now if Baker was too hurt to play that’s on the medical staff and the head coach… if we didn’t have a backup that could fill in that’s on Licht. But I’ll take Baker all day anyway I can get him. The players around Baker need to step up and and have the same guts he does. Some have hangnails and take games off. See recent departed cornerback who both joes couldn’t wait to run out of here until last year.
June 17th, 2026 at 7:57 am
We never had our starting offensive line all of last season. If they play all the games Baker will be much healthier.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:04 am
Jcscy. That’s not true only one of them was most of the year stop with the excuses because that’s not going to work this year.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:09 am
“Still, he has answered the bell each week. He may not be physically 100 percent but he’s on the field when kickoff rolls around.”
During that 2-7 end of season stretch, when did he answer the bell?
“Mayfield plays football the way it should be played. With heart. With raw guts. Physical.”
Does this sound like a QB to you or a RB or LB? This guy is not a leader and is a me first player. Its so obvious. And it doesn’t matter how bad he plays, as long as he tries his best, losing is OK.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:15 am
Why cant I comment anymore? Can you not be honest and voice different opinions on this site?
June 17th, 2026 at 8:27 am
Let him play out the year under his current contract and see where it lands. Running, hit taking, QBs in their 30s aren’t going to survive long.
Franchise in ’27 but no long term deal.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:29 am
This is the same story about baker when he was at Cleveland with stefanski. They wanted him to tone it down, he did not, and that was the start of the riff that eventually led to him leaving.
That’s who baker is, he’s not changing
June 17th, 2026 at 8:29 am
“Still, he has answered the bell each week. He may not be physically 100 percent but he’s on the field when kickoff rolls around.”
During that 2-7 end of season stretch, when did he answer the bell?
“Mayfield plays football the way it should be played. With heart. With raw guts. Physical.”
Does this sound like a QB to you or a RB or LB? This guy is not a leader and is a me first player. Its so obvious. And it doesn’t matter how bad he plays, as long as he tries his best, losing is OK. Smh…
June 17th, 2026 at 8:30 am
“Still, he has answered the bell each week. He may not be physically 100 percent but he’s on the field when kickoff rolls around.”
During that 2-7 end of season stretch, when did he answer the bell?
June 17th, 2026 at 8:31 am
One forgets the first 3 games when the offense line was missing pieces and players were playing out of position! Besides, defenses recognized soft spots (mainly the guards) and took full advantage of the situation). OC attempted to solve that issue by RBs orTEs staying to block hence removing one or more offensive options out of the equation.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:31 am
He doesn’t even want to protect himself to stay healthy and make more money. Gotta love it.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:32 am
To the haters above, I doubt Baker will ever miss a game. Will he be a quarterback into his 40’s? Doubt it, but he will probably be quarterback of the bucs next year
June 17th, 2026 at 8:33 am
I am not questioning Baker’s heart, he wants to win but this year he has to realize that the Bucs have brought what appears to be a competent QB as backup in Jake Browning rather than washed up Teddy Hospital Ball Bilgewater or bust Kyle Trask. The reason for having a decent backup is simple; he probably could play better than a banged up Baker like we saw after the bye last year. While the Bowles’ Swiss cheese D and the bad special teams were the main reason why the Bucs flamed down the stretch last season, Baker contributed to losses as well with ill advised picks which may not have happened if he were healthy or a decent back up was on the field.
June 17th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Wow…no opposing opinions anymore?
June 17th, 2026 at 8:48 am
Oneilbuc Says:
June 17th, 2026 at 8:04 am
Jcscy. That’s not true only one of them was most of the year stop with the excuses because that’s not going to work this year.
+++++++++++=++++
Not what I said.
We did not have our regular offensive line of Wirfs-Bredeson-Barton-Mauch Goedekke togethot all year.
During the 2-7 stretch we had Third string guards in.
That’s ONE of the reasons for substandard play. Not the only one.
What I’m getting at is HOPEFULLY this year it won’t be an issue. I’m sure you want to see all of our starters stay healthy just as the rest of us do.
