The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should believe they can achieve their team goals with Baker Mayfield.
As the unquestioned captain and leader, their being in the NFC South is a highly doable aim for coach Todd Bowles’ group. With the 19th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, they’ll likely look to directly help their signal-caller.
Many expect them to draft a wide receiver with their first-round selection. Whether the mock enthusiasts are right or not, the organization knows that supporting Mayfield is their main priority. At the same time, they have unwavering faith in the QB to deliver this Tampa Bay Buccaneers team into the postseason.
Vindicating QB1 Decision Through His Performance
Since taking over for Tom Brady, he has earned every benefit in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise’s planning. Although the two sides agreed to a restructured deal recently, it looks like he will be a part of the organization until at least 2027. The signed three-year deal in 2024 has since shifted a lot of the money into a bonus, but his place in Tampa Bay is as steady as ever.
Among a number of teams that wouldn’t have too much hope if they weren’t in the NFC South, the Buccaneers will also be looking to take that next step. Winning the division is significant no matter what, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office will want to make moves to narrow the gap between them and other playoff teams.
With Mike Evans in a contract year, Coach Bowles feels optimistic about Chris Godwin’s return from injury. The chemistry and overall cohesion on offense are already established. Considering the window the Bucs are in, it makes sense for the front office to make a big splash. This could include spending their most valuable draft capital on a promising prospect at wideout.
Time With Current Tampa Bay Buccaneers Nucleus Running Out
It’s unknown how much longer Evans will be with the organization. There is an additional unknown of how well Godwin will be. The veteran continues to work back from his ankle injury. Unfortunately, either WR being unable to produce, at least for too much longer, is a valid concern.
Until the wheels completely fall off and Mayfield shows that he isn’t a starting-caliber option, there won’t be a change. He will be the leader of this group. The team will stick with the current corps. They’ve had past moments of success that fans will remember and can be proud of.
The only certainty in sports, though, is that careers have a finite end. When retirement calls, it often happens quickly and suddenly.
Until that happens, however, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will continue to trust Mayfield and believe that he can capture lightning in a bottle at key moments when his team needs it most.
