Baker Mayfield is already the guy who hangs out at dive bars and takes his offensive linemen on golfing trips to the Bahamas.
Now, more is known about Mayfield’s motivation and how Tampa Bay can win in 2023 with Tom Brady retired.
The Buccaneers were supposed to be one of the worst teams in the league this season.
Instead, they entered Week 6 with a 3-1 record and first place in the NFC South.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht previously praised Mayfield, calling him a good player and a smart player.
“He was spotted in a dive bar in town with a bunch of receivers and Mike Evans,” Lichter said. “It’s not fake. He really knows how to be a part of the team and they love him.”
The general manager recently spoke more about Mayfield’s character and why the waived former No. 1 overall pick was initially the ideal solution for Tampa Bay in a world without Brady.
“He’s always got a chip on his shoulder,” Licht told ESPN. “Now he wants to resurrect his career. Everybody was dismissive of him and said he was terrible.”
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales also praised the former University of Oklahoma star, who jumped from Cleveland to Carolina, the Los Angeles Rams and now the NFL’s Tampa Bay .
“One thing about Baker is he has good vision and a quick eye, so it’s good to get guys moving,” Canales said. “Baker will find someone.”
Head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield fits the current identity of the Buccaneers (3-1).
“He’s tough, he’s tough, and he’s a very smart football player,” Bowles said. “He’s a competitor, he’s been that way his whole life, that hasn’t changed.
“He’s got a lot to prove, he’s having a lot of fun out there, he understands the offense, he’s taking advantage of every (skill position talent) we’re giving him, and he’s having a great time.”
Tampa Bay’s division is up for grabs this year.
The Buccaneers still have tough games against Detroit, Buffalo and San Francisco on their schedule, and it’s too early to make any definitive comments about a 3-1 team.
But Mayfield is one of the most surprising stories of the beginning of this year’s NFL season.
After Brady retired, Mayfield found an ideal position for him and the Buccaneers after hearing he was “terrible.”