Baker Mayfield’s play in 2026 won’t simply decide his personal future with the Bucs, however it’s going to say lots about which route the group will soak up what’s lining as much as be a franchise-altering season. After it appeared that Mayfield was selecting up the place he left off final yr as a game-changing gunslinger, his play cratered down the stretch as Tampa Bay limped to the end line.
Regardless of taking part in at arguably a high 5 degree in 2024, his disappointing 2025 has knocked him down a tier within the Professional Soccer Focus’ quarterback rankings forward of the 2026 season.
Baker Mayfield Ranks As The 18th Finest QB In The NFL Coming into 2026
Coming off his worst season with the Bucs since signing with the group in 2023, it’s no shock that Baker Mayfield ranks decrease in PFF’s rankings. Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick ranked Mayfield because the 18th-best signal-caller, having this to say:
Mayfield endured a roller-coaster 2025 season, recording 28 big-time throws and 28 turnover-worthy performs. The latter led the NFL and was a serious purpose the Buccaneers missed the postseason for the primary time since 2019.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: IMAGN Photos
Issues appeared to be going easily for Mayfield earlier than Mike Evans suffered a damaged collarbone in Week 7. Evans returned in Week 15, however from Weeks 7 by means of 18, Mayfield earned only a 56.2 PFF passing grade whereas throwing 14 touchdowns towards 10 interceptions. His scrambling capability, evidenced by a league-leading 6.9 yards per carry, helped hold the offense afloat. Nevertheless, Mayfield should alter to his first season in Tampa Bay with out Evans as a receiving possibility.
It’s one factor for Mayfield to not be among the many league’s high 10 quarterbacks. There may be a powerful record of high quality gamers on the place. Nonetheless, seeing him fall from grace to 18th is difficult to consider and simply as disrespectful as ESPN’s rating of Tampa Bay’s offensive playmakers.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin Jr. and QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
At his greatest, he gives high 10 play and has just lately proven able to doing that for a full yr. When wanting on the record 12-17, it’s tough seeing him rank beneath:
Jayden DanielsCaleb WilliamsSam DarnoldJalen HurtsJared GoffC.J. Stroud
It’s comical to see Goff ranked so low, as he’s essentially the most environment friendly passer of the above group, together with Mayfield. Daniels and Williams have excessive ceilings however are ranked extra for his or her promise. The remainder of the group appears correctly slotted regarding Darnold and Hurts, with Stroud being a tad bit too excessive.
Mayfield has to earn his rating again into the higher echelon, however he deserves to be within the center class between Twelfth-14th. Something decrease doesn’t correctly credit score him for what he’s able to — together with how he’s as soon as once more positioned to climb up the record in 2026.
Baker Mayfield Has A Lot Going For Him With 2026 Bucs
This isn’t the primary nor the final time Baker Mayfield shall be discredited by the nationwide media. The chip on his shoulder has gotten bigger and being doubted has been a theme of his soccer profession. Coming into 2026, there are many causes to doubt how the Bucs will fare.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles and QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Mayfield’s capability to steer the offense shouldn’t be considered one of them.
The unit is in a greater spot with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson calling the photographs. That declare will not be baseless, given Robinson’s play-calling observe report and offensive affect from Rams head coach Sean McVay. Whereas Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick pointed to the absence of Mike Evans, the addition of third-round choose Ted Hurst to a large receiver room that includes Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson means a surplus of high quality targets stay.
Throw in two of the very best safety-blanket receivers out of the backfield in Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell, and there may be lots at Mayfield’s disposal to get again to taking part in at a better degree.
Ought to he and the remainder of the crew keep wholesome, these rankings ought to look lots totally different getting into 2027.
