Buccaneers GM: No 'Fight' With Bowles About Signing Baker

Baker Mayfield’s two seasons as Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback have been the best of his career. Mayfield showcased the traits that led him to be the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

His tenure with the Buccaneers has been a resounding success, marked by consecutive Pro Bowl selections, two division crowns, and a postseason victory. His standout 2024 campaign – 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns – capped a remarkable seven-year journey, suggesting he’s finally found his football home.

When Baker Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers in 2023, many questioned the move, given his departure from Cleveland and his time in Carolina and Los Angeles. However, the decision has since paid dividends.

According to Jason Licht, the Buccaneers’ General Manager, there was no hesitation or disagreement with head coach Todd Bowles when the team pursued Baker – a fact Licht shared in an interview with Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

“Well, yeah, luckily Todd [Bowles] wanted him,” Licht stated. “We didn’t have any kind of fight over that because he was the one that we wanted as well. And, you know, we knew what his ceiling was. And that’s pretty damn good quarterback.”

Baker Mayfield has been outstanding in Tampa, delivering strong performances that have fueled optimism for a deep postseason run by the Buccaneers in 2025.

Expectations for a Buccaneers quarterback haven’t been this lofty since Tom Brady led the team, but with a talented supporting cast around him, Baker Mayfield is well-positioned to deliver a playoff run at minimum.

While NFL success is rarely a straight line, Baker Mayfield’s tenure has been marked by more highs than lows. Still, the team’s progress needs to translate into meaningful results.

A significant achievement would prove GM Jason Licht and Coach Todd Bowles’ decision to sign Mayfield in 2023 was the right one.