The start of training camp marks the beginning of the highly anticipated competition for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback position this season.
Since Tom Brady’s retirement announcement in February, there has been uncertainty about who will fill the role.
Initially, there was talk about Kyle Trask as a potential successor, along with rookies Hendon Hooker and Will Levis. However, the Buccaneers ultimately signed Baker Mayfield, who appears to be the frontrunner for the starting job. Not everyone agrees with Mayfield being the starter in Tampa Bay though.
In a recent article by Mike Sando in The Athletic, he released his annual ‘Quarterback Tiers’ list based on input from various GMs and coaches around the league.
Mayfield ended up ranking 26th in Tier 4, and the comments from those polled show that he doesn’t have high regard from many people heading into the season. According to an anonymous offensive coach, Mayfield is seen as a low-tier quarterback whose accuracy has declined, he takes unnecessary risks, and his emotions affect his performance negatively.
A current GM also commented on Mayfield, stating that while he is adequate in certain areas, he lacks any exceptional abilities and is ultimately just a backup.
“Mayfield is a low 3, on his way to being a backup,” an anonymous offensive coach told Sando. “His accuracy has suffered, he takes too many risks, and it seems like his emotions negatively affect the way he plays.”
“Mayfield moves well enough, throws well enough, does some things well enough but possesses no special ability,” one GM said. “He may win you a game because he may run around and people aren’t prepared, but at the end of the day, he is just a backup, in my opinion.”
Despite Mayfield’s reputation around the league, he was considered by other teams, including a contending AFC team, before deciding to sign with the Buccaneers.
The general sentiment towards the team as a whole is that they have been written off already, which has created a chip on their shoulders. Mayfield’s situation with the Buccaneers is seen as a make-or-break opportunity for him. He has limited chances to prove himself and may be approaching his last opportunity in Tampa Bay.
This could potentially bring out the best version of Mayfield, the one that Cleveland thought they were getting when they selected him first overall. It could also help the Buccaneers become a surprise team this season.
The comments from anonymous coaches and GMs only add to the chip on Mayfield’s shoulder as he joins the Buccaneers. The next steps are solely in his hands, as he must prove himself one way or another.
Got a story or tip for us? Email TMSPN editors at [email protected]
Want More From The World Wide Leader in Sports Entertainment?
For all the latest breaking in sports entertainment news, be sure to follow TMSPN.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
