Report: Bucs Concerned Baker Mayfield Will Continue To “Neglect” His Health
June 14th, 2026
Joe waited a day on this to see if Bucs officials would demand a correction or a re-phrasing.
It seems they did not.
A TampaBay.com report yesterday (the twice-weekly community newspaper lives behind a paywall), dove into the Baker Mayfield contract situation. The fresh nugget for Joe was reporter Rick Stroud claiming the Bucs think Mayfield doesn’t take proper care of himself.
However, the Bucs are concerned about one element of his game he continues to neglect: his health.
“Neglect” is a very strong word.
Included in the article was press conference quote from Todd Bowles saying the usual; the team would love to see Mayfield avoid taking hits on scrambles more often. Frankly, that’s something every team with a scrambling QB says.
Joe keeps coming back to “neglect.” That’s a very interesting choice of word for a QB that hasn’t missed a start in three years, has performed well in the postseason and, obviously, puts a lot of effort into maintaining his body.
JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman talked to Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht about Mayfield’s health 10 days ago.
Ira Kaufman: Will you to try to contain his scrambling instincts to minimize the hits Mayfield endures?
Jason Licht: That’s a tough one. There’s been a lot of “No, no no … way to go” when Baker takes off. He’s a playmaker. That’s the way he’s built. Yes, it’s a delicate balance.
Ira Kaufman: Did Baker Mayfield try to do too much during the 2-7 tailspin?
Jason Licht: The way he’s wired, he’ll always try to put everything on him. Given the things he was battling through, it was a tough second half of the year.
Is Mayfield’s history of getting banged up affecting the Bucs’ contract offer? Only Licht and Team Glazer know, for sure.
Joe is certain, however, Mayfield would be more likely to play more conservatively if the Bucs had a good defense.
June 14th, 2026 at 9:46 am
I said this from the beginning, baker was hurt after that San Fran win for sure. Had we started bridgewater for a couple of games after that win, we might’ve been in the playoffs.
June 14th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Let’s not wait too long to move on from Baker like we did with Jameis. We could have had Josh Allen all these years.
June 14th, 2026 at 9:56 am
No doubt his playing style factors into the conversation. The Bucs are planting that through Stroud. Oddly it’s his greatest strength & weakeness simultaneously. His style of play pays dividends in so many ways yet can be costly at the same time. I’d be looking to put a games played qualifier on the contract, especially if you’re going to pay $50M/yr. But I’d be cautious of trying too hard to remove the dog in his game. That could backfire. No risk it, no biscuit!
June 14th, 2026 at 10:03 am
I agree, if the defense was better I think he would taking some pressure off himself. However, I don’t see it this year with this defense, to many holes. With that said the player is who he is. I mean he is only going to change so much. Yes it would be better for him and the team for him to not try to make every play.
That will be hard this year. I expect this team to give up a lot of points mainly in the passing game. Presently the Bucs have an inexperienced LB and are really weak in the CB position. The offense will have to carry the team, which will put a lot on Baker especially at the end of games.
June 14th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Clack bait
June 14th, 2026 at 10:22 am
We need two vet cornerbacks. Weakest spot on team. Fix it Mr. Licht!
June 14th, 2026 at 10:33 am
“The best ability is availability.”
June 14th, 2026 at 10:37 am
There are so many promising QB’s coming out in the draft next year that the Bucs should be in no hurry to extend Baker. Baker is his own worst enemy , because he wants to prove how tough he is when he should be concerned more with being healthy for the last 8 games of the season.
June 14th, 2026 at 10:40 am
Bottom line, they don’t think he’ll last long. Already 31, undersized thinking he can lower his shoulder against defenders. That’s why they didn’t offer him a long term big money deal, they don’t think he’ll last. Fifty mill for 3 years is more like it. When Baker realizes no one will pay him more for any longer he’ll sign.
June 14th, 2026 at 10:48 am
Geno712 Says:
June 14th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Let’s not wait too long to move on from Baker like we did with Jameis. We could have had Josh Allen all these years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And all these years the Bills have also been waiting to go beyond winning the division and a playoff game……….. one in the hand……… the grass is greener!!!
