Legendary Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach and Bucs Ring of Honor member Bruce Arians is named “the quarterback whisperer.” He’s performed a task in creating the likes of Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Ben Roethlisberger throughout teaching stops in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, and labored with Tom Brady for 2 seasons in Tampa Bay earlier than retiring in 2022.
Whereas he’s by no means labored with Baker Mayfield, it’s protected to say that Arians is kind of fond of the present Buccaneers quarterback.
Arians has at all times seemed for extra than simply the arm expertise and the skillset of a quarterback. He desires to know “what’s between the ears,” as Arians likes to say, referring to a participant’s soccer I.Q. Arians additionally likes to know a participant’s willingness to compete and win, in addition to his total toughness. These are the precise traits that has outlined Mayfield’s recreation within the NFL, significantly during the last three seasons in Tampa Bay.
Bucs senior soccer guide Bruce Arians – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Bruce Arians Loves Bucs QB Baker Mayfield’s Grit, However Additionally Has Some Sage Recommendation
That’s why this didn’t come as the most important shock when Arians recognized the trait he likes probably the most about Baker Mayfield.
“His grit,” Arians stated whereas showing on the Pewter Report Podcast on Tuesday. “All the pieces about him. He’s one of the vital correct guys we ever evaluated popping out of school. Had excessive, excessive grades on him. I used to be with CBS when he was a rookie and went up and did a few his video games. The best way he practices, the passion he brings to a Friday apply is superb. I’ve at all times beloved him.
“I thought he was a great replacement – it’s not easy to walk in and take Tom Brady’s place. But the one guy that could do it – mentally and physically tough enough – is Baker.”
There was a lot dialog over the previous two seasons about Mayfield’s devil-may-care model of play. His daring scrambles are entertaining and his daring nature to take off and run and generally dive for first downs make him straightforward to root for. However he additionally has put his physique in hurt’s manner, inflicting some inefficient performances, particularly in the course of the 2025 season when his accidents piled up.
The 31-year previous Mayfield didn’t love getting requested about if he needed to tweak his taking part in model as he will get older whereas at mini-camp, and defended his generally reckless scrambling capability.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: USA At present
“I’ve started every single game for three years,” Mayfield stated per week in the past. “I don’t know if that should ever be a question.”
Technically, Mayfield is right. He has began each recreation since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023. However the accumulation of accidents undoubtedly impacted his efficiency at instances. Take a look at his sprained ankle on the finish of the 2023 season when the Buccaneers gained 9-0 at Carolina in Week 18 to clinch the division. That wasn’t precisely a classic Mayfield efficiency.
Then Mayfield had an early exit within the 2025 common season recreation in opposition to the Rams and was seen carrying a sling afterwards. He continued to play the remainder of the season, however Tampa Bay gained simply two out of its final six video games of the yr.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
It’s crucial that Mayfield stays upright and wholesome for your complete 2026 season. Not simply being obtainable to play, however taking part in at a excessive degree.
Arians shared some ideas about how Mayfield ought to strategy scrambling and defending his physique within the 2026 season.
“Don’t let them in there to hit him,” Arians stated. “When he’s running, he thinks he’s a fullback. The first time I talked to him I said, ‘Look, do we need to put bigger shoulder pads on your ass or what?’ Just be a little smarter about taking some of these hits. You’ve already won this whole town over. You don’t have to show anybody how tough you are anymore. We know you’re tough – just be smarter. Never scared, just smarter, never scared.”
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN Photographs – Nathan Ray Seebeck
Bruce Arians Weighs In On Baker Mayfield’s Contract State of affairs
The opposite huge story line concerning Baker Mayfield is after all his self-imposed deadline for his contract extension. He’s given the Buccaneers till a the beginning of coaching camp to get a deal accomplished. If not, he’s taking part in on the final yr of his deal after which they’ll tackle these conversations once more within the offseason previous to free company.
Is there trigger for concern? Arians is assured that this gained’t be an issue or a distraction earlier than the beginning of the season.
Bucs head coach Bruce Arians – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“I don’t think there’s any concern,” Arians stated. “It’s just a matter of business. Everybody wants to get the right thing for them. The club wants to get the right thing for them. Baker wants to get the right thing for him and his family. Yeah, I think it’ll work out, and the same with Vita [Vea’s contract].”
Arians joined the Pewter Report Podcast for over 4o minutes on the episode this week. Take a look at our entire interview with him and subscribe to our PewterReportTV YouTube channel.
