Last season saw the end of an era for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady, the prolific quarterback, hanging up his boots. After steering the team to the Wild Card Round against the Dallas Cowboys, Brady’s contemplation ended with his second retirement announcement from the NFL.
As the curtain fell on his illustrious career, the uncertainty loomed over who would step into his formidable shoes for the upcoming 2023 season.
Why Baker Mayfield is the Perfect Successor
In a pivotal announcement, Todd Bowles, the Bucs’ head coach, unveiled that Baker Mayfield would take the reins of the team’s offence at Raymond James Stadium.
The decision comes as the team gears up for their Week 1 clash against the Minnesota Vikings on September 10th. Bowles praised Mayfield, “Baker has a certain grasp over the playbook, combined with his experience, which gives him an edge. While Kyle (Trask) has been impressive, Mayfield takes the top spot, and Kyle settles as our second choice.”
The trajectory of Mayfield’s career has been notable. Having started as the overall first pick in the 2018 Draft for the Cleveland Browns, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers, marking a significant shift post the arrival of Deshaun Watson at Ohio Stadium. However, his stint in Charlotte was short-lived, as he soon moved to the champions at that time, the Los Angeles Rams.
A spirited Mayfield expressed his enthusiasm, “Being the starter for such a team is an honour. I am well aware of my capabilities and leadership skills. As the real action beckons, the excitement is palpable throughout the team.”
