The contract situation between Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has dominated the early portion of training camp, but the quarterback hasn’t allowed it to change what he believes this team can accomplish. After spending time at Buccaneers training camp, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler appears to agree with him.
Mayfield told Fowler that despite his disappointment over failed extension talks, his focus remains on leading the Buccaneers and competing for a championship. “I’m a Buccaneer right now. I’m the quarterback for this team,” Mayfield said. “[I’m focused on] how can I lead the best way possible, how I can win as many games as possible and how we can win the Super Bowl.”
After getting an up-close look at the roster, Fowler came away believing Mayfield’s confidence is justified, writing, “Mayfield is right to think this team is well-positioned.” Fowler described Tampa Bay as “loaded at receiver and on the offensive line,” with Mayfield himself calling the offensive line a top-three unit when healthy. Emeka Egbuka is entering Year 2, Chris Godwin Jr. reportedly has his explosion back, and the Bucs are expecting big things from Jalen McMillan.
The optimism isn’t limited to the offense. Fowler pointed toward Alex Anzalone’s addition at linebacker and an improved front seven, while first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has apparently been everything the organization hoped for as a three-down edge defender.
There are still major questions surrounding the team, particularly Vita Vea’s situation and Mayfield’s future beyond 2026. Those issues haven’t changed what Mayfield sees in the roster around him, though, and after getting his own look at the Bucs during camp, Fowler seems to agree that this is a team built to compete.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Baker Mayfield’s belief in the Bucs is verified in the eyes of insider
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
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By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
