

Baker Mayfield’s journey in the NFL has been anything but predictable. Once labeled as a draft bust after a turbulent run with the Cleveland Browns, the former No. 1 overall pick has flipped the script. In 2024, Mayfield didn’t just resurrect his career, he delivered one of the most dominant seasons by a quarterback in recent memory, earning a three-year, $100 million extension with $50 million guaranteed from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For a player who was cut midseason by the Panthers and claimed off waivers by the Rams in late 2022, this turnaround is nothing short of remarkable.
Baker Mayfield Trolls Tommy DeVito’s TD Celebration After Scoring Against the Giants
A breakout year that shattered expectations
Mayfield’s 2024 stats speak for themselves:
- 4,685 passing yards (3rd in the NFL)
- 43 touchdown passes (tied for 2nd)
- 71.4% completion rate (3rd overall)
- 401 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs (career highs)
He became just the fourth quarterback in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while completing more than 70% of his passes. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers clinched their fourth consecutive NFC South title and reached the playoffs for a fifth straight season, this time as a team feared across the league.
Mayfield’s numbers rival those of MVP frontrunners, and for a quarterback once written off, that’s the ultimate statement.
Troy Aikman weighs in on Mayfield’s redemption arc
Legendary Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has long been a supporter of Mayfield, and he didn’t hold back his praise. “He bet on himself when few others would,” Aikman said in a recent interview. “After everything he’s been through, Cleveland, Carolina, L.A., to now see him thriving in Tampa is just incredible. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Mayfield’s resilience has become a defining trait. Even after his initial Pro Bowl selection and Most Improved Player award in 2023, he refused to rest. Instead, he elevated his game again, proving that he’s not just a comeback story, he’s a franchise cornerstone.
Next stop: Super Bowl?
With Mayfield finally settled and delivering elite performances, expectations in Tampa Bay have skyrocketed. The Bucs fell short in the wild-card round last season, but if Mayfield’s 2024 form is any indication, a deep playoff run, and possibly a Super Bowl appearance, may be on the horizon.
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment