Baker Mayfield Rumors: NFL Coaches 'Admire' Bucs QB amid Contract Buzz, Falcons Link

One year after settling for a prove-it contract from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield figures to be a sought-after free agent this offseason.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo, coaches around the NFL "admire admire Mayfield's competitiveness and skill level" as he looks for a new contract.

The report cited the Atlanta Falcons, with new head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson taking over, as a team that could have interest in Mayfield.

Rapoport reported on Feb. 8 that Tampa has a "leg up" to keep Mayfield and the "first deadline" for the situation will be the franchise tag window in March.

The loss of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who was hired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, might have an impact on Mayfield's decision to return to the Bucs.

Mayfield told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe (h/t NFL.com's Grant Gordon) on Feb. 1 he was paying attention to who the Buccaneers got to replace Canales.

Tampa Bay wound up hiring Liam Coen as its next offensive coordinator. He spent last season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Kentucky.

During the 2022 season, Coen was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield played five games for the Rams at the end of that season.

Morris and Robinson were also on that staff with Coen, so they have a relationship with Mayfield. The 28-year-old signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Buccaneers last offseason.

Mayfield significantly outplayed that contract with 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns in 17 starts. He led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title and a 32-9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card game.