Chris Simms Ranks Baker Mayfield As No. 10 NFL Quarterback
June 1st, 2026
Baker Mayfield
The Buccaneers have the tenth-best NFL quarterback.
That’s the word from former Bucs quarterback Chris Simms, the Raise The Flags star and current NBC analyst, a guy who also has been spotted in the Team Glazer suite at The Licht House.
Simms annual in-depth NFL quarterback rankings rolled on today and Mayfield was revealed at No. 10, just ahead of Dak Prescott (11), Trevor Lawrence (12), Jared Goff (13) and Sam Darnold (14).
Mayfield ranked No. 9 last year, right behind Justin Herbert and ahead of Prescott.
Simms isn’t just dropping a list, he breaks down and ranks 40-plus QBs via several hours and episodes of his Unbuttoned podcast.
“The elite traits are, of course his arm strength,” Simms said, noting there are throws Mayfield makes that several other QBs can’t. “It’s a big-time, game-changing arm.”
Simms noted Mayfield overcomes his body regularly.
“Below average athlete for the 2026 quarterback and what we expect of him,” Simms said. “But, within that, [Mayfield is] awesome at moving in the pocket for a guy that’s not real big and then he plays big in the pocket and hangs in there and takes hits. Like you would think, is he 6-5, 230 pounds.”
The Bucs’ injuries at offensive line last season and at running back and receiver made Mayfield “a tough eval,” Simms said, noting that the film showed Mayfield seemed to be trying to hard to make things happen at times.
Negatives on Mayfield were too much trust in his arm and pushing limits, Simms said. “He will try to fit the ball into too-tight of a window or do something where you’re like, ‘Ahhh, that wasn’t worth it right there.'”
No surprise, Simms loves Mayfield’s intangibles and said they separate him from most quarterbacks.
Washington QB Jayden Daniels ranked No. 9 ahead of Mayfield.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:10 pm
It seems reasonable to me that Baker should expect a contract similar to Dak Prescott ; (age 31 at signing) 4yr/60mil/129mil guaranteed.
Raise you hand if you believe the owners will give him that offer.
I hope they do but I doubt it.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:16 pm
If there are 10 QBs in the NFL today that are better than Baker Mayfield, I’ll eat my hat.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Top 10 early in the season, not so much at the end.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:29 pm
“If there are 10 QBs in the NFL today that are better than Baker Mayfield, I’ll eat my hat.”
Would you like katsup with that? Side of fires?
June 1st, 2026 at 12:29 pm
I’d take Dak and Lawrence over Baker, but I’d take Baker over Goff and Darnold.
Also having a strong arm should be paired with being widely inaccurate past about 15 yards. The magic sauce that Coen showed everyone is that Baker is at his best when he’s in the quick, short passing game where he can get rid of the ball quickly and doesn’t hold onto the ball – which is when he gets himself into trouble. Hopefully Zac has noticed this already when watching tape and is realizing how Coen got a HC job after a year – and it wasn’t banking on Bakers arm.
Additionally getting the ball out quicker means less hits, and hopefully less excuses about how he’s ‘injured’ after every bad throw.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Fries, not fires
June 1st, 2026 at 12:32 pm
sounds about right. We are lucky to have ‘Born Again’ Baker as our QB. Now lets end the mystery and get him signed to a long-term deal so we don’t have to hear/worry about it all year. Let’s leave the worrying to that Putrid Pass Defense improving that has been holding this team back. go BUCS!!
June 1st, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Bucs need to sign him to an extension/new contract ASAP.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:40 pm
TBBucs1976 Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Bucs need to sign him to an extension/new contract ASAP.
————-
Coming off a season where he singlehandedly cost the Bucs the playoffs with his awful play during the key stretch of the season where they needed just a single win to get in – and he failed 4-times in a row? Coming off a season where he got the entire offensive staff fired?
