Baker Mayfield’s Unexpected Praise for Matthew Stafford Sparks NFL Buzz

Ever wonder what it’s like to publicly tip your hat to the guy you’re lining up against this Sunday? Well, Baker Mayfield just did exactly that about Matthew Stafford — and not with some bland, obligatory praise but with the kind of genuine respect that makes you pause. Here we have two MVP-caliber quarterbacks about to collide in an NFC showdown, yet Mayfield’s reflections dig deeper than just stats and highlight reels. He’s peeling back the layers on Stafford’s overlooked brilliance, especially during those Detroit days when the spotlight barely flickered his way. It’s not every day you see such candid admiration in a sport built on competition and toughness, right? As these two gunslingers prepare to face off, Mayfield’s words invite us to rethink a legacy that’s been quietly cementing itself — and maybe, just maybe, spark a conversation about the craftsman behind the cannon arm.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. — (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet Sunday in an NFC matchup carrying significant mutual respect. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield have emerged as MVP contenders this season, drawing considerable attention heading into their showdown.

The narrative surrounding their meeting extends beyond typical divisional intrigue, shaped by Mayfield’s candid assessment of his counterpart’s abilities entering the week. Mayfield did not hesitate when discussing Stafford’s career trajectory and excellence. His perspective on the veteran quarterback carried genuine appreciation for his sustained performance at the highest level.

“As long as he was in Detroit, he didn’t get credit for how good he really was. To me, he’s always been a top 3–5 QB in the league and one of the best, if not the best, pure passer ever in the history of the NFL,” Mayfield said of Stafford.

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield was asked about Matthew Stafford:

“As long as he was in Detroit, he didn’t get credit for how good he really was. … To me, he’s always been a top 3–5 QB in the league and one of the best, if not the best, pure passer ever in the history of the NFL.”

(… pic.twitter.com/jmOkBz5Alw

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 20, 2025

Mayfield has compiled impressive statistics since arriving in Tampa Bay, accumulating 10,909 passing yards, 86 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions across nearly three seasons. His production has been substantial, yet he openly recognizes the caliber of play Stafford consistently delivers week after week.

Stafford’s tenure with Los Angeles has redefined his legacy. He captured a Super Bowl championship while establishing himself as one of football’s most reliable contributors. Through 10 games this season, he has thrown 27 touchdown passes against just two interceptions while completing 66 percent of his attempts for 2,557 yards.

Mayfield faces a formidable challenge traveling to Los Angeles, where Stafford’s precision and decision-making limit defensive opportunities. The quarterback rarely hands opposing defenses easy moments or critical mistakes.

Mayfield and Stafford previously occupied the same quarterback room in 2022, giving him direct insight into Stafford’s preparation and consistency. That familiarity reinforces what is already evident across the league: Stafford remains among the league’s elite at his position.

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