Baker Mayfield heads into this season in a much different place than a year ago.
Whether that’s his career 180 after proving himself with the Bucs last season, financially after securing a long-term deal to remain in Tampa Bay, or personally after having his first daughter with his wife Emily, plenty of variables have contributed to Mayfield finding the career stability that has eluded him during his time in the NFL.
Still, he remains as hungry as ever.
Mayfield, a the first overall pick in 2018 who is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, wants to win a championship.
Baker Mayfield Is Ready To Attack This Season, “Feels Good About” Where Bucs Are At
Although Baker Mayfield is settled in on the Bucs and in the city of Tampa, don’t expect the team’s quarterback to be complacent.
Mayfield is still growing and eager to reunite with offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who was hired this offseason and someone he has worked with prior while playing for the Rams in 2022. As the team looks to establish an identity, expect the veteran quarterback to be at the center of it. Teams only go as far as their quarterback play, and he knows that he is in charge of rallying the troops.
“Continue to be the same guy each and every day for these guys [and] everybody in the building,” Mayfield said on how he’s looking to leave a mark. “Continue to lead how to know that I can, the best way that I can. Obviously, I’ve had experience with Liam [Coen] before and this system, and that’s the offseason [purpose] – continue to coach guys and learn as we go through this process. For me, yeah, it’s comfortable knowing that I’m here for a longer time period, but don’t be satisfied with that.
“We still think about how far we got last year and where we could’ve been and just the ups and downs. Every season is different but you always kind of think back to where you were at at this point last year and I think we have a better identity. So now, it’s really about attacking it and going to get what we’re working for. I feel good about where we’re at.”
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jalen McMillan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Whether it’s Mayfield, running back Rachaad White, wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs, plenty of weapons remain on each level of the Bucs’ offense. They will be supported by a new cast of rookies, including new starting center Graham Barton, running back Bucky Irving, and wide receiver Jalen McMillan.
With all of those pieces, it’s easy to see why Mayfield views the group’s biggest strength as being multifaceted and able to adapt to anything thrown their way.
“Versatility,” Mayfield said. “I think with us improving the running game and bringing the pieces back that we have at receiver, and then adding a few pieces, as well, just in the skill group department… I think versatility is going to be our biggest weapon. Lining up and having teams decide how they want to defend us. Our guys have to be able to react and adapt to that. We’re teaching the game right now and I think our guys are going to be able to handle that.”
Liam Coen Helping Baker Mayfield, Bucs’ Offense “Play Fast And Free” In 2024
As far as Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is concerned, he sees Liam Coen bringing “knowledge, swag, and style” to the Bucs’ offense as the offensive coordinator. While Baker Mayfield did not comment on Coen’s swag, he did mention that his new playcaller has given him the answers and the power to take things up a notch.
The offense is expected to improve this season, and not just due to its player personnel. Having experience calling plays, Coen has valuable insight into knowing how to operate an NFL offense, and working under Rams head coach Sean McVay means that the staple concepts of his offense will allow the playmakers to be in a position to make plays.
“Never feeling handcuffed at the line of scrimmage,” Mayfield said on what Coen has helped him with. “He has given me all of the answers to possibly have – [it’s] getting up there and making the right checks. To be able to process that information really quickly is what he harps on in the QB room, of getting us into a good position, ‘If it doesn’t look right, get out of it. You have the power to do so. I’m teaching you guys that. Go out and do it and put us in a good position to have success.’
“Not feeling handcuffed at the line of scrimmage is always a good feeling, but you’ve got to know where you’re going to go with it. So, the preparation is where he is really going to have us ready and we’re all going to be on the same page when it comes to the whole offense. He wants us to take control of it. Communicate with those guys about, ‘When I’m seeing a certain look, this is what I’m going to get to,’ so guys can play fast and free.”
Baker Mayfield has high hopes for where he can lead the Bucs this season. Even with the added comfort and life changes, Mayfield remains fiery. Pairing that fire with more freedom in Liam Coen’s offense, and it’s a group that could set scoreboards ablaze in the regular season.