Why do we “need to sign him” now? He’s under contract, and can be franchised if needed. Unless he’s going to take a team friendly contract like the GOAT Tom Brady, and sign at a huge discount, there’s literally zero reason to lock him up – certain not after how poorly he played from week 7 on last year.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:41 pm
How many TD’s did he throw in the 25-26 playoffs???
Answer: Zero
How many playoff games has he won since 2023???
Answer: Zero
How clutch was he down the stretch only needing one win in 2025???
Answer: Zero
My acknowledgement of this ranking as anything other than fluff and being a lickspittle to the Glazers???
Answer: Zero
June 1st, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Can’t throw a TD in a playoff game if you don’t make it to the playoffs. Is this a Bowles burner account? Those public schools in Florida aren’t teaching the youth very well
June 1st, 2026 at 12:47 pm
I just read Myles Garrett might get traded.
This is where the Bucs could use Cleveland’s brain damage against them.
Offer up Baker… in exchange for Garrett, two 1st’s, and just for fun we get Watson (Browns eat his salary) and throw in Sanders as well.
Cleveland is so dumb they might actually accept that offer. Not only would the Bucs rake them over the coals on the deal, it would mean all the Baker Boi(s) would return home to Cleveland with him. It’s a win-win.
Then after all those moves, give the Giants a 6th rounder for Jameis Winston.
Boy, want to talk about winning the offseason and getting the media circus back in town!
And what’s the worst that could happen? The Bucs miss the playoffs because of bad QB play – just like last year?
June 1st, 2026 at 12:48 pm
There’s about 12 or 13 QBs better than BAKER…he definitely ain’t top 10
But yeah, keep fooling yourself and thinking he’s a top ten QB
GO BUCS
June 1st, 2026 at 12:48 pm
LynchMob50 Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 12:41 pm
How many TD’s did he throw in the 25-26 playoffs???
Answer: Zero
————-
BETTER QUESTION … HOW MANY INTS DID HE THROW?!?!
ZERO!
SICK BURN – i GOT YOU!
June 1st, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Rod. Baker and Trevor both had Coen for a year. Trevor had a dozen less Td passes. 41-29. Trevor threw 61.9 comp rate. Baker 71 comp rate. Baker over 500 more throwing yards. Baker smoked Trevor in that Coen year comparison. I believe munchesonanythinghecangetbywithmunchingon is enamored with Trevor’s curly locks. So Baker is demonstrably better than Trevor, Rod. Now we’ll move onto Prescott. Look up playoff games between them, Rod. Read it and weep, Rod. Baker demonstrably better than Prescott, Rod. Next!
June 1st, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Rod. Baker and Trevor both had Coen for a year. Trevor had a dozen less Td passes. 41-29. Trevor threw 61.9 comp rate. Baker 71 comp rate. Baker over 500 more throwing yards. Baker smoked Trevor in that Coen year comparison.
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Lawrence started off the year much worse than Baker started off in 2024 – and finished the year even hotter than Baker finished in 2024.
I do think it’s close, and Lawrence could certainly fall flat on his face, but he’s also younger, a lot more athletic, has a better arm, etc and Baker is coming off a really bad season where he was terrible from week 7 on.
But if you have two guys who seem pretty even, you go with the younger, healthier player who was better last year.
June 1st, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Bit#hmob = Zero
June 1st, 2026 at 12:59 pm
LynchBob50 Says:
“Can’t throw a TD in a playoff game if you don’t make it to the playoffs. Is this a Bowles burner account? Those public schools in Florida aren’t teaching the youth very well”
Clearly you missed the point, short bus.
And I’m happy to see I’m in your head so much you chose a moniker close to mine.
Rent free living in the Pom Pom squad’s tiny brain pans!!!
June 1st, 2026 at 1:12 pm
LynchMob50 Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 12:59 pm
LynchBob50 Says:
“Can’t throw a TD in a playoff game if you don’t make it to the playoffs. Is this a Bowles burner account? Those public schools in Florida aren’t teaching the youth very well”
Clearly you missed the point, short bus.