June 14th, 2026 at 11:00 am
You guarantee this guy too many years and it will put us in a dolphins situation.
Just give him his money but protect the guarantees.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:02 am
The only time I can see Baker being hurt was in 2023 last year he was not injured enough that he was unable to play good. No player is a 100 percent by week 5 regardless of the sport especially football so it’s time to kill that narrative. Because that ain’t going to be a good enough excuse this year. If he plays like he did the second half of the season it’s time to move on and draft a quarterback in the first round no more excuses NFC Championship or bust for him and Todd Bowles.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:13 am
Mayfield is a baller and has many times put this team on his back. It’s not always pretty, but you can bet he won’t leave much, if anything, on the field. It would be great if some of his teammates felt the same way.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:21 am
Baker does what it takes to get those needed yards. Don’t change that. It’s up to the team to manage it and have a good backup ready to go.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:41 am
Yeah, Baker mixes it up a little more than is like, but that’s just Baker. Neglectful was just an unfortunate word choice. No mention of the name of that actual writer. Maybe English isn’t their main language.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Tampa Bay has 3 wins last season without Mayfield’s scrambling.
Coen’s entire offense was predicated on Mayfield saving his wasted 1st and 2nd downs.
Rewatch the games. The injuries have always been due to poor line play and/or late hits (see both Saints game injuries). Mayfield is a pocket passer without a pocket. Elite pocket navigation and scrambling have hid player deficiencies and poor OC coaching in 23, 24, and 25.
The TB oline gives up quick pressures (<2.5 seconds) at amongst the highest rates in the league (including in 2024) and that forces scrambles.
It's almost like none of you understand football well, but some of you write about it, and many of you comment about it, and just repeat your nonsense until you believe it.
June 14th, 2026 at 11:49 am
Idk JOE you really think baker would play more conservatively with a better D. I don’t. Go back and look at games when the D held their own. Baker is just wired that way. He’s not the kind to live for another down. It’s 100 mph all the time. He fights for ever blade of grass to gain. It’s what made me a fan. Does come with bad consequences tho.
June 14th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
“ Joe is certain, however, Mayfield would be more likely to play more conservatively if the Bucs had a good defense.”
Ding ding ding ding ding!
My Joe hits the nail right on the head.
June 14th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
Joe says “Joe is certain, however, Mayfield would be more likely to play more conservatively if the Bucs had a good defense.”
I say DITTO!!! And add a better DC too!
June 14th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
Here’s hoping the Bucs defense improves enough so that Mayfield doesn’t have to play hero ball. He needs to slide before risking hits to his body. Live to play another down was Brady’s philosophy.
Mayfield needs to trust his receivers. The receiver talent is there. With an improved defense the Bucs should be a playoff contender. The Bucs need a healthy Baker to contend. Having a hurt Baker means another losing season. 📉
June 14th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
“ Joe is certain, however, Mayfield would be more likely to play more conservatively if the Bucs had a good defense.”
Or maybe if the offense could consistently move the ball, or score more, he wouldn’t need to play hero ball and get risk injury so much.
June 14th, 2026 at 2:32 pm
Anyhon. The Bills played in a conference championship game and Josh Allen was the main reason of that. And second Josh Allen never had receivers like a Mike Evans and Godwin to throw the ball to . Baker has had that the past 3 years and he still couldn’t win big games when the game is on the line.
June 14th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
It’s time to face the fact that Baker Mayfield is not a franchise quarterback at this point of his career. He’s a bridge quarterback now and you can’t keep blaming the defense for his short comings . He lost the Panthers game that would have put us in the playoffs and he lost the Dolphins game that would have put us in the playoffs. The defense put him in position to win games and he didn’t the second half of the season. Baker is on his 4th team and it ain’t never been a franchise quarterback that played for 4 teams in the history of the NFL. It’s time for the bucs to draft a quarterback in the first round this year . I’m not against singing Baker Mayfield but I’m against giving him franchise quarterback years. And if the give him a 4 or 5 year deal that’s going to put the bucs back at the bottom of the division for years to come.
