08 February 2024 , 20:53
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Baker Mayfield has made it clear that 'winning' is his main focus as he considers returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2024 NFL season.
The talented quarterback had a fantastic season with the Bucs, leading them to the playoffs after replacing the retired Tom Brady. Despite low expectations, Mayfield led the Bucs to their third consecutive NFC South title with a 9-8 record.
Mayfield also guided Tampa Bay to a significant playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Bucs fell short in a close game against the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.
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Meshing effectively with offensive coordinator Dave Canales, Mayfield achieved career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. The former first-overall pick completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, earning a 94.6 passer rating.
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As he approaches free agency in the offseason, Mayfield emphasised on FanDuel TV's 'Up and Adams' that winning, not just money, is his priority moving forward. Speaking to host Kay Adams, the 28-year-old said: "I want to win. Obviously, money is important. If you say otherwise, it's not true. But I want to win. I want to be able to enjoy it.
"I want a chance to play for a Super Bowl and not be doing media row like this. And just be in a good organization, that's kinda what I weighted last year going into free agency as well, be in a good spot to have success and weigh those options."
Baker Mayfield played in his first Pro Bowl last week (Getty Images)After being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and bouncing around the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield - the lowest-paid starting quarterback who wasn't on a rookie contract this season - appeared to find a home in Florida. If he stays with the Bucs, he hopes the franchise can figure out a way to pay both himself and wide receiver superstar Mike Evans, who is also a free agent.
"Hell yeah," Mayfield said when asked if he wanted to return to Tampa alongside Evans. "But we both have to do what is best for ourselves. But yeah, if I'm back in Tampa, I would love to have Mike back."
Tampa Bay could use the franchise tag on Mayfield this offseason or strike an agreement regarding a multi-year extension to keep him in Florida. The quarterback is expected to command over $100m (£79m) for this next deal following his sensational 2023.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.