Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Projected as No. 1 Free Agent Entering 2024 NFL Season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have competition if they try to re-sign Baker Mayfield from free agency.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a pleasant surprise to the NFL this season. When Tom Brady retired, the team was essentially written off and placed in the rebuilding category.

The arrival of Dave Canales at offensive coordinator paired with Baker Mayfield signing as a free-agent quarterback turned things around, though.

At the time, the signing of Mayfield wasn't thought to be much but an opportunity for Mayfield to get a last chance at a starting spot. Mayfield has taken the opportunity to show what all he has left in the tank and essentially proved the idea that injury and a weird exit from the Cleveland Browns had spoiled his reputation.

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Now, Mayfield seems to be a winning quarterback again, which the only time he wasn't in Cleveland was while battling an injury. This could leave Mayfield as a free agent "stud" come the next offseason, according to Fox Sports. 

"The journeyman might have found a home in Tampa as Tom Brady's successor. The former No. 1 overall pick has steadied the franchise with his efficient play and scrappy leadership skills," Fox Sports writes.

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Through four games, Mayfield has tallied 882 yards in the air while completing 87 of his 127 passing attempts. He's thrown seven touchdowns to his two interceptions. He's led an offense that's struggled on the ground to a 3-1 record through four games as they are coming off a bye week.

"Though he has never evolved into the playmaker that some envisioned, Mayfield's experience and solid management skills have helped the Buccaneers climb to the top of the division with a handful of gritty wins," Fox Sports writes. "If the veteran continues to take care of the ball and dazzle with some timely playmaking, the Buccaneers could steal the NFC South behind their new QB1."

It'll be interesting to see how the Buccaneers manage the rest of the season, having an early bye week on the year. If Mayfield can continue spreading the ball and leading the Buccaneers to a positive record, he might have a few solid offers come free agency.

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