Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is widely considered a high-tier quarterback around the NFL, but it wasn't always that way.
After his stint with the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield was seen as damaged goods and was traded to the Carolina Panthers. His career spiraled even further, leading to his release by Carolina.
Days later, the former Heisman trophy winner was signed by the Los Angeles Rams, and miraculously led Los Angeles to a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. To this day, Mayfield credits much of his success to Sean McVay and the Rams for revitalizing his love for the game.
Baker Mayfield 'grateful' for his time with Sean McVay, Rams
When speaking with the media ahead of Tampa Bay's matchup with Los Angeles, Mayfield expressed as much.
"There is no way for me to sugarcoat it — it was pivotal in my career and in my journey. I've told you guys, it helped me find the fun in football again, that joy," Mayfield said.
"They helped me discover what offense I really wanna play in...it was instrumental in my career, something I'm forever grateful for, and it'll be fun to go back and see some familiar faces."
Mayfield will have the opportunity to show the Rams and McVay exactly what he's learned over the past few seasons without them.
While Los Angeles is sitting fairly comfortably at the top of the NFC West after last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Bucs have a feisty Carolina Panthers team nipping at their heels in the NFC South.
More Rams news:
- Rams' Davante Adams gets injury update for Sunday's Seahawks matchup
- Why Rams need to work out a Puka Nacua contract extension soon
- How Matthew Stafford's MVP campaign complicates Rams' contract talks
- Projecting post-deadline NFC West team needs for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Rams' Davante Adams receives injury update after leaving Week 10 game vs. 49ers