June 14th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Baker = Jameis
Same issues.
Pom Pom squad still yelling that he’s going to the SB.
Just like with Winston.
History repeating itself.
June 14th, 2026 at 3:07 pm
Simple T is right.
LynchMob50 is wrong. “Famous” Jameis was in his own class when it comes to bad. Baker is better.
June 14th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
That’s one of the reasons we love him…but…
…it is on Jason Licht for not bringing in a capable backup. And no, none of the current backups are any good.
June 14th, 2026 at 3:59 pm
This is definitely true, when combined with his age. But, this is still only ‘one piece’ of the overall equation. The commercials, the long form ‘sit down’ interviews, and Netflix docuseries, complete with film crew following around his every move. IN-Season. It’s called “Distractions.” Baker is one a HUGE DISTRACTION. And, “HIS PLAY” has just not been good enough for the most part, to be able to compensate for it. It’s NOT the “leadership style” (all forced and all about HIMSELF), that I want from the Quarterback position. And, the Bucs are 💯 CORRECT with their reasoning. They have very sincere, legit reasons to pause.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
Baker HAS TO continue to play “HIS WAY,” in order to be effective in this league. He’s doesn’t have the proper size, footwork, or pocket awareness, to be able to just stand tall in the pocket, AND BEAT YOU. It’s not his game. Hell, EVEN the Ravens are already debating whether or not they’re going to give ‘2-TIME’ MVP Lamar Freaking JACKSON, a longterm max-level extension during this next go around.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:25 pm
It’s gonna happen. Baker is going to win a Super Bowl. He is going to win a league MVP. He’s probably gonna win more than one championship. Then, after he hangs them up, he’s a hall of famer. One of the best QBs I’ve ever seen operate. Gotta have a semblance of an OLine and a solid team. I’m thinking this is the season. You so called football fans should be grateful to watch a true QB savant operate. Geez.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:45 pm
finished consistency product 35 – just trying to find the word. Ridiculous. SIXTH TIME in a day & a half.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:46 pm
Well, none of those words… have already made it into three comments instead of just one, AND have eliminated half of this last one.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
Can’t even get a ‘two sentence’ post to go through. What a JOKE.
June 14th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
This is the only fan base that say a quarterback that’s on his 4th team is a franchise quarterback lol .
June 14th, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Test
June 14th, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Thats the only comment thats worked all day. Smh
June 14th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
Joe has the blocking set to Pom Pom waiving only allowed today.
June 14th, 2026 at 5:35 pm
Oneilbuc you are the only person that thinks Jaymiss is a franchise QB…….Still lol
June 14th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Baker has never allowed backups to play, and for good reason. Number one, he is extremely selfish, and has short man’s disease. Number two, he’s afraid that they might look better, and then HE loses HIS JOB. He is VERY territorial. The “DEFENSE” has nothing to do with HIS “playing style” late in ballgames. It has A LOT MORE to do with HIS OWN poor play throughout the first 3-QUARTERS. That’s the Bottomline. He’s looked AWFUL the majority of the times, during the first 2 to 3-Quarters of ballgames. Just TERRIBLE. I can see it right now in Cincy, Week-1… He scores a TD AND converts miraculously on a 2pt conversion with 3:36 left in the ballgame. He’s going NUTS putting on a SHOW, “head-butting” O-Linemen and LB’s on the sidelines, WITHOUT a HELMET. All while, the SCORE is still 27-17 (was 27-9 lol). LMAO. I can see-it now!!!!
June 14th, 2026 at 6:09 pm
Mike C . One thing I do know today is Baker Mayfield ain’t no franchise quarterback he’s stared for 4 different good teams and he ain’t won nothing yet . And now he’s playing in the weakest division in football and still ain’t done nothing yet lol 🤣 .
June 14th, 2026 at 6:31 pm
For Oneilbuc . Godwin missed 18 regular season games between 2023-2025 and in his first few games of 2025, he wasn’t the Chris Godwin we know so in reality he missed even a few more. Evans missed 12 games in that period as well. There’s an another excuse for you! Enjoy!
June 14th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
Bridgewater! Lol,ide take a hurt Mayfield before him anytime Beer is good…..
June 14th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Oneilbuc I’m surprised you didn’t say he played for 4 great teams! In 2022, the Panthers were plus 10000 to win the superbowl which put them at 25th. Then he joined the 3-9 Rams late in 2022. They were a real juggernaut that season. In his time with the Browns, he made the worst team and organization in the NFL into an average team that was ascending. When he came to the Bucs in 2023, they were an 8-9 team coming off getting demolished by the Cowboys in the wildcard round after the 2022 season. I wouldn’t call that a good team. They seemed quite a mess and most talking heads sure didn’t think they’d do anything in 2023. They have improved in his time here in 2023 and 2024. 2025 was a bummer but the reasons were clear to see. This year should be their best yet since 2021.
June 14th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
Baker makes great plays with his feet. However, he takes unnecessary beatings at the end of some of his runs. Instead of sliding or running out of bounds, he tries to run through and over People. It looks good, and it types up the team when he does this. But it also takes a tremendous toll on his body. I could do it last year and the season before.
Perhaps, with this information out there, and with the talks that they have obviously had behind the scenes, Baker would be more responsible with his health and understand that his health is far mor vital to the team than what Suh would describe as some Rah Rah spit!!
June 14th, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Baker is 28 and 26 since he joined the Bucs. The two years prior, we won the Super Bowl and then won the division. Baker Mayfield has extended this team‘s mediocrity not saved it and not made it better.
June 14th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
A Super Bowl is Baker Mayfield’s destiny. He’ll be playing for Tampa Bay.
June 14th, 2026 at 10:41 pm
Oscar well said!
June 15th, 2026 at 10:03 am
One can see how Baker puts his body in harms way by his actions in the game but are the Bucs really concerned by his actions off the field? Actions/inactions that allow his body not to recover from injuries on the field?
June 15th, 2026 at 10:47 am
Protect Baker from himself! 6 to 8 plays per game using backup qb or running back taking direct snaps for change of pace giving Baker a little less unnecessary hits
June 15th, 2026 at 11:35 am
Oscar. He had great team in Cleveland good defense the best o line in the NFL at the time 2 of his players on the o line was first team all pros and the other 3 were pro bowlers. He 2 good runningbacks and a good receiver for with 2 good TE and he still couldn’t get to a championship game. With Panthers he was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for them and lost his job to Sam Donald. He was supposed to replace Stafford and went 1-4 with the Rams. If you need everything to be perfect for your quarterback to play good then he’s not a franchise quarterback especially at the age of 32.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:56 am
#1, he was never going to replace Stafford, #2 he was with the Rams less than 48 hours and led them to a come from behind win and #3 he could have stayed as a backup with the Rams but gambled on himself and signed on the cheap with the Bucs! From high school to OU, Baker’s success was always built around structure and discipline, two needs to be successful of which he has had tow seasons with two different coaches with the Bucs! Bucs should be the ones to gamble by NOT signing him until the end of the season. If Baker is successful, the pay 💰 to keep him but if not, he has punched the ticket to leave!
June 15th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Baker = Jameis
LynchMob50 = Brain Dead
June 15th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Baker = Jameis
LynchMob50 = Brain Rot
June 15th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
Show him some guarantees restructure his contract and pay the guy. You pay others who perform and show up less.
June 16th, 2026 at 12:02 am
Baker has very high beta. But like a manic depressive, the highs are more than offset by the even more extreme lows.
Make him earn his money with a strong, consistent season where he eliminates most of the bonehead mistakes and doesn’t have to be the hero, because the defense is doing its job.
Oh, wait. Never mind. I forgot for a second who the defensive coordinator is. Maybe the head coach should do something about that.
Oh, wait.