‘Wild’ Bucs Trade Pitch Flips Baker Mayfield for 25-Year-Old Pro Bowl QB

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers committed to quarterback Baker Mayfield as their starter last year, signing him to a $100 million extension, but after falling short again last postseason, would they ever consider a QB trade for a younger signal-caller that they could build around over the next five to 10 years?

That was the theory behind CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin’s “wild” Bucs trade pitch on July 7, which featured Tampa Bay swapping Mayfield with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Benjamin proposed that the Buccaneers would also have to include a “conditional 2026 third-round pick” to even out the deal, mostly due to Lawrence’s age and potential.

“All indications are new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen is committed to rejuvenating Lawrence’s career,” Benjamin acknowledged. Before pondering: “But what if the better bet is reuniting with Mayfield, who thrived under his direction not only in Tampa Bay but also with the Los Angeles Rams back in 2022? Who’s to say the scrappy Mayfield couldn’t instantly command Coen’s offense to the tune of an AFC South title in 2025?”

The connection between Mayfield and Coen is undeniable if the Jaguars ever grow impatient with Lawrence’s development, but why might the Bucs agree to trade their “unexpectedly prolific leader?”

“Well, Lawrence is still five years younger, for one,” Benjamin reasoned, “and Tom Brady’s 2020 Super Bowl title kind of set a new standard along the Gulf Coast; this swap would be all about the upside for Bucs general manager Jason Licht, who might see the chance to acquire a former No. 1 overall pick as a chance to take the Bucs from feisty to championship-caliber down the road.”

Bucs & Jaguars’ Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence Trade Would Never Happen in 2025, But Could Occur in 2026

Benjamin finished by reminding readers that “Lawrence, who’s plenty familiar with Florida, is already under contract, too.”

He’s right, the 25-year-old former Pro Bowler signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension that runs through the end of the 2030 season. Lawrence turns 26 in October.

Mayfield, on the other hand, is coming off a career season (4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns) at age 30.

Franchise-altering quarterback trades don’t happen in July, August, or anytime after that. So, this deal is never going to happen in 2025, and Benjamin is aware of that.

However, the suggestion could provide a potential glimpse into the 2026 offseason if the Buccaneers and Jaguars were to have disappointing campaigns.

Just think about it. Let’s say Mayfield’s game doesn’t quite click with the updated offense that new OC Josh Grizzard wants to run, and on the flip side, let’s say Jacksonville misses the playoffs again and Lawrence’s flaws continue to linger.

At that point, Mayfield would be turning 31, with no clear indication as to whether or not he can get the Bucs over the hump. Meanwhile, Lawrence, heading into his age-27 campaign, might still offer an upside flyer that could better fit Grizzard’s system.

One year from now, this Bucs trade discussion could theoretically make a lot more sense.

Trevor Lawrence’s NFL Story Mirrors Mayfield’s So Far

The irony here is that Trevor Lawrence basically is Baker Mayfield to start his NFL career.

Both collegiate superstars were drafted No. 1 overall to perennial losers and were immediately labeled franchise saviors. Under that immense pressure, and with a lack of quality coaching and talent around him, perhaps, Mayfield failed to reach his true potential in Cleveland.

One could argue that the same thing is happening with Lawrence in Jacksonville.

Mayfield flashed potential in Cleveland, leading one playoff run and victory, and Lawrence has already done the same with the Jags in 2022 despite coming up empty after that.

Both quarterbacks also battled through injuries early in their respective careers, and it’s not all that far-fetched to believe that Lawrence could have to reboot his NFL journey somewhere else if he doesn’t perform with Coen, Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter.

Could a similar Mayfield-like resurgence occur in Tampa Bay? It’s possible, but a lot would have to happen for that to occur.