After seven seasons in the pros, it's finally the year of Baker Mayfield.
The Buccaneers' quarterback, in his first season in Tampa, turned things around. After starting 4-7, Mayfield helped lead the team to an NFC South Division title and a dominant playoff win at home against the Eagles. He earned the NFL Pro Bowl offensive MVP award, too, to top it off.
Now, it seems he'll go for another round in Tampa Bay.
MORE: Full projections of Baker Mayfield's next contract with the Buccaneers
Leaked audio from an "Up & Adams" hot mic revealed a conversation between Mayfield and former NFL quarterback Steve Young. While the exact conversation is hard to dissect, what can be heard points to a Buccaneers return for at least the 2024 season.
During their conversation, Mayfield mentioned getting some pieces back while Young hinted at the QB making a career there.
"Way to go. I started there," Young said. The retired QB began his professional career with the USFL's Los Angeles Express before moving to the other coast and beginning his NFL stint with the Buccaneers.
Baker and Steve Young have a hot mic here on Up & Adams set. Baker basically tells Steve Young he’s coming back to Tampa and bringing “a couple pieces back.”
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) February 7, 2024
Steve Young mentions how Baker has found a place for his “career.”
LETS FUCKING BAKE pic.twitter.com/g0y6nVGnC0
Mayfield's return to the Bucs seemed imminent once they won their first playoff game. That's what he wanted, too.
"It would mean a lot to me," he said after the Lions loss regarding his desire to return to Tampa Bay. "I would love that."
MORE: Will Baker Mayfield return to the Buccaneers?
But some offseason changes threatened the possible contract.
Offensive coordinator Dave Canales left for the Panthers head coaching job. Center Ryan Jensen's retirement and Mike Evans's free agency meant the Bucs could lose multiple highly valuable players. Fortunately for Mayfield, Canales's replacement meant a familiar face.
Liam Coen, OC at Kentucky, worked with the Rams during Mayfield's stint in LA in 2022. While Mayfield only played five games with Los Angeles, that stint provided a glimpse at what was about to come.
