Buccaneers QB Expected to Crack Top-10

After a strong showing last season, Buccaneers’ Quarterback Baker Mayfield is on the cusp of being considered one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL.

To solidify his status among the league’s elite, Mayfield will need to replicate or come close to last year’s numbers (4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns). However, with his supporting cast and strong offensive line, he’s well-positioned to do just that.

Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated ranks Baker Mayfield as the No. 7 quarterback heading into the 2025 season, reflecting his high expectations for Mayfield’s performance.

“Only two years ago, Mayfield appeared finished after a split season with the Panthers and Rams,”  Per Verderame. “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.”

Verderame continued,

“Last year, Evans recorded his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season, while Godwin recorded 576 yards in seven games before sustaining a season-ending dislocated ankle. McMillan was a stud in his rookie year with 461 yards and eight touchdowns, while Egbuka hauled in 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns for the national-champion Buckeyes.The big concern for Mayfield is the absence of All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who had surgery on his right knee in July and could miss the start of the regular season.”

That’s a notable achievement for Mayfield, and a well-deserved one. With a star-studded receiving corps featuring Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Emeka Egbuka, Mayfield’s passing numbers should logically land him among the league’s top-10.

With a bolstered run game and Bucky Irving’s ability to create opportunities for the passing game, Mayfield has the pieces in place to lead the Buccaneers to a division title and a deep postseason run.

If he can deliver, Mayfield will solidify his position as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and potentially establish himself as one of the league’s best.