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Baker Mayfield gets big endorsement from Buccaneers teammate

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 13: Kyle Trask #2 (left), Baker Mayfield #6 (middle), and John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers work out during a mandatory Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center on June 13, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 13: Kyle Trask #2 (left), Baker Mayfield #6 (middle), and John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers work out during a mandatory Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center on June 13, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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It’s been a tumultuous five-year NFL career for quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, there seems to be new life with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The first overall pick in the NFL draft five years ago is now with his fourth team.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield spent the first four years of his pro career with the Cleveland Browns and drew mixed reviews. He threw for a combined 92 scores in 60 regular-season contests. However, he was also picked off 56 times and lost a dozen fumbles. He was at the helm of the team when they reached the playoffs in 2020 and performed well in the postseason split with the Steelers and Chiefs.

In 2022, he was dealt to the Carolina Panthers and struggled, finishing with more turnovers (7) than TD passes (6) in seven contests. He was put on waivers and claimed by the injury-riddled Rams. He had quite the moment on a Thursday night against the visiting Raiders, orchestrating a memorable comeback win.

Baker Mayfield starts over again

This offseason, he signed with the quarterback-starved Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After three seasons with the franchise, Tom Brady opted for retirement. Mayfield and Kyle Trask are battling for the starting job for Todd Bowles’ club.

So far teammate Lavonte David likes what he sees. On a recent SiriusXM NFL Radio podcast with Alex Marvez and former NFL running back Robert Turbin (via JoeBucsFan.com), the former Pro Bowler and All-Pro linebacker had this to say about the 28-year-old signal-caller.

"“Obviously, Baker already he’s been ‘the guy’ and, you know, he’s expected to live up to what everybody expected him to be. Baker is great for our locker room. I like the way Baker carries himself coming in with a ready-to-work mentality. Everybody loves him already and the way he approaches practice is great to see…“He’s a guy who’s done it before—took his team to the playoffs and done some great things so far,” added the 11-year veteran and Super Bowl LV champion. “So, the competition with those guys is going to be very, very competitive and I’m glad to be a part of it…During minicamp it was really fun to see, man, those guys are really having fun with it and they’re helping each other throughout the way. So that’s definitely something I love to see, as well.”"

The Buccaneers have won the NFC South each of the past two seasons. A year ago, none of the four teams finished with a winning record. It’s a division filled with quarterback changes. Who truly knows how it will play out in Tampa?

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