Baker Mayfield Shocks NFL: Career-High Stats Propel Buccaneers to Dramatic Upset

Baker Mayfield is rolling into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 50th anniversary season with more momentum—and more national curiosity—than at any point since his rookie breakout. The 30-year-old quarterback heads to training camp later this month on the heels of a productive offseason that has sportsbooks, analysts and even golf broadcasters talking about an MVP-level leap in 2025. Off-season work fuels optimism Mayfield stayed in Tampa for most of the spring program, working closely with new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard to install a vertical passing game designed to create chunk plays instead of relying on yards after catch. Team sources say the playbook now features heavier doses of play-action and “shot” concepts that capitalize on Mayfield’s arm strength and his receivers’ speed. Sportsbooks label Mayfield a “best bet” The betting markets have noticed the schematic shift. In early July, Sports Illustrated highlighted Mayfield as the NFL’s “best bet” to eclipse his listed passing-yardage prop thanks to a favorable schedule and continuity with Pro Bowl targets Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. If the veteran clears 4,500 yards—a mark he flirted with last season—he would set a new franchise record and re-enter the league-wide MVP discussion. Celebrity golf keeps the spotlight burning Mayfield’s profile stretched beyond football when he teed off with fellow quarterbacks Josh Allen and Sam Darnold at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe on July 11. The nationally televised event put the Bucs’ signal-caller in front of a new audience and served as a springboard for charitable fundraising before camp opens. Injury worries on the offensive line Tampa Bay’s optimism is tempered by injury news surrounding All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is reportedly in danger of missing the start of the season after suffering an ankle setback. Mayfield was sacked 80 times over the past two years; protecting him is priority No. 1, and the Buccaneers could be forced to shuffle their line or explore veteran options if Wirfs’ recovery lags. Chemistry with young playmakers One bright spot: second-year tight end Devin Cade and rookie slot receiver Jalen Brooks have drawn rave reviews for their work with Mayfield during players-only throwing sessions at One Buc Place. Insiders say Cade’s catch radius and Brooks’ route precision give Mayfield reliable middle-of-the-field answers when defenses rotate coverage toward Evans. Countdown to training camp Rookies report to Tampa on July 22, veterans on July 23, and Mayfield is expected to speak to the media that afternoon. With the NFC South again wide-open, the Buccaneers’ path to a division title may hinge on Mayfield translating offseason buzz into early-season production. If he does, the combination of a retooled scheme, improved skill depth and a motivated quarterback could make Tampa Bay one of 2025’s surprise contenders—and keep Baker Mayfield firmly at the center of the NFL conversation.