Jenna Laine believes the biggest question surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering training camp starts with their quarterback.
In ESPN’s annual NFL Nation training camp preview, Laine identified Baker Mayfield as Tampa Bay’s biggest storyline heading into the 2026 season. The focus isn’t just on his contract situation but also on how much last year’s injuries affected his play.
Over the offseason, Mayfield revealed the extent of what he battled through in 2025. According to Laine, the veteran quarterback played with a sprained MCL and PCL beginning in Week 2, a severe biceps contusion that turned the muscle purple, and a left shoulder injury. Those ailments coincided with a dramatic drop in production after Tampa Bay’s hot start.
The Buccaneers opened the season 5-1 before stumbling down the stretch, and questions remain about how much those injuries contributed to Mayfield’s second-half struggles. Tampa Bay is also still working toward a contract extension with the quarterback, though no agreement has been reached as training camp approaches.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Mayfield has insisted his focus remains on the field.
“The guys in that locker room, the staff know that I’m still going to be me. I’m still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. And to me, that’s the priority. Everything else will take care of itself,” Mayfield said in June.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most important of Mayfield’s career. He’s entering the final year of his contract while leading an offense replacing Mike Evans, and a healthy campaign could go a long way toward determining whether Tampa Bay commits to him beyond this season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Questions around Baker Mayfield among those for the Bucs in camp
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
