Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht playfully made a jesting remark about Baker Mayfield, which he promptly apologized for. This came just days after the Buccaneers inked a significant deal with the quarterback.
Before the official start of free agency, Mayfield agreed to a lucrative three-year contract worth up to $115 million, including $50 million guaranteed, to remain in Florida. This decision followed a successful season where he effectively stepped into Tom Brady’s shoes.
During a press conference on Wednesday to announce Mayfield’s contract extension, Licht was asked to characterize the toughness of the 28-year-old quarterback. In a light-hearted manner, Licht jokingly referred to Mayfield as a “10 on the p**** scale” before swiftly apologizing to a colleague. He further complimented Mayfield by describing him as “an offensive lineman in a quarterback’s body,” highlighting Mayfield’s robust playing style and positive attitude.
In his inaugural season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield achieved career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage, ranking among the top quarterbacks in the league. His leadership guided the Buccaneers to win the NFC South title and secure an unexpected playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Although the team suffered a narrow loss to the Detroit Lions, Mayfield’s leadership propelled them to their third Divisional Round appearance in two decades. His contract extension, finalized alongside other significant deals for teammates like Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr., provides the Buccaneers with flexibility as they face stiff competition, notably from the Atlanta Falcons’ acquisition of Kirk Cousins.
Despite the playful jab from Licht, he expressed admiration for Mayfield’s competitiveness, leadership, and resilience on the field throughout his six-year career. He emphasized Mayfield’s pivotal role in maintaining the team’s winning culture and expressed optimism about their pursuit of another Super Bowl victory.
With Mayfield, Evans, Winfield Jr., and long-time linebacker Lavonte David securing their futures with the Buccaneers, it seems that Mayfield has finally found a stable home in Tampa after stints with multiple other teams.
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