One of the best storylines of the entire 2023 NFL season was the resurgence of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Taking over for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, many thought the Mayfield-led Bucs would end up being one of the worst teams in football.
An NFC South title and a playoff win over the defending NFC Champs later, and it looks like Mayfield has reestablished himself as a franchise quarterback in the league.
Vintage Oklahoma Baker Mayfield
pic.twitter.com/TCMXYNClUu— PFF (@PFF) January 21, 2024
Despite being a pinata for some, Mayfield has always been well-respected around the league.
Considered a phenomenal leader and competitor, Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during the regular season … And followed that up with two outstanding performances in the playoffs.
A REALLY cool story from Lions coach Dan Campbell on why he’s such a fan of Baker Mayfield.
“There’s no wonder why people rally around him and follow him.” pic.twitter.com/BtQ5og5AyF
— The REF (@KREFsports) January 18, 2024
One team that has emerged as a potential suitor for Mayfield is the Minnesota Vikings.
According to an unconfirmed report, the Vikings are prepared to go to great lengths to secure the soon-to-be free agent this offseason…
BREAKING: The Minnesota #Vikings are going to do “Whatever it takes” to sign Baker Mayfield this offseason. 🤯🤯🤯
Vikings GM Kwesi-Adofo-Mensah was with the #Browns when Mayfield was drafted, and was a big advocate for drafting Baker.
Mayfield is expected to be the most… pic.twitter.com/DoBJWQCNmu
— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) January 22, 2024
Following the season-ending loss to the Detroit Lions, Mayfield has said all the right things and made it clear that his preference is to remain in Tampa.
“I love this group,” Mayfield said. “Obviously, who knows how it’s going to play out, but I can’t say enough about this organization and the opportunity they gave me this year. Just thankful, and I hope it works out.”
Of course, not everyone is buying the report that Minnesota is open to throwing the kitchen sink at Mayfield…
“I know that is satire, but Kwesi was not even with the Browns when Mayfield was drafted.”
“It’s so much worse than satire. It’s just some idiot whose parents didn’t give him enough attention.”
It's so much worse than satire. It's just some idiot who's parents didn't give him enough attention
— KG21 (@WolvesRube21) January 23, 2024
“Sources or just typical rumor click bait?”
“It matches with the idea that Cousins is going to test FA.”
It matches with the idea that Cousins is going to test FA.
— darkprometheus112 (@darkprometheus1) January 22, 2024
Interestingly, current Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is also set to hit free agency.
The two things both Cousins and Mayfield share in common is they are both among the most disrespected and underappreciated quarterbacks in the league.
Could there end up being a swap or sorts? – Mayfield to the Vikings and Cousins to the Bucs?
Who would you rather have?
The most likely scenario is Mayfield ends up signing a lucrative extension with Tampa and Cousins heads to Atlanta in free agency – possibly to team up with Bill Belichick…
How do you see everything playing out???