NFL personnel evaluator compares Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield to Hall of Famer

Both the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers released quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2022. As the 2025 season approaches, neither team possesses a proven long-term starter at quarterback, while Mayfield, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was recently ranked as the NFL's 10th-best quarterback by league executives, coaches, and scouts in an ESPN survey.

An unnamed NFL personnel evaluator compared Mayfield's playing style to Hall of Famer Brett Favre, citing his "moxie" and aggressive "on the attack" mentality that defensive players feel. Like Favre, Mayfield is described as a "gunslinger" willing to put his body on the line to win. Since joining Tampa Bay, he has led the team to consecutive division titles and leads the NFL in regular-season touchdown passes (69) since Week 1 of the 2023 season. His performance also helped former Buccaneers offensive coordinators Dave Canales and Liam Coen secure head coaching jobs.

Statistically, Mayfield finished the 2024 regular season ranked highly: third in passing yards (4,500), tied for second in passing touchdowns (41), third in completion percentage (71.4%), and fourth in passer rating (106.8). He has become the undisputed leader of Tampa Bay's offense and is positioned for a potential lucrative contract extension. The evaluator praised his fearlessness, leadership, underrated arm strength, mobility in the pocket, rushing ability, and effectiveness attacking deep when protected.

Reflecting his success, the Mayfield-led Buccaneers are currently seventh in betting odds (+1300) to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. The article suggests that decision-makers in Cleveland and Carolina likely regret parting ways with Mayfield in 2022 given his current standing and their ongoing quarterback uncertainties.