The Bake Man Secures The Bag

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found their guy at quarterback in Baker Mayfield. In a significant move to lock in their future, Tampa Bay has signed Mayfield to a three-year deal worth up to $115 million. 

Baker Mayfield's path to securing this contract has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, defying all conventional expectations and predictions. His journey, marked by triumphs and trials, is a testament to his resilience and determination, and it's safe to say that it has unfolded in a manner that no one could have anticipated. After being picked by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and carrying them to their first playoff win in over two decades, Cleveland decided to trade him away to the Carolina Panthers for a pick they will use in this upcoming draft. The Browns would later pick up Deshaun Watson, who has started in 12 games for Cleveland over the last two seasons.

Baker's tenure in Carolina lasted for only six games, and he finished with a 1-5 record. David Tepper and all of his wisdom would release Baker, and the Rams would pick him up off waivers. He would ship out to Los Angeles, start four games, and finish his time in LA with a 1-3 record. 

As the 2023 offseason approached, Baker found himself in the uncharted territory of free agency. His future was shrouded in uncertainty, sparking a flurry of questions among fans and pundits alike. Would he secure a starting position with a new team? Could he carve out a role as a reliable backup? Or would he remain unsigned, a player without a team?

Amid this whirlwind of speculation, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged as a beacon of opportunity. Recognizing Baker's potential, they decided to roll the dice and signed him to a one-year contract. The deal, worth a substantial $4 million, signaled their faith in his abilities.

Interestingly, the Buccaneers' quarterback landscape was devoid of any formidable competition. Kyle Trask was the only other notable name, but many didn't view him as a serious contender for the starting role. This left the field wide open for Baker. With the spotlight firmly on him, it was his golden opportunity to silence the doubters and demonstrate that he was not just a part of the league but a force to be reckoned with. The stage was set for Baker to prove that he truly belonged in the upper echelons of the sport.

In the wake of Tom Brady's departure, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves at a crossroads. The void left by such a monumental figure was palpable, and the team faced the daunting task of finding a new quarterback and redefining their identity in the post-Brady era.

The loss of a quarterback of Brady's caliber is akin to losing the compass guiding a ship. His leadership, experience, and sheer talent were the linchpins of the team's strategy and dynamics. Replacing such an integral figure is no small feat; it can take years for a team to recover and rebuild.

This is not just about finding a new player; it's about finding someone who can shoulder Brady's legacy, steer the team with confidence and skill, and inspire the same trust and respect that Brady did.

Baker isn't the next Tom Brady—that's not what I'm saying here—but his leadership is evident from his time at Oklahoma, and anybody who can win a playoff game in Cleveland ought to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Despite bouncing around the league in 2022, there's a reason Tampa Bay brought him on board to be the starting quarterback. 

Under Baker's leadership, the Buccaneers navigated a challenging season, finishing with a respectable 9-8 record and an NFC South Title. Upon clinching the division, they went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs. Their playoff win against the Super Bowl runner-up, mind you, is likely the most significant factor that led the Buccaneers to resign Baker for significantly more money. 

Baker is a proven winner. He did it at Oklahoma, he did it in Cleveland, and he has done it in Tampa. Looking at the NFC South, the Panthers have Bryce Young (who could be really good, but David Tepper is his boss), the Saints have Derek Carr, and the Falcons now have Kirk Cousins. Besides MAYBE Cousins, Baker is the best quarterback in the division, and the Buccaneers have the best roster. Hence, the expectation has to be at least two division titles over the next three years and at least two more playoff wins. 

As we look forward to the next season, there's a sense of anticipation and excitement. With Baker at the helm, the Buccaneers are poised for success. The future looks bright, and I'd imagine Oklahoma fans can't wait to see what Baker and the Buccaneers will achieve next. Ultimately, Baker Mayfield isn't just a quarterback; he's a leader, a game-changer, and most importantly, the Buccaneers' guy. The Baker Mayfield era in Tampa Bay has just begun, and it promises to be an exciting ride.