Could Baker Mayfield’s Next Season Redefine His Entire Career? Analyst Thinks So.

Have you ever wondered if a quarterback’s destiny can pivot on something as fleeting as a breakout season? Baker Mayfield, once a flashy prospect with the weight of expectations on his shoulders, might just be edging closer to that tipping point. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers—long the NFL’s quiet achievers—aren’t just playing spoiler in the NFC South anymore; under Todd Bowles, they’ve become a force quietly carving their legacy post-Brady. Now, with Mayfield putting up numbers that make you sit up and take notice—think 71.4% completion, 4,500 passing yards, and 41 touchdowns—it’s stirring up whispers about MVP honors. Is this the year the former No. 1 overall pick finally steps from the shadows and into the spotlight? Honestly, it feels like the perfect storm—solid offense, a lethal receiving arsenal, and a defense that refuses to be underestimated. So, grab a seat because this could be the slice of NFL drama you didn’t see coming.

For years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been an overlooked contender in the NFL.

Todd Bowles’ team continues to rule the NFC South, long after Tom Brady left.

With that in mind, analyst Bucky Brooks recently made a somewhat bold prediction about Baker Mayfield, saying the quarterback could be a legitimate MVP candidate this season.

“If Mayfield matches his 2024 numbers (71.4% completion rate, 4,500 passing yards with 41 touchdowns) and the Buccaneers win the NFC South for the fifth year in a row, I won’t be surprised if the former No. 1 overall pick rises to the top of the MVP conversation,” Brooks wrote. “With the Bucs climbing the ranks as a dark-horse contender, Mayfield could ride off with the league’s top honor at season’s end.”

The Bucs have been solid on offense for years now, and Mayfield has excelled within the system.

He’s developed strong chemistry with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and adding rookie Emeka Egbuka to the mix gives the Buccaneers one of the strongest wide receiver groups