Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield is entering a pivotal contract season, but with training camp underway, extension talks have ceased. See what Bucky Irving had to say about his QB and what he brings to the team.
This offseason, the contract talks centered around Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield have been a commonly-discussed story around the league.
Recent reports indicate that the Bucs offered Mayfield a 2-year deal worth north of $100 million, but that wasn't the structure and value that Mayfield and his camp were looking for.
As the team entered training camp, Mayfield made it clear that he would cease negotiations and focus strictly on this season.
On Wednesday, one of Mayfield's teammates, Bucky Irving, was asked about his quarterback.
"That's the type of guy you wanna run through a wall for," Irving said.
The third-year back went on to say that Mayfield's ability to play a passionate and energetic style of football without getting lost in the emotions of the game is like a switch that he can turn on-and-off.
While having Mayfield entering the final year of his deal is a risk for Tampa, who has not acquired a fallback option if a deal does not get done next offseason, he has talked about how this will only push him to prove he is worth more money - a good sign for this upcoming year.
Mayfield has not shortage of confidence and belief in himself, but this situation could be the push he needs to get back to his 2024 form, where he led the NFL in passing touchdowns (41).
Through the first week of camp, Mayfield assured media and fans that the money will not affect his play, and his whole focus is producing on the grass.
"When it comes to having a chip on your shoulder and all that, for me it just puts me in the mindset of betting on myself. That’s something I’m pretty familiar with, and it’s a good place to be. As a highly competitive guy, sometimes you have to put yourself backed into a corner and fight your way out. I have a lot of guys and a lot of staff around me that are with me, so I’m not alone in it," Mayfield said. "We’re fighting for the same goal, and that’s to be playing in February.”
Mayfield has no shortage of talent surrounding him on offense, with Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Ted Hurst III, and Tez Johnson filling out the next generation of receivers in Tampa.
But, Irving is an exciting player returning to full strength for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, creating dynamic plays in practice.
In 2024, Irving recorded 1,514 total yards and eight touchdowns, effectively taking over Rachaad White's role as the RB1.
According to PFSN's running back impact metric, Irving was the highest-graded rookie back over the last five seasons (88.5), beating out Steelers rookie tailback Najee Harris by a significant margin (81.0).
Last season was a different story as Irving dealt with lingering shoulder injuries that kept him limited to just ten games.
His improved health plus the addition of Kenneth Gainwell should help him return to the level of production he displayed as a rookie, while staying fresh later in the season.
Mayfield's situation is ongoing, but the faith and confidence his teammates have in him show that he should be the signal caller going forward.
