Baker Mayfield Return to Bucs Predicted by Exec over Possible Wilson, Fields Pursuits

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is reportedly viewed as a likely candidate to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the heels of a strong 2023 season.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, an anonymous NFC personnel evaluator suggested that they see the Bucs keeping Mayfield rather than exploring other quarterback options, saying: "I'm not sure it makes sense to go after someone else like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields when I'm not sure that's a substantial upgrade. Mayfield isn't perfect, but you can win games with him. He's streaky, but when he gets hot, he can produce like a top-10 guy."

Mayfield is set to hit free agency this offseason, but it is difficult to envision Tampa letting him walk after he led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title and a playoff win this season.

Originally the No. 1 overall pick in the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL draft, Mayfield was traded after four seasons and only one playoff appearance when Cleveland decided to acquire Deshaun Watson.

Mayfield struggled mightily with the Carolina Panthers last season, going 1-5 as a starter with six touchdown passes and six interceptions before getting released.

He was picked up by the Los Angeles Rams and went 1-3, throwing for 850 yards, four touchdowns and two picks.

After legendary quarterback Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers signed Mayfield in free agency last offseason. Tampa gave him a bargain-basement deal of $4 million for one year and afforded Mayfield the opportunity to compete for the starting job.

Mayfield beat out Kyle Trask to be the starter, and the Bucs stuck with him all season long in a move that paid dividends.

The 28-year-old signal-caller had a career year, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 163 yards and a score.

Tampa won the NFC South with a 9-8 record and earned a home playoff matchup against the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.

The Eagles were widely expected to win despite their late-season struggles, but Mayfield eld a 32-9 rout, as he threw for 337 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Tampa Bay moved on to face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, and although the Bucs fell short in a 31-23 loss, Mayfield had another strong game, throwing for 349 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Buccaneers made it much further than anyone could have anticipated, as most likely thought they would miss the playoffs following Brady's departure.

It is unclear if Mayfield is clearly the long-term answer in Tampa Bay, but the organization almost has to reward him with a new deal, especially since the likes of Wilson and Fields don't feel as though they would be upgrades, and the Bucs won't pick high enough in the draft to land a franchise quarterback.

Mayfield staying in Tampa Bay seems like a safe bet, but the big question is whether general manager Jason Licht will be able to retain Mayfield's No. 1 target in likely future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans, who is also set to become a free agent.