Last year, Baker Mayfield proved why he was drafted first overall back in 2018.
The 30-year-old has had a tumultuous career but found a long-term home in Tampa and took the NFL by storm. The cannon arm translated to an RPO/play-action-heavy offense, helping propel the Buccaneers to another NFC South crown.
The expectations have now shifted for Mayfield, thanks to second-year back Bucky Irving, who is ready to emerge as a lead bell cow, rookie Emeka Egbuka joining the fold, and the returns of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
This offense is oozing with talent, and one popular FOX Sports analyst is suggesting that it could push Mayfield to new heights.
In a recent episode of “First Things First,” Chris Broussard suggested that the 30-year-old should be considered a dark horse MVP candidate.
“They should win that division, and he is coming off the best year of his career,” Broussard said. “They added Egbuka, and I’m expecting big things from Baker.”
Mayfield feels on the precipice of being a top-ten signal caller in the league if he isn’t there already, so to take another leap doesn’t seem unfeasible.
If new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard can pick up where Liam Coen left off, this could be the most dominant passing attack in the sport.
For Mayfield to hoist the MVP trophy, he’ll have to cut down on the turnovers, particularly the interceptions.
If he can slash his picks in half but maintain the touchdown and yard numbers, his box score will visually look the part.
