Is Baker Mayfield on the move?
A notable NFL insider has proposed an intriguing scenario in which a rebuilding AFC team snatches Baker Mayfield away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Selected as the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield showcased his talents this season with the Buccaneers, amassing 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while guiding them to the NFC South division title and a playoff appearance.
Despite their loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round, Mayfield’s performance validated the one-year “prove it” deal he inked with Tampa Bay last offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler floated the idea of the New England Patriots acquiring Mayfield from Tampa Bay, highlighting the presence of former Cleveland Browns personnel in the Patriots’ front office who were involved in drafting Mayfield.
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“The Patriots submarine the Buccaneers by signing QB Baker Mayfield. While Tampa is the clear-cut favorite to re-sign Mayfield, now a coveted free agent after a banner year with the Bucs, anything can happen in free agency. And the Patriots’ new brain trust — including lead personnel man Eliot Wolf and personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith — were part of the Cleveland regime that took Mayfield No. 1 in the 2018 draft. They believed in him. Yes, the Patriots can take a quarterback at No. 3 overall. But who’s to say they wouldn’t still need a veteran? Or, if they believe Mayfield is a long-term answer in this case, they could draft Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or trade back for more capital.”
He pointed out that the Patriots, armed with the third overall pick in the draft, have the opportunity to select one of the top quarterback prospects. However, if the Patriots’ new leadership believes in Mayfield’s long-term potential, they could opt to pursue the 28-year-old veteran instead.
With the potential to draft quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels, the Patriots face a pivotal decision. Yet, if they trust in Mayfield’s abilities, acquiring him could be a strategic move to bolster their roster.