June 17th, 2026 at 9:03 am
Posted this before, to be successful Baker has to have structure and discipline period! During his tenure in the NFL, he has never had an Andy Reed type as a HC or OC period! With Tampa, Coen was close to the OC, but the powers to be did not want to rock the boat by showing the HC the door. 2026 offers two roads for Baker 1. Bucs go deep into the playoffs or 2. Trying to prove his to level as a QB, Baker is injured and misses rest of season. Either, Bucs have new QB in 2027!
June 17th, 2026 at 9:08 am
His back up was Teddy Bridgewater, for crying out loud. What else could he do?
June 17th, 2026 at 9:36 am
Baker is not a pressure player. He cannot survive in big moments.
And he will prove that again in 2026. Now he doesn’t have his escape hatch in Evans to fall back on.
That’s why he’s kicking and screaming about a new contract.
He knows this is the end of the line. Don’t pay him until he proves it.
We can go .500 with other QBs for a lot less money.
June 17th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Every damn game. What were you watching?
June 17th, 2026 at 9:52 am
@admin
Which specific games are you referring to during the last 9 games of 2025?
June 17th, 2026 at 10:03 am
.500 with any other QB? Tell me more
June 17th, 2026 at 10:03 am
0.500 with any other QB? Please, tell us more
June 17th, 2026 at 10:04 am
LM 50, Baker and the Bucs are both in the gambling mood with a contract extension and only time will tell! For Baker, it will not matter if the Bucs go deep into the playoffs or they tank to tje bottom, he’s gone! For the Bucs, they go deep into the playoffs and Baker goes elsewhere, the haters will not respond but failure and the Bucks are in top five for first round pic, the haters flood this site with words we told everyone, best news ever told everyone it would happen. Time will expose the truth!
June 17th, 2026 at 10:13 am
He did Joe? OK, what do you mean specifically by “answer the bell”? And what specific games during the final 9 games of 2025 did he “answer the bell”? I’m curious.
June 17th, 2026 at 10:13 am
OK, what do you mean specifically by “answer the bell”? And what specific games during the final 9 games of 2025 did he “answer the bell”? I’m curious.
June 17th, 2026 at 10:15 am
OK, what do you mean specifically by “answer the bell”? And what specific games during the final 9 games of 2025 did he “answer the bell”? Is starting a game “answering the bell”?
June 17th, 2026 at 10:17 am
I was watching him go 2-7 during a playoff push. What’s does “answer the bell” mean specifically? Starting a game?
June 17th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Joe Says:
June 17th, 2026 at 9:41 am
when did he answer the bell?
Every damn game. What were you watching?
If the MIA game is what you call “answering the bell” then we’re screwed lol
GO BUCS!!!!
June 17th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Baker needs to grow up….
he sure answered the bell vs MIA lol
GO BUCS!!!!
June 17th, 2026 at 10:46 am
Baker says:
“I’ve started every single game last year, for three years,” Mayfield said. “I don’t know if that should be a question.”
———————————————————————————–
What an idiot!! Doesn’t he realize he played like crap for half of the season?? Perhaps if you didn’t start 2 games, you would have healed up and we might have made it to the playoffs. Sometimes it seems like he has a complete lack of humility.
I don’t think Teddy could have played much worse. If he did, so what. A healed Baker could have possibly gone 5-4 instead of 2-7.
I’m telling you, this guy has a selfish streak and the things he say are going to cause him to lose the team.
June 17th, 2026 at 10:49 am
OK, what do you mean specifically by “answer the bell”? And what specific games during the final 9 games of 2025 did he “answer the bell”? Is starting a game “answering the bell”?
June 17th, 2026 at 10:50 am
Careless. Get him in the gym. Go Bucs.
June 17th, 2026 at 10:54 am
It can be said of Mayfield that he is the only quarterback in the NFL that thinks he is a quarterback, fullback running back offensive lineman and linebacker for the Buccaneers..While exciting for the fans to watch, it does tend to bring the injury bug to bite. When Mayfield is completely healthy, he is a good NFL quarterback. When he is not, he is an inaccurate passer as was demonstrated at the end of last year.
