After a gritty season defined by career-high rushing stats and nagging injuries, Tampa Bay’s signal-caller earns peer recognition while facing a pivotal contract year under new leadership.
Every offseason, the NFL releases its list of the top 100 players in the league - a highly scrutinized and anticipated list from football fans around the country.
Thus far, the NFL has released nearly a quarter of the rankings, with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield being the latest addition to the list.
Mayfield is ranked the No. 77 player in the league, according to NFL Digital Content Editor Grant Gordon, falling out of his top-50 ranking from last season.
"Daring and dogged, Mayfield started his third season with the Buccaneers in stellar fashion, throwing 16 of his 26 touchdowns to just two interceptions in the first nine games," Gordon wrote. "As injuries took a toll on Tampa in large, they also did for Mayfield. He never missed a game, but he was a regular on the injury report. Still, he produced a career-high 382 rushing yards and 27 first downs on the ground. As has become Mayfield's standard, he was a gamer who did everything he could with his arm, his legs and his moxie to lead the Bucs. His play and tenacity clearly continue to make an impression on his league compatriots."
Last season, Mayfield was tenth in the NFL with 3,693 passing yards, throwing for 26 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions, but his numbers don't tell the full story of Tampa's strange season.
Following Tampa's strong 5-1 start to the season, the Bucs dropped seven of their last nine to end the year, losing the NFC South crown for the first time in five seasons.
Injuries played a part, with Mayfield playing through multiple ailments, but the offense's continuity seemingly diminished as the year went on.
The NFL's list also noted that Mayfield ended the season with a 90.6 passer rating - his lowest as a Buc.
Through week 11, Mayfield was just shy of a 100 passer rating (99.2), but his late-season struggles have left a poor last impression.
Now, entering a pivotal contract year, Mayfield's production will indicate his value.
An extension has been discussed between Mayfield and Tampa's brass throughout this offseason, but the two sides have not been able to find common ground.
Both sides have confirmed that they want to be in union going forward, but no substantial progress has been made.
Nevertheless, Mayfield teaming up with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson projects to work well, as the former Atlanta Falcons play caller worked closely with former offensive coordinator Liam Coen and offensive guru Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mayfield excelled in Coen's motion-heavy scheme, and Robinson loves to get his best players moving pre-snap.
With a healthier Bucky Irving in the backfield, and Tampa's young receivers continuing to gain experience and continuity, Mayfield has the tools to help the Bucs get back to the NFC South throne.
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