Why the Buccaneers 31-Year-Old Quarterback Has More to Prove in 2026
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a roller coaster of a 2025 season. Tampa ended the season 8-9, ending in a three-way tie at the top of the NFC South. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, breaking their five-year streak of making the postseason. Their division has started to see some improvement, especially with the Carolina Panthers quarterback trying to silence the doubters next season. In 2023, quarterback Baker Mayfield took over at the position, following quarterback Tom Brady’s retirement. Brady won a Super Bowl in his first season with the team, leaving Mayfield with a lot to live up to. The two-time Pro Bowler had a rocky seven-year career before landing in Tampa, but has since won over the hearts of the organization.
Mayfield threw for over 4,000 yards in his first two seasons with the team, finishing with 61 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. The former Oklahoma Sooner completely revitalized his career, finding his footing under a new staff and looking like the quarterback that was drafted first overall in 2018. Tampa had back-to-back playoff seasons under Mayfield, with a positive outlook going into 2025. While their star quarterback was still able to perform at a high level, he cooled down a bit, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Mayfield was still a bright spot in the Buccaneers’ most disappointing season since 2019, but his talent wasn’t enough to help get his team back in the playoffs for the sixth time in a row. The veteran quarterback isn’t getting any younger, which may mean 2026 will be his biggest season yet to prove what he’s got left.
Mayfield was recently placed outside of the top ten quarterbacks on ESPN's list. The main reason for his fall off the list from the previous season was the Buccaneers’ poor performance in the second half of the season, when they went 2-7. Mayfield was originally an MVP candidate to begin the 2025 season, but after Week Seven, he would throw 14 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. While still productive, it wasn’t enough to crack the top ten list, leaving questions as to how he will look this upcoming season. More importantly, the Bucs quarterback will be entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract. Mayfield will not only have to prove he’s still got it in 2026, but also prove that he’s due for an extension in Tampa Bay.
