Buccaneers New Quarterback Baker Mayfield 'Should Thrive' Says GM Jason Licht

While many are scoffing at Tampa Bay's signing of Baker Mayfield, Jason Licht says he expects good things from the former top NFL Draft pick.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a Hall of Fame quarterback when Tom Brady retired, but they've added a new name into the mix of players trying to replace him by signing former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Baker Mayfield. 

Predictably, not everyone loves the latest Bucs quarterback move, but then who could really come in after Brady and be considered an upgrade?

One person who isn't down on the Mayfield acquisition, unsurprisingly, is Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht.

READ MORE: Baker Mayfield tabbed as Tom Brady's Successor in Tampa

"Baker is a tough competitor who plays with the kind of passion and confidence that you look for in a quarterback," Licht said according to a tweet from Albert Breer. "He's a young veteran with good upside who should thrive in our new offensive system with receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. He had an impressive 2020 season when he led the Browns to their playoff appearance and did some good things during his brief stint with the Rams at the end of last season. I know from speaking with him that he is excited to come in and compete for the starting job."

Mayfield has had a steep decline since becoming the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and leading the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff win in over 15 years.

READ MORE: Buccaneers Free Agent Tracker

It seems like decades ago that Mayfield led the Browns to an 11-5 record and Wild Card Round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it actually happened just three seasons ago. 

Since then, he led a 6-8 effort in 2021, missing two games due to injury, followed by a 2022 offseason where he was tied to trade rumors involving the Seattle Seahawks before an early July trade sent him to the Carolina Panthers.

Mayfield started six games for the Panthers, leading to a 1-5 record before being released and joining the Los Angeles Rams for five games. 

Now, he's off to his fourth team in less than a full calendar year, but joining an offensive coordinator in Dave Canales who was with the Seahawks when they initially pursued the quarterback last offseason. 

Perhaps, finally connecting with Canales, playing with selfless receivers like Evans and Godwin, and having the confidence of Buccaneers leaders will finally propel him to where he appeared to be heading in 2020.

If it works, then Mayfield will have the last laugh and Licht will have one more reason to scoff at those who doubt his ability to build and maintain a winning roster.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82

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