And I’m happy to see I’m in your head so much you chose a moniker close to mine.
Rent free living in the Pom Pom squad’s tiny brain pans!!!
————
I SEE u r STILL GOING ON WITH DIS – UR DUMB
BAKER DIDN’T LOSE A SINGLE GAME IN THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR – I SEE u r SILENT ABOUT THAT AND DON’T WANT TO REMIND PEOPLE ABOUT THAt!
ANOTHER sick BURN! 14-0 FOR ME!
June 1st, 2026 at 1:21 pm
“I just read Myles Garrett might get traded.
This is where the Bucs could use Cleveland’s brain damage against them.”
LA Rams are all over this and we have them week 17
June 1st, 2026 at 1:24 pm
Warren Brooks Lynch Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 1:21 pm
“I just read Myles Garrett might get traded.
This is where the Bucs could use Cleveland’s brain damage against them.”
LA Rams are all over this and we have them week 17
————–
Jesus F-ing…
Are you kidding me – the stupid Rams did get him…
June 1st, 2026 at 1:27 pm
Yup, it isn’t finalized, but they’re sending Jared Verse and picks in exchange.
June 1st, 2026 at 1:29 pm
No super bowl this year boys.
June 1st, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Baker vs Darnold
Everyone is saying they’d prefer Baker over Darnold. I don’t get it?
Darnold is 14-3 each of the past two years with different teams, back to back 4K seasons, more playoff wins, and a Super Bowl championship.
Baker couldn’t inspire a team to the playoffs. They quit. His last playoff game ended with a 4th quarter INT on a game-winning drive.
June 1st, 2026 at 1:35 pm
SlyPirate Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Baker vs Darnold
Everyone is saying they’d prefer Baker over Darnold. I don’t get it?
Darnold is 14-3 each of the past two years with different teams, back to back 4K seasons, more playoff wins, and a Super Bowl championship.
Baker couldn’t inspire a team to the playoffs. They quit. His last playoff game ended with a 4th quarter INT on a game-winning drive.
————
Darnold is soooo boring though.
Look at Baker in the picture, he’s got red hair, he’s having fun – he’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast! Darnold meanwhile, he’s Grape Nuts, good for your digestion but SOOO dull I can’t take it.
Darnold is nothing but a game manager, and needs a top tier defense to win. Baker is more wild, obviously, and has more swings, but at least can (at times) give you a chance when your defense isn’t performing.
Darnold is basically Nick Foles, and would guide the Bucs to a 7-10 season. Baker gets you into the 8, maybe even 9 win, category!
June 1st, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Rams getting Garrett, huh? Our team just keeps getting more preseason gifts. I know Myles won him a playoff game once in his career Baker helped him out hanging 48 on Tomlin and Big Ben at Pittsburgh. Garrett got to Cleveland with alot more hype than Bain is getting. He led the Browns to an 0-16 record. Mayfield came in the next year and got all the press attention and commercials. Stuff like that happens when you turn a franchise around. Myles got what he wanted when Mayfield left. The Browns won 3 games last year, I think. Chip on Mayfield’s shoulder will be at an all time high facing Garrett. Might be just enough to give us that edge.
June 1st, 2026 at 2:10 pm
That one of your better comments, Rod. Do they sell Grape Nuts anymore?
June 1st, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Hey, Joe
Do you put these articles up to satisfy the bottom feeders like munch and Bee? You mention Baker and it’s like throwing chum in the water!
June 1st, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Baker is at his worst when he’s trying to do do much. When the team around him is solid and healthy, I think this is a realistic ranking.
June 1st, 2026 at 2:16 pm
too much
June 1st, 2026 at 2:23 pm
purplebeard Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Hey, Joe
Do you put these articles up to satisfy the bottom feeders like munch and Bee? You mention Baker and it’s like throwing chum in the water!
