Buccaneers move on from Baker Mayfield, take rookie QB in latest mock draft

QB Baker Mayfield revived his career with the Buccaneers in 2023, passing for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns. But Tampa Bay must decide if it wants to re-sign him or start fresh at quarterback once again.

CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole believes the Buccaneers will do the latter and has them selecting Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with pick No. 26 in his latest mock draft.

"Bruce Arians is no longer the head coach in Tampa Bay, but he still holds a lot of power as a senior adviser to GM Jason Licht. And one QB who he has gushed over is Michael Penix Jr.," Stackpole writes. "The Buccaneers get the all clear about Penix's medicals and draft the Washington signal-caller to replace Baker Mayfield in 2024."

Penix Jr. would be an intriguing option if he were to fall. The Washington product threw for 9,544 yards, 66 touchdowns and 19 interceptions from 2022-23 while leading the Huskies to a national championship game appearance.

However, he does come with some risk after suffering several injuries to begin his collegiate career. During his time at Indiana (2018-20), Penix Jr. tore his ACL twice.

And it would be surprising if Tampa Bay didn't do whatever it takes to re-sign Mayfield. But if the team is somehow unsuccessful in doing so, a healthy Penix Jr. could be the next-best option with how far back the Buccaneers are selecting in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Penix Jr. would give Tampa Bay a younger and cheaper option as Mayfield, who will turn 29 this offseason, is expected to receive a four-year, $108.5 million contract ($27.1M per year), per Spotrac.

Still, Mayfield led an overlooked team in Tampa Bay to the playoffs and defeated the defending NFC champion Eagles. So, the two sides are likely interested in sticking together even heading into a draft that's rich with quarterback talent.