When Tom Brady retired (for real) this offseason, the biggest question for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was who would succeed him as their new starting quarterback.
The answer is Baker Mayfield.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft was competing with veteran Kyle Trask for the starting gig and the team announced it will go with Mayfield to start the 2023 season on Tuesday.
TIME TO BAKE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7GTdEbdUgU
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 22, 2023
The announcement garnered a lot of reactions, based on the decision itself as well as the wild graphics that Tampa Bay used to do it.
But how did Mayfield feel about the news?
“[Head] coach [Todd] Bowles came up to me this morning. He had told me that he’d talked to Kyle already,” Mayfield said in his press conference. “Just informed me that we’re going to roll with me [and said] keep making smart decisions and go from there. So, now just have got to lead like I know how and the real thing’s right around the corner. So, it’s an exciting time.”
#GoBucs QB Baker Mayfield reveals when he was told by Todd Bowles that he was the starter. pic.twitter.com/P2vqfkKdQh
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) August 22, 2023
It’s been a long, strong road for Mayfield to get here. The Heisman Trophy winner entered the league in 2018 with the Browns. His time there ended unceremoniously and he helped facilitate a trade to the Carolina Panthers, who would later trade him to the Los Angeles Rams. He enjoyed some success there before signing with the Buccaneers.
We’ll see if Baker is able to hold onto this starting gig or if Trask suits up sooner or later.
