Baker Mayfield expands on hopes for future with Buccaneers

Quarterback Baker Mayfield told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk earlier this week he'd like to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beyond this season. 

Mayfield was asked about that subject during his news conference on Wednesday. 

"I love it here," Mayfield explained, per the Buccaneers' website. "That's a big reason why I chose to come here – organization-wise, the team, the guys, everybody around. I'm having fun playing football. I'm enjoying that. That's something that, if you get a chance to pick or choose, this is a good place to be." 

Mayfield featured for the Cleveland Browns from when they made him the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft through the 2021 campaign. He spent time last season with both the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams and he's currently playing on a one-year contract with the 6-7 Buccaneers, who sit atop the NFC South standings ahead of the 6-7 Atlanta Falcons and 6-7 New Orleans Saints due to tiebreaker advantages. 

Mayfield helped the Buccaneers jump out to a 3-1 start before he and the club dropped six-of-seven games. Tampa Bay has since won two straight leading up to this Sunday's matchup at the 6-7 Green Bay Packers and the Bucs would host a playoff contest if the postseason tournament began before Week 15. 

"I'm a firm believer that everything happens as it should and how it's supposed to," Mayfield added about his future. "Take care of business here and we will see what happens. To get to that point, winning games will help everything, so that's where I'm at."

As of late Wednesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave the Buccaneers a 35.9% chance to win the division title. The Falcons were listed at 32.4% while the Saints were listed at 31.7%.

Mayfield was asked Wednesday if he has a favorite memory from a Tampa Bay tenure that could end four games from now. 

"I don't know yet – we will see," the 28-year-old responded. "I think there are still some good memories to have upcoming. I'm looking forward to that."

Mayfield began Wednesday tied for ninth in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes on the season. As admirable as that may be, how Mayfield handles auditioning for a long-term job across the next four weeks of play will likely determine if the Buccaneers bring him back in March 2024.