—————
I literally just said I’d rather have Baker over the QB that just won the SB… and even that isn’t good enough for you?
You, lady, you’re mentally deranged.
Now back to work, that kitchen isn’t going to clean itself.
June 1st, 2026 at 2:29 pm
10 is a bit low. He should be 6-8 range depending on preference.
If our starting offensive line is in, we will do fine against both Cleveland and the Rams pass rush. If not- not so much. Stay healthy, O-line!
June 1st, 2026 at 2:41 pm
Joe,
My wife came into the room and asked what I was reading (on my phone). I said my Joe Bucs and Baker being ranked at 10 amongst current quarterbacks. She got a perplexed look and then said, ” Oh no… he’s not a ten, well his butt may be… but no, no… he’s no 10 like Tom!” She loves Brady, seems most women do.
Maybe you should do an off-season poll on the best quarterback butts. Make my wife and Rod Munch happy!
June 1st, 2026 at 2:52 pm
did baker really dye his hair like kwon alexander…?
June 1st, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Old Baker top 10, hilarious. Can you imagine if Baker wouldn’t have gotten hurt last year where he would have ranked. Most likely in the top 5. If they can stay healthy and protect him he will have another MVP type season. Baker will be better this year. His name will come up when MVP is discussed, just like last year.
June 1st, 2026 at 3:57 pm
10 is about right considering the questions that must be asked regarding last year’s collapse.
Baker’s stats are better than that when you consider his 3 years here as a whole.
If we get anything resembling the 2024 version of this Bucs offense – then Baker will easily stat out as a top 10 QB once again.
Hopefully Mayfield stays healthy this year as that seems to be his worst attribute – that he won’t sit himself even when severely injured.
June 1st, 2026 at 4:18 pm
You guys leave Rod alone.
At least Rod will give you the good with the bad.
Lynchmob50 is a complete douche bag.He was born a dick
June 1st, 2026 at 4:50 pm
Darnald took the Vikes to the playoffs followed by taking the Seahawks to the SB, and winning. I’d take Sam over Baker, Lawrence too.
June 1st, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Jack
You are correct, lynchmob 50 wakes up with Todd on his mind and sleeps with his cutout of Todd. Very deranged person
June 1st, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Jack
You are correct, lynchmob 50 wakes up with Todd on his mind and sleeps with his cutout of Todd. Very angry person
June 1st, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Sign Baker…now! If you don’t and you franchise tag him, he is going to leave 100%. He may still have almost an entire decade worth of football to play yet- and may get better and better just like Stafford did! He has the same kind of arm talent. There’s no logical reason not to keep him and his performance late last year can be directly tied to lack of protection from underperforming backup-of-backup guards and not having time to throw or space to step into his passes.
Do it Licht…please! I don’t want the decades of losing that are coming without him.
June 1st, 2026 at 5:33 pm
I love Baker and the rating but I do not see his arm strength as elite. He may throw it as hard and far as anyone, but he needs his whole body and max effort. Other guys look effortless—a flick of the wrist. Much more accurate downfield. Aaron Rodger’s had an elite arm. Pat Mahomes.
IMO Bakers best attributes are his vision, accuracy and timing on the short and mid throws and his opportunistic running. If he and the OLine stay healthy, he could be MVP.
He would have been great with Gruden back in the day. Garcia on steroids.
June 1st, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Man look Baker is our quarterback right now so I’m going to root for him to play good this year because I’m a real bucs fan. However I’m not going to make excuses for him if he plays good I will give him his credit. And if he does not play good I’m going to say it it’s that simple to me or less he has a valid excuse. But the last 9 games Baker could have played better than he did especially after going back and watching the games all over again. That defense was not as bad as people say it was. It wasn’t great but Baker could have closed out some of those games. But as for now he’s our quarterback and we as a fan base got to come together this season and I’m not talking about you Baker Mayfield fans that’s only here because of Baker Mayfield y’all don’t really count to me. Just my true bucs fans!!
