Patriots Reportedly Interested in Buccaneers' Free Agent Quarterback Baker Mayfield

Could the Buccaneers' free agent be poached by an AFC team?

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' future unclear ahead of the 2023 football season, quarterback Baker Mayfield shot down any fear as he led the team to a 9-8 record and a dominating win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.

Mayfield was a calming presence to a storm of uncertainty in Tampa after Tom Brady retired for a second time, which happened to be legitimate. The 28-year-old's 4,044 passing-yard campaign not only prolonged his career as a starting quarterback in the NFL but will have him in the market to receive a hefty contract and could leave the Buccaneers with some competition as they look to re-sign him.

Mayfield threw for 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns with just ten interceptions, posting a career year. One team that could try and pry Mayfield away from resigning in Tampa could be the New England Patriots. According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, staffers of the Patriots are interested in what Mayfield could offer the franchise.

Buccaneers Free Agent Baker Mayfield Projected to Land $100 Million Deal

The Patriots, like the Buccaneers, are trending towards a new era. The post-Brady era has led to Bill Belichick being out as the team's head coach. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe controlling the quarterback room leaves little to no promise. Mayfield could play a similar role in getting the franchise into the postseason as he did with the Buccaneers.

Still, with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Patriots could opt to save money and draft a quarterback. According to Sportrac, a deal for Mayfield could cost the Patriots, or any other suitor, north of $100 million on a four-year deal.

Again, Mayfield's ability to stabilize the Buccaneers has certainly landed him a multi-year contract wherever he decided to sign this offseason. One thing the Patriots could use is stability as they look to get their franchise back on track.

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