‘Fearless’ Buccaneers $100 Million QB Named One Of NFL’s Elite

In the high stakes world of the NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is nothing short of a Football Lazarus. His climb back to the top of the mountain is something we all might see in a movie one day.

ESPN cemented Mayfield’s status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks in its annual position rankings, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft coming in at No. 10 headed into his third season as the starter for Tampa Bay.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and 3-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes was No. 1 for the third consecutive season.

Mayfield joined the Buccaneers on a 1-year, $4 million contract before the 2023 season and signed a 3-year, $100 million contract before the 2024 season.

“The former No. 1 pick is emblematic of the NFL’s capacity for career resurgences at the game’s most important position, setting the blueprint for near busts to one day reach $100 million,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote. “When Mayfield signed a modest one-year deal with Tampa in 2023 and led the Bucs to the playoffs, it was a nice storyline about a former No. 1 pick regaining his footing. When he did it twice and his performance improved, that’s proof of concept. Only (Josh) Allen and (Lamar) Jackson have more touchdowns over the past two seasons than Mayfield’s 73.”

Mayfield was one of 3 quarterbacks to make their debuts on the list along with Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts (No. 9) and Washington’s Jayden Daniels (No. 5). He was also one of just 3 quarterbacks 30 years or older to make the list along with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (No. 6) and Detroit’s Jared Goff (No. 8).

Mayfield Called ‘Fearless’ By One NFL Executive

The highest praise for Mayfield came from one of of the anonymous NFL personnel who voted on ESPN’s Top 10 rankings.

“Fearless as a thrower and a runner,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “He’s got on-field leadership where teammates want to support him. Much better arm than given credit for. Good mover in the pocket and can rush for yards. Attacks the third level of the defense. When he’s got time (in the pocket), he’s as good as almost anybody right now … He honestly reminds me of (Brett) Favre a little bit as far as style of play. He’s got a moxie to him, like, ‘F— you, I’m on the attack.’ And defensive guys feel that presence.”

Mayfield was at his best in 2024 as the Buccaneers fell to 4-6 after injuries to star wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, then rallied to finish 10-7 and win a third consecutive NFC South Division title. Mayfield made his second consecutive Pro Bowl with career highs in passing yards (4,500), passing touchdowns (41), rushing yards (378) and rushing touchdowns (3).

Mayfield might also be one of the NFL’s most underpaid players in terms of his position vs. value to his team. At $33 million per year, Mayfield is the 19th highest paid quarterback in the NFL and behind 9 quarterbacks who didn’t even make the playoffs last season.

If Mayfield has another big season in 2025, he could be in for a big raise — one that might pay him upwards of $50 million per season.