Buccaneers Sign Rams QB Baker Mayfield to 1-Year Deal

After just five games with the Los Angeles Rams, Baker Mayfield is set to sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Matt Galatzan | Mar 15, 2023

In this story:

Los Angeles Rams

After just five games with the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Baker Mayfield has found a new home.

According to multiple reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement to sign Mayfield to a one-year, $8.5 million deal.

Following the retirement of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in February, the Bucs had a clear need at the position.

And with only third-year quarterback Kyle Trask under contract for 2023, Mayfield now adds a veteran presence, with a potential for a high reward.

Mayfield will enter a good situation with the Bucs at the wide receiver spot, with talents such as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to spread the ball to.

Despite joining the NFL as the first overall pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2018, his career arc has been somewhat enigmatic.

At times, the 27-year-old has shown flashes of potential stardom.

However, he has lacked the efficiency on a consistent basis to live up to his elite projections.

Throughout his five-year career, Mayfield has compiled a 61.4 pass-completion percentage, while throwing for 16,288 yards, 102 touchdowns and 64 interceptions.

Since being claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers in December, Mayfield proved himself to still be a capable NFL starter in relief of the injured Matthew Stafford.

Just two days after coming to LA, he led the Rams to a game-winning 98-yard drive with no timeouts and 1:45 remaining in the game, capping a 17-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14.

It was the longest touchdown drive of his career, earning him Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Mayfield also led the Rams to a dominant 51–14 win while completing 24 of 28 pass attempts for 230 yards and throwing for two touchdowns in Week 16 vs. the Broncos.

Now, Mayfield heads to Tampa with a chance to restart his career, thanks in large part to the Rams taking a chance on him this past season.

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!

Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.

Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Mar 15, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com