Baker Mayfield on Buccaneers' Skeptics: 'I Don't Really Care' About Vegas Odds

Baker Mayfield is tuning out any of the outside noise about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into the 2023 season.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's OTA session, Mayfield said he isn't interested in what oddsmakers are saying about the team's playoff chances right now.

"I played in this division last year and pretty sure the Bucs won it still. I don't really care what the people in Vegas are putting odds on because it's May. We haven't played real tackle football. We've got a long way to go. It's just the time of year where everybody springs forward. ... It makes it fun. We haven't played real, tackle football. It seems like a no BS squad that's all about winning."

Mayfield was specifically being asked about the Buccaneers coming in at No. 30 in ESPN's Football Power Index for the 2023 NFL season.

Even in a division that doesn't look strong on paper, the Bucs have the lowest percentage chance to win the NFC South in ESPN's metric by far. They are currently at 9 percent, while the three other teams are at 22 percent or better.

The 2022 Buccaneers became the sixth team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record (8-9). It was the second time in three years this occurred after the 2020 Washington Commanders won the NFC East with a 7-9 record.

Tampa's roster outside of quarterback is still arguably the best in the NFC South. Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Russell Gage, Tristan Wirfs, Ryan Jensen, Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Carlton Davis III, Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr. is a terrific group to build around.

All of the questions about the Bucs' ceiling this season will revolve around quarterback. Head coach Todd Bowles has yet to announce who his starter will be, with Mayfield and Kyle Trask competing for the job.

Mayfield signed a one-year deal with Tampa as a free agent in March. The 28-year-old is looking to rehab his career after a down season in 2022 split between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

In 12 games last year, Mayfield threw for 2,163 yards with 10 touchdowns, eight interceptions and completed 60.0 percent of his attempts.