Sterling Shepard On How Buccaneers Revived Baker Mayfield’s Career

Sterling Shepard and Baker Mayfield first bonded as teammates at the University of Oklahoma, long before reuniting with the Buccaneers.

Shepard recently shared with Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan how the Buccaneers helped Baker Mayfield rebound from his struggles with the Browns and Panthers.

“He just needed someone to believe in him — and that’s exactly what this organization has done,” Shepard said. “With his toughness, you can’t help but feed off him. You see Baker play every single snap like it’s his last.”

As much as the Buccaneers don’t want Mayfield to “play every single snap like it’s his last,” he has routinely suggested throughout his time in Tampa that he’s willing to put his body on the line for the club that helped him resurrect his career.

Since joining the Buccaneers in March 2023, Baker Mayfield has enjoyed the most successful stretch of his career, winning two division titles and a playoff game. This success led to a lucrative three-year, $100 million extension signed in March 2024.

And the guys  Pro Football Reference have the numbers to prove it.

Mayfield’s second season with the Buccaneers was impressive, with 4,500 passing yards (3rd in the NFL), 41 passing touchdowns (tied for 2nd), a 53.9% passing success rate (2nd), and a 106.8 passer rating (4th). Replicating or surpassing these numbers this season could secure a significant extension from the Buccaneers next offseason.

“I love playing with Baker,” Shepard added. “Ever since I was with him in college, he has played with that chip on his shoulder. He’s going to find some reason to give himself motivation. Everything he went through gave him that kind of motivation.”

The BR Rub

You never want to be the guy who replaces the man. In this case Mayfield wasn’t just replacing “the man” meant replacing the GOAT, Tom Brady. Mayfield has done it with style and panache.