Baker Mayfield Reveals One Word Helped Revitalize His NFL Career
TAMPA, FL - MARCH 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers newly signed Quarterback Baker Mayfield addresses the media on March 20, 2023 at AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa,FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former No. 1 overall draft pick Baker Mayfield has turned into an NFL journeyman over the last couple seasons.
Mayfield was dropped by the Cleveland Browns — then by the Carolina Panthers. He landed in Los Angeles with the Rams for the final few games of the 2022 season, but couldn't find a solid gig.
While his time in LA was short lived, he said the "fun" he had during those few games helped revitalize his NFL career.
“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. It was the first time I had fun playing football in a few years,” Mayfield said. “It brought that feeling of having that success and really remembering what it was all about, kind of hit the reset button for me.”
After getting cut by the Panthers, Mayfield was picked up by the Rams as an injury replacement for Matthew Stafford. He led the team to a Thursday night victory over the Las Vegas Raiders after just a couple days with the playbook. He completed 63.6% of his passes for 850 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions through four games in LA.
Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now heading into the 2023 season as the team's likely starting quarterback.
