Is Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield A Top-10 QB?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:11 AM ET

The winds of change must have been swirling through NFL circles over the past fortnight, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally getting some recognition for their efforts over the past two seasons.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer asked if the franchise can get respect after a Super Bowl win and then four straight division titles to follow, and it appears they can.

And more specifically, Baker Mayfield, the lead horse here.

In Fox Sports' ranking of the top-10 quarterbacks entering the 2025 season, Mayfield comes in at No. 7, above Justin Herbert (No. 8), Jayden Daniels (No. 9), and Dak Prescott (No. 10).

"Mayfield is coming off a career season," Fox Sports writes. "He rediscovered his footing in the NFL in 2023 and then broke out in 2024, completing 71.4% of his passes for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Buccaneers back to the playoffs.

"While Mayfield will be without one of his top weapons in Chris Godwin to start the season, Tampa Bay drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They also have elite pass-catching options on the perimeter and in the backfield in Mike Evans and Bucky Irving."

Mayfield is perhaps in one of the best situations for a quarterback in 2025, with ample pass-catching weapons and a run game and offensive line that can bully defenses into submission.

Of course, we saw last season that when the injury bug strikes, it can seriously hinder a team, and Tampa Bay will want to avoid a similar situation with both sides of the ball gutted at various times last year.

But finally, after years of trying to earn respect, both the Buccaneers and Baker have gotten it this offseason.

And now is not the time to regress, Mr. Mayfield.

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

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