If the Buccaneers make the decision to continue with him, they must go into the market and sign a solid back-up quarterback..or begin implementing a course of action to get Browning and Bazelak up to speed on the offense with more first team reps each week…The team must be prepared when Mayfield goes down to injury…
June 17th, 2026 at 11:02 am
One of the most telling insights of this whole situation is that Mike left Baker behind. He left because he knows that Baker is a ME First QB. He knows that Baker is a stupid QB who wants to take on linebackers because he has too much moxy (pride) to slide. Every other QB in the league can slide, but not Baker.
He has to prove he can truck a linebacker. Mike knows that instead of taking a couple of games off to heal, Baker will insist on playing despite how it drags the team down. Mike knows that with his playing style, Baker will get hurt every year like he has in the past.
The Bucs have already sent out a signal that they are concerned about that. Play stupid and get hurt again and you and your Moxy are going to be crashing into linebackers somewhere else!
June 17th, 2026 at 11:06 am
Denial, much?
June 17th, 2026 at 11:06 am
Denial, much?
June 17th, 2026 at 11:13 am
OK, what do you mean specifically by “answer the bell”? And what specific games during the final 9 games of 2025 did he “answer the bell”? Is starting a game “answering the bell”?
June 17th, 2026 at 11:18 am
That’s because the way Mayfield plays the game requires him to have that pinch of recklessness because it masks some of his natural limitations as an athlete.
Take being short relative to the size of his OL & the defensive front.
The tendency Baker has for drifting in the pocket with undisciplined feet, which shortens his pocket time, throws off his time, and cuts the rush time/distance down for defenders plays into the fact he also bails on the pocket. Sometimes to early, but if it turns into a 9 yard scramble on 2nd & 8 the flawed behavioral aspect of the play take a backseat to the outcome.
It’s compensation for not having the most disciplined feet or a clear line of sight to actually progress through reads. Even in 2024, there were instances where a WR would be wide-ass open like BA used to say, but because Mayfield is making up for his obstructed POV that he’s dropping back further or improvising a roll out a CB that may have been beat in-phase has caught up while the ball was being held and is in position to make obstruct the catchpoint or seperate the man from ball or even worse, come down with the pass.
So yea, taking that away from Mayfield would be akin to cop shows/movies when the protag gets busted by the villains and they take that .22 off the ankle holster. Now you’re up sh**s creek with no paddle, riding on a lincoln log
June 17th, 2026 at 11:22 am
Love his passion for the game and giving it his all. Very disappointed in not being able to see the big picture.
There are other traits that you can compare between him and Tom where it’s just so obvious that Tom saw the entire operation but there’s no more important example than this.
You want the big time contract that the top guys get? you need to learn how to throw with touch, get better with accuracy down the field (one will help the other), learn to play from the pocket more but above all else – learn to live to play another down.
June 17th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Bee Says:
June 17th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Wow…no opposing opinions anymore?
I strongly disagree with you. But doing so is a waste of time. Your mind is made up.
June 17th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Bee Says:
June 17th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Wow…no opposing opinions anymore?
I strongly disagree with you, but why bother stating it? Your mind is made up.
June 17th, 2026 at 11:55 am
Easy for so many to say that the Bucs should let him play out his contract and then if he balls out, then extend him. Even if they win the Superbowl this season, from a business perspective, the Bucs may be thinking that Baker is now 32 with another full season plus playoffs of wear and tear on his body and might be looking at the odds that he could realistically do it again going forward. After that’s always the goal, to win championships. They could weasel out and continue to try and low ball him. They need to pay him now. Paying any quarterback the big bucks comes with some risk, no matter who it is.
As far as the way he plays, Mahomes plays almost the same way and he never wants to come out of a game either. I remember a couple of years ago when he was injured and was shown on the sidelines arguing with Andy Reid about getting pulled.He’s every bit the warrior that Baker is.
June 17th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
Without a doubt, one of the most telling insights of this whole situation is that Mike left Baker behind. He left because he knows that Baker is a ME First QB. He knows that Baker is a stupid QB who wants to take on linebackers because he has too much moxy (pride) to slide. Every other QB in the league can slide, but not Baker.
He has to prove he can truck a linebacker. Mike knows that instead of taking a couple of games off to heal, Baker will insist on playing despite how it drags the team down. Mike knows that with his playing style, Baker will get hurt every year like he has in the past.
The Bucs have already sent out a signal that they are concerned about that. Play stupid and get hurt again and you and your Moxy are going to be crashing into linebackers somewhere else!
June 17th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
Baker says:
“I’ve started every single game last year, for three years,” Mayfield said. “I don’t know if that should be a question.”
———————————————————————————–
What an idiot!! Doesn’t he realize he played like crap for half of the season?? Perhaps if you didn’t start 2 games, you would have healed up and we might have made it to the playoffs. Sometimes it seems like he has a complete lack of humility.
I’m telling you, this guy has a selfish streak and the things he say are going to cause him to lose the team.
June 17th, 2026 at 12:14 pm
He’s a DAWG!
Give him $80M a year – HE’S TALKED ME INTO IT!
June 17th, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Yes Rod. Maybe give him $100 million a season. That way the Bucs can’t afford any other players, and they don’t matter anyway as long as Twocoach is sinking the pirate ship.
June 17th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
I think what he said, or insinuated about having to score more points in a game because of the defense played a part in some of his thought process during the year. Not to mention the not so special teamers. I commend him for trying to will the team to wins but he’s not a 1 man show and he has to realize it. Don’t care who you are if you’re playing injured you could be hurting the team more than helping. And if the QB can’t throw well because of injuries he’s hurting the team unless it’s dink and dunk. That said Bridgstone tires was not the guy to back him up, no confidence at all in that dude.
June 17th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Interesting to see the differing opionions here. Seems the tide is turning against baker a bit. I agree, he should grow up a bit at this point. Hes 31. Its clear he was playing hurt in the second half of the seaon and that corresponded with our slide. Its not unreasonable to question his health. Its a fair question. Don’t be a dick. Honestly Im starting to hope we dont extend him before the season and make him prove it. I wouldn’t be against moving on from him in 2027. He’s currently the 16th highest paid QB- thats not far off his standing in the league. Hes in the class of Sam darnold and Daniel Jones. Should not be paid top 10 QB money
June 17th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Bee does not know how to refresh page and see comment lol just keeps spamming.
June 17th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
“I think what he said, or insinuated about having to score more points in a game because of the defense played a part in some of his thought process during the year.”
I could see the logic in this, but as a unit the offense Baker commands had 5 less 30 point games in 2025 compared to 2024. Talk about that.
My thing is, why as a QB are you not projecting the mindset to score everytime you get the ball, it’s what made guys like Brady, Manning, & Brees great.
As much as we hear about being confident, or chips on shoulders or being a leader. I don’t want my QB even talking about the defense allowing points when his side of the ball struggled to score points all year long.
That’s just plain and simple, not even mentioning finishing with a defense that was top 10 taking the ball away and scored in 2 games our offense didn’t post >21 points on their own. Our offense scored 42 points off 21 turnovers, talk about THAT.
June 17th, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Kick baker a 10 mil raise for this year. Then let the year play out. Then tag him next year. That’s over 100 mill, guaranteed. Protects Bucs concerns.
June 17th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Is it against the NFL Rules for a NFL Head Coach to sit a player, or make Injured Players sit out for a bit to heal properly.
June 17th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
Why is Mayfield having to run for his life, this should be the question? We will see if this offensive line can stay healthy and provide protection
June 17th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
Buc40. “Seems the tide is turning against Baker a bit”. I guess Buc40 you didn’t see the poll by JBF the other day. It was under 25% that didn’t want to resign him. Probably the kooks who said the dude who has thrown the second most touchdown passes in the NFL over the last 3 years is a middle of the road QB. Kooks like you, Buc00.
June 17th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
I like Baker and hope to see him sign a deal that’s reasonable and above all else gives us the flexibility to move on if need be which tends to happen with tier two QBs.
WBL just hit it right on the head. That’s a mindset thing. Sure the d was just atrocious last season but that shouldn’t deter your mindset when you as the qb are on the field. Try scoring all the time no matter what. It’ll get you that contract.
It reminds me of when he was rambling about why Mike would def return…he said something to the effect of “he wants to come back and win that division championship”. I just laughed and figured that might be the end for 13 here.
While baker may have taken on the mindset of his head coach, Mike was focused on something much bigger.
June 17th, 2026 at 3:04 pm
“Probably the kooks who said the dude who has thrown the second most touchdown passes in the NFL over the last 3 years is a middle of the road QB.”
He’s got the 2nd most turnovers in the last 3 years as well. Checks and balances, everything hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows Kenton.
37 INTs which ranks 2nd to Geno Smith & 8 Fumbles lost.
All recorded in 31 of 51 regular season games, 60% of games played as a Buc.
In games he’s recorded at least 1 turnover since 2023, the Bucs are 12-19
In spite of how anybody feels, this^^^ is not “good”.
June 17th, 2026 at 3:17 pm
Brett Farve and Joe Namath averaged 17 interceptions per year, for their careers, and Terry Bradshaw and Kenny Stabler averaged 15 interceptions per year for their careers, WBL. Those 4 QBs are in the hall of fame. Baker, over his career, averages 13 interceptions per year.
June 17th, 2026 at 3:26 pm
“Those 4 QBs are in the hall of fame. Baker, over his career, averages 13 interceptions per year.”
Just because he’s played as poorly as guys who still managed to get into the HOF, doesn’t make it any better nor does it mean Baker is Canton bound.
Over his career, Baker has also been in the top 2 in most INTs thrown since being drafted, along with Josh Allen. Difference? Josh is big, strong, and has ability outside of just being ornery that props up his play on the football field.
June 17th, 2026 at 3:28 pm
“Those 4 QBs are in the hall of fame. Baker, over his career, averages 13 interceptions per year.”
None of those guys played in the modern era of football.
None of them will be on the Bucs in 2026.
They all had HOF worthy careers and won titles with their respective teams.
Just because they did it, doesn’t make it any better when Baker does it.
June 17th, 2026 at 3:57 pm
How about Peyton Manning and John Elway, WBL? Did they play in the “modern” era of football. And they are hall of famers, right? They averaged 13 and 14 picks a season. Look at touchdown to interception ratio- that’s the key. And Baker is right there in the middle of hall of fame QBs.
June 17th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Kenton Smith – Peyton was rookie season was like in ‘98 and Elway’s was friggin’ ‘83. I mean, come on. GTFOH. “ELWAY and MANNING.” You’re fricken DELUSIONAL. It’s really PATHETIC.
June 17th, 2026 at 9:29 pm
The entire thing is a specious argument. If Baker could sit back in the pocket and run an effective offense enough to hammer paychecks for a decade like Cousins he would. But he can’t – he has to pull it down and create because of his skill set. He can do a lot, but consistent quick decisions and accurate throws downfield isn’t something he can do reliably. It’s not selfish. It’s a feature, not a bug.
Moreover it’s the key his popularity. He’s the Mike Alstodt of this team- an extremely inspiring but arguably effective player.
June 17th, 2026 at 9:41 pm
We overplay Mayfield’s injuries. They weren’t the problem. The terrible guard play was the problem.
June 17th, 2026 at 9:56 pm
INJURIES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM with Baker Mayfield.
His inconsistent footwork, balance, & rhythm (which all need to be consistent to have consistent accuracy; just ask Tom Brady…) have ALWAYS been the problem.
Last year, these were extremely OFF since the first snap of the 1st game.
I wasn’t even trying to pay attention to this, but it IMMEDIATELY caught my attention on the very first drive last season and I felt defeated (you would’ve thought I had Tourette syndrome) because I knew it was going to be a long year for him based on the footwork ALONE.
Canales + Coen both had him focused on this and you could tell each game. They kept these consistent.
Last year he regressed to pre-Canales behavior and it was heartbreaking to watch…
Basic fundamental stuff, man. And yet, EVERYONE keeps overlooking it!!!
It’s ashame, because it really is his only weakness, but it is a MAJOR weakness. Correctable, as we’ve seen, but he needs to hold himself accountable like Sam Darnold was able to do. He’s a highly paid “Professional”..
June 17th, 2026 at 11:56 pm
Thread summary: Baker sucks.