Baker Mayfield talks 'big-picture mindset' amid Kyle Trask competition

Baker Mayfield knows plenty about experiencing the highest of highs and lowest of lows as an NFL quarterback. And he's learned some things along the way.

"Have a big-picture mindset," Mayfield responded when asked what advice he'd offer a younger version of himself during a chat with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, per the JoeBucsFan website. "Have a singular focus about winning, but then also, 'How are my decisions in the moment going to affect the rest of my career?' Because quarterbacks now can play a long, long time. So each mistake or each positive thing can affect the long run." 

The first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield guided the Cleveland Browns to a road playoff win in January 2021 but then attempted to play through a serious injury to his non-throwing shoulder he suffered early into the subsequent campaign. That decision ultimately resulted in the Browns acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in March 2022. 

Cleveland traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in July of last year, where he flopped spectacularly before he enjoyed a cup-of-coffee run with the Los Angeles Rams late in the 2022 season. The 28-year-old seemingly is now on track to start over 2021 second-round draft pick Kyle Trask when the Buccaneers open the upcoming campaign at the Minnesota Vikings. 

"So really, really just be aware of all your surroundings and each and every moment and how you can truly affect somebody in the building," Mayfield continued while speaking with Paolantonio. "And take advantage of those opportunities." 

Both Mayfield and Trask should receive significant playing time in Saturday's preseason game at the New York Jets, but what was thought to be a close competition as recently as last Wednesday may already be decided regardless of how the signal-callers perform in the relatively meaningless matchup at MetLife Stadium. 

Mayfield's mindset is admirable, but he'll soon have to prove he can cement himself as a long-term starter against live defenses while knowing an eager 25-year-old is waiting for an opportunity to serve as Tampa Bay's potential savior.