Tom Brady is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring players in the history of the NFL and sports in general. Overcoming every obstacle all the way to becoming the G.O.A.T, Brady knows a thing or two about making the most of every situation. It seems that his move going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is what inspired Baker Mayfield to seek a career-revival with the Bucs.
According to Buccaneers general manager, Jason Licht, Brady’s decision to join the team impacted directly on Mayfield’s choice to go to Tampa Bay. Speaking to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times,’ Licht highlighted key similarities.
“Some of the same ways that Tom [Brady] chose us, Baker chose us too, because he knew that Tom chose us because it was the best place for him to win a Super Bowl, Baker chose us because it’s the best place for him to revive his career,“ Licht stated. “He was going to be able to just play football and try to win.“
Mayfield has developed a special chemistry with the team
It seems like the team is very fond of Mayfield. Baker went from struggling hard to becoming a franchise QB that has kept the Bucs as an NFC contender. “He’s obviously helped, big part in winning, but those players love playing with him, especially receivers. Who knows if Mike [Evans] would have chose to come here, who knows if Chris [Godwin] would have signed back, they love that guy… So I hope Baker’s here a long time.” Licht seems like he is a fan of Mayfield too.
As Licht stated, winning has also helped. Mayfield has led the team to two straight divisional championships, while getting two Pro-Bowl selections in the process. He has surpassed the 4,000 passing yards in both seasons and last year, he threw 41 touchdown passes. The only blemish was his league-leading 16 interceptions.
Mayfield landed in Tampa as a last resort
After being unceremoniously let go by the Browns, where he spent his last season playing hurt, Mayfield’s NFL career was in serious jeopardy. A terrible spell on the Panthers saw him go 1-5. The Rams then took a chance on him to replace Stafford, who was injured. Mayfield delivered an astonishing debut but after that, he lost three in a row.
The reason why Tampa even looked at him as a possibility was because they didn’t have any high draft picks and their cap space situation at the time was really bad. After going all in with Tom Brady, the Bucs didn’t have much money to get a quarterback and Mayfield was very cheap due to his bad form then.
It’s safe to say that Tampa struck gold and now have another franchise QB. Credit to Mayfield for seizing his chance, now the task is to contend for a Super Bowl, and the Bucs may not be as far to that with their current roster.