Baker Mayfield has never been one to blend into the background. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback’s fiery personality and outspoken nature have made him one of the more polarizing figures in the NFL, sparking heated debates among fans and analysts alike.
While many in the organization view him as a cornerstone worth locking down long-term, not everyone shares that confidence—particularly when it comes to his recent on-field performance.
During a recent appearance on ESPN, NFL analyst Ryan Clark offered a pointed critique of Mayfield’s play, especially as the 2025 season wound down.
“When you watch the Bucs, especially late in the season, you get one of those feelings about their quarterback where you’re like, ‘We saw some things from Baker that make us nervous that we thought were no longer part of his game,” Clark said on ESPN.
Despite such skepticism, the Buccaneers appear committed to building around Mayfield. The team has been engaged in contract negotiations with their starting quarterback, aiming to secure him beyond the current deal. The 2026 season represents the final year of a three-year, $100 million extension Mayfield originally signed in 2024.
With training camp set to begin later this month on July 28, the clock is ticking. Mayfield has publicly drawn a line in the sand, indicating he wants a new agreement finalized before camp opens. If not, he could enter the 2027 offseason as a free agent, forcing Tampa Bay to rethink its entire approach at the position.
Mayfield’s journey in the league has been full of peaks and valleys, but his time with the Buccaneers has marked a notable resurgence. His strong 2024 campaign—where he completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions—showed what he can deliver at a high level. The following year proved more challenging.
In 2025, Mayfield posted a 63.2 percent completion rate, throwing for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While those numbers were respectable, they fell short of the previous season’s heights, and many observers pointed to the toll of playing through injuries as a key factor.
What stands out most is Mayfield’s toughness. He didn’t miss a single game despite the physical setbacks, demonstrating the kind of resilience that endears him to teammates and coaches.
Injuries inevitably affect a quarterback’s mechanics, timing, and mental sharpness, so there’s reason to believe 2026 could see him return closer to his peak form—provided he enters the season healthy and with clarity on his contractual future.
As the Buccaneers prepare for another competitive season, the spotlight remains firmly on Mayfield. His ability to silence critics with consistent, high-level play could determine not only his own legacy but also the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Whether Clark’s concerns prove prophetic or simply another chapter in the ongoing debate around Mayfield, one thing is certain: the coming months will bring clarity on where both player and team stand.
