Analyst poses huge Buccaneers Baker Mayfield problem in 2026

Adam Schultz

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Analyst poses huge Buccaneers Baker Mayfield problem in 2026 image

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield appeared to have finally silenced the doubters as he entered the 2025 season.

After leading Tampa to the playoffs in his first two seasons (2023 and 2024), 2025 was expected to follow suit. And it did for the first half of the year, with Baker an MVP candidate after the Buccaneers started the year 5-1.

But the wheels fell off, and the Bucs would end the year missing the playoffs with an 8-9 record.

Leaving many wondering what 2026 will look like.

For PFF's John Kosko, in ranking all 32 teams based on their QB needs, the Bucs come in at No. 11, with Mayfield needing to prove himself yet again.

"The Buccaneers find themselves at a crossroads as they enter the 2026 offseason," Kosko writes. "Baker Mayfield turns 31 this year and is entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract. After leading Tampa Bay to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons with the team, Mayfield struggled down the stretch in 2025 and failed to reach the postseason in a weak NFC South."

More: Buccaneers' Mike Evans has 1 suitor in NFL free agency

Mayfield has to bounce back in 2026

In a contract year yet again, Mayfield has to do something he will feel he's done his whole NFL career: prove the doubters wrong.

Two good seasons of Pro Bowl football haven't appeased people, and after starting so well last season, only to flame out the way Tampa Bay did, that is horrific.

But it is a new year, and Baker will once again have a new offensive coordinator with Zac Robinson now in Mayfield's ear.

So, in a contract year, Mayfield has it all in front of him, and he has the weapons to prove the doubters wrong.

Again.

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