Despite mounting tension over his physical playing style and stalled extension talks, the veteran signal-caller maintains his "iron man" status while prioritizing on-field preparation over financial negotiations.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield isn't worried about his health.
He doesn't believe the Bucs should be, either.
A recent report from the Tampa Bay Times claimed that the Bucs have long-term concerns about Mayfield being able to stay on the field. Tampa believes the quarterback takes too many unnecessary risks while scrambling.
The team is worried that Mayfield will continue to "neglect his health" and be less valuable to the team if he continues having to play through injuries. Head coach Todd Bowles singled out Mayfield's tendency to take hits as something he can improve on.
Bowles said, “understanding how to get down and putting himself out of harm’s way,” is a way Mayfield can help the team reach the Super Bowl.
Even though Mayfield has started every game for Tampa in his three seasons with the team, Bowles believes the quarterback isn't always playing at full strength and hopes he makes adjustments to avoid minor injuries throughout the season.
“No, he’s not going to miss any games, but he can take a little bit better care of himself in certain situations,” Bowles said. “I understand when he’s a yard and a half or two from a first down, but not when it’s 10 yards or eight yards from the first down when he can get up and live another day. Unless it’s fourth and 10 in Houston and the game is on the line, and I understand why he’s doing those types of things. But if we can take care of that, we’ll be fine.”
Mayfield Scoffs At Injury Concerns
Mayfield doesn't believe that the way he plays needs to change, and he scoffed at the idea that the Bucs should have any injury concerns over him. He was quick to point out that he has been an iron man for Tampa throughout his tenure.
"I started every game last year ... the last three years," Mayfield argued. "I don't know if that should ever be a question."
Gives Quick Update On Contract Talks
The Bucs' QB was asked if there has been any progress on contract talks after coming forward earlier to say the two sides were "not anywhere close" on a new deal. Mayfield was blunt, saying things haven't really changed in the negotiations.
"No, pretty much the same, but for me, like I told you guys, it's not going to affect how I approach this," Mayfield said. "Things will happen when they should, but for now I'm worried about getting better each day, finishing minicamp and finishing this offseason program the right way, going into training camp. Just handling it one day at a time."
Mayfield has remained steadfast in his commitment not to let the situation surrounding his contract affect his preparation for the upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
Any NFL team publicly talking about a player's injury concerns, especially one who has yet to miss a game for that team, seems like an unnecessary shot. If the Bucs are trying to create a narrative that they are worried about being able to depend on Mayfield as a way to gain leverage in contract negotiations, shame on them.
It's also a bit disheartening that no progress has been made on the extension talks. Mayfield's training camp deadline to reach a deal will be here before long, so it would be nice if the Bucs started showing some urgency.
In any matter, Mayfield seems focused and motivated to give his all over the upcoming season, which should benefit both the Bucs and the amount of money he stands to earn on his next contract.
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