Quarterback Baker Mayfield experienced a notably productive 2023 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Following a tumultuous 2022 season split between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, the former first-overall pick secured a one-year contract with the Buccaneers, valued at up to $8.5 million, as a replacement for the retiring Tom Brady.
Mayfield showcased a resurgence in form during the 2023 campaign, posting a passer rating of 94.6. Starting in all 17 games, he accumulated 4,044 passing yards, threw 28 touchdowns, and had ten interceptions. He also made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
On the other hand, the Buccaneers concluded the 2023 season with a 9-8 record. Despite the slightly above .500 win-loss ratio, they clinched their third consecutive NFC South division title and secured a spot in the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
In a surprising turn of events, Tampa Bay pulled off a stunning upset in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team considered one of the best in the league at the beginning of the season and a strong contender for the Super Bowl. The Buccaneers secured a convincing 32-9 victory in that matchup.
However, their postseason journey concluded in the Divisional Round, facing the resurgent Detroit Lions, where they put up a commendable fight but fell short with a final score of 31-23.
As Mayfield's contract ends, the ideal scenario is to run it back. But if that proves unattainable, the 28-year-old quarterback may explore alternative options around the league.
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Best free agency destinations for Baker Mayfield
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings face a challenging decision regarding the trajectory of their quarterback position.
Kirk Cousins has held the team's starting quarterback role for the past six years, achieving moderate success in the regular season. However, their playoff accomplishments have been limited, with just one victory in two postseason appearances.
At 35 years old, Cousins is set to enter free agency following a 2023 season cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon.
The Vikings' front office should approach any consideration of a contract extension for the quarterback with caution, especially with Mayfield as a potentially cheaper and younger option for the team.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers experienced some of the least favorable quarterback production in the league last season, highlighting a dire need for a proven performer like Mayfield.
Throughout the first 14 games of the season, the 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and veteran Mitchell Trubisky managed only ten touchdowns against nine interceptions, averaging a modest 193 yards passing per game.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders need a reliable quarterback, especially given that their bet on Jimmy Garoppolo did not yield the expected results. Garoppolo was benched in favor of Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round rookie, for the final ten games of the season.
With a new head coach, Antonio Pierce, and general manager, Tom Telesco, initiating a fresh era for Las Vegas could involve bringing in a new quarterback. Mayfield stands out as a suitable option.
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