June 1st, 2026 at 6:52 pm
Shake n Bake wouldn’t change it for the world! Even if hes had 5,6,7,8 OC,s Hes gonna make a great HC someday! Go FN Bucs !
June 1st, 2026 at 7:13 pm
Stpetematt….you’re going to have to deal with lots of losing THIS season.
June 1st, 2026 at 7:42 pm
Nah — Bucs are going to bounce back and kick butt!
June 1st, 2026 at 8:04 pm
Burrow
Jackson
Allen
Maye
Mahomes
Stafford
Williams
Daniels
9th at best and you can make a case for Goff, Herbert and Prescott. 12th at worst for me.
If we can get him at about Daniel Jones money or a little more that would be great. Maybe a 4 year deal that’s really 2 two-year deals. That way we’re giving ourselves protection in case it goes really south.
June 1st, 2026 at 8:34 pm
Lawrence. injury-prone. Baker does have a cannon, but his motion requires a full upper body coil/torque to release it. So, he takes a milli second longer to let it go. I agree with Moldilocks, a quick pass/ bootleg scheme will produce a good baker year.
June 1st, 2026 at 9:22 pm
Munch is still stuck in the trees. He can’t see out.
I will say though, he’s great in convincing himself that he’s right about Baker. The problem is, he’s wrong… again. It’s just like TDS.
June 1st, 2026 at 9:26 pm
Munch is still stuck in the trees. He can’t see out.
I will say though, he’s great in convincing himself that he’s right about Baker. The problem is, he’s wrong… again. It’s just like TDS.
June 1st, 2026 at 9:38 pm
We’ll see about that Buc1987. Somehow, I doubt it. Starters stay healthy and we win a lot of games including several we are not favored in.
June 1st, 2026 at 10:33 pm
“Obvious Says:
June 1st, 2026 at 8:04 pm
Burrow
Jackson
Allen
Maye
Mahomes
Stafford
Williams
Daniels
9th at best and you can make a case for Goff, Herbert and Prescott. 12th at worst for me.
If we can get him at about Daniel Jones money or a little more that would be great. Maybe a 4 year deal that’s really 2 two-year deals. That way we’re giving ourselves protection in case it goes really south.”
You have to go back 3 years for the last time Mahomes passed 4k yards, TWO years for Jackson, NEVER for Daniels
June 1st, 2026 at 10:42 pm
Are the sharks done feeding yet?
His ranking by 1 guy doesn’t mean crap unless it’s accurate.
Could be, but probably not.
If he focuses on getting rid of the ball yes Top 10.
Currently he doesn’t so not top 10.
Maybe with Zac.
June 2nd, 2026 at 8:47 am
Wow. The level of immaturity in these comments is staggering.
Personally, I see no point in rushing to get Mayfield re-signed or Franchised. He’s got a year left on his contract. Plenty of time to see how he does this year.
If he doesn’t do great, but does good, the asking price will go down. If he bombs, the Bucs won’t need to re-sign him and won’t get a bad cap hit from him. If he does fantastic,sure, the price will go up…but he would be worth it in that case.
Mayfield is a team-friendly QB, meaning he knows asking huge money will damage hischance of success…so it makes sense to wait.
June 2nd, 2026 at 11:16 am
@Bonzai,
100% agree with your assessment of Baker. IF last year was an outlier (both good and bad) then let’s see him be more consistent THIS year before we extend him.
If he plays lights out and our price goes up, that’s a great problem to have! I’d rather slightly overpay for solid talent than have someone way underperform their contract/value.
June 2nd, 2026 at 1:56 pm
Beej,
I’d still take those 8 over Baker. Not so sure about Herbert, Goff or Prescott.
Sum of all parts rather than just passing yards. However, Daniels is looking like he might carry the injury prone designation due to his frame. We’ll see what this year brings.
June 2nd, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Obviously that missing spleen affects Chrissie’s judgment.