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Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Predicted To Have Top 10 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 10:27 AM ET

Given how well Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield played last season, there is every reason to think he is approaching being a top 10 quarterback in football.

Granted, Mayfield needs another season like last year (4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns) or something close to it in order to consolidate his case, but he has the offensive talent and the offensive line to do it.

But will he?

For Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, in ranking all 32 quarterbacks based on how he think they will play and finish the 2025 season, Baker comes in high, at No. 7.

"Only two years ago, Mayfield appeared finished after a split season with the Panthers and Rams," Verderame writes. "Now, he’s one of the best in the league after spending years with Canales and Coen as his coordinators.

"In 2025, Mayfield will attempt to mesh with Josh Grizzard, who was promoted from pass-game coordinator. Both will have plenty of options to attack with what could become the best receiving quartet in the NFL, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka."

That is a big feather in Mayfield's cap and in truth, a deserved one.

Baker will have weapons that are the envy of the league with Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Egbuka, so his passing numbers "should" be top 10, one would think.

Plus, with the run game and Bucky Irving able to open up things for the passing game, Mayfield has everything he needs to lead this team to a division title and a deep playoff run.

Do that, and he'll consolidate his standing as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC, and who knows, maybe the NFL, too.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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