(Tampa) Baker Mayfield is happy to have the opportunity to try and walk in Tom Brady’s shoes with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 2018 first-round pick signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million and will compete with Kyle Trask to replace Tom Brady as the team’s starting quarterback.
“Look, I’ll never be Tom Brady,” Mayfield said. There’s a reason he’s won so many Super Bowls. He is the greatest of all time, there is no doubt. I’m not going to try to be Tom, I’m going to be me. That’s what got me to this level. »
“It will be different, but that’s what makes this league so special. Everyone puts their own personal touch on it. It’s an honor to have the chance to replace someone like him. »
The Buccaneers will be Mayfield’s third team since moving from the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers last July. Mayfield, who turns 28 next month, threw for 16,288 yards, 102 touchdowns and 64 interceptions in five seasons.
“It was important for me to be in a stable place that knows how to win and knows how to do it well,” the quarterback said of the decision to join the Buccaneers.
Mayfield is looking forward to battling with Trask for the starting quarterback position. Trask has attempted just nine regular-season passes since being drafted in the second round in 2021. Mayfield is also excited to work with a talented group of receivers, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. .
“Any time you play with point guards like that, obviously it makes your job easier,” Mayfield said. They have so much experience and they’ve seen a lot, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play with them. »
Mayfield’s best season was in 2020, when the Browns finished the season with an 11-5 record and won a playoff game.