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Mayfield Disrespected with Shocking Pro Bowl Snub

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 4:48 PM ET

Baker Mayfield has grown accustomed to being counted out since his days playing college football. Nothing changed for the Oklahoma product once he reached the NFL either, bouncing to a few spots before getting the chance to flourish with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But that trend has continued once again for the eight-year veteran as he was snubbed from selection to the Pro Bowl Games. Mayfield was named as an alternate along with teammates Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Chase McLaughlin.

Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions, Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders all earned the nod to the games on the NFC side ahead of Mayfield. All three certainly deserve their shine, leading remarkable seasons not only for themselves but for their franchises.

Nonetheless, it is difficult to ignore an egregious snub of the Bucs' quarterback here. Each of these quarterbacks will finish with a better record than Mayfield this season, but based on his statistical campaign, he clears these players in multiple categories.

Starting with passer rating, Mayfield's mark of 107.6 trails Goff but leads Darnold (106.4) and Daniels (101.2). Mayfield's 39 passing touchdowns are the most by any NFC quarterback and trails only Joe Burrow league-wide. He also has 10 rushing touchdowns this season.

Mayfield's 4,279 passing yards and 267.4 passing yards per game again only trail Goff among NFC quarterbacks but stand ahead of Darnold and Daniels. Mayfield and Goff are tied for the best completion percentage among NFC quarterbacks at 71.7.

Head-to-head, Mayfield and the Bucs won their matchups against Daniels and Goff. Tampa Bay's win in Detroit ended as a defensive slugfest, but Mayfield went 24 for 30 passing for 289 yards and four touchdowns when the Bucs faced the Commanders.

Daniels did most of his damage on the ground in that game, running for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

When it comes to Pro Bowl selections, there are bound to be snubs every season with the finite number of spots available at each position. But Mayfield's absence from the starting selection undermines the landmark season that he has put together in his own right.

The Pro Bowl snub may not be front of mind for the Bucs' quarterback, but it may certainly add fuel to the fire for a player who has continued to prove himself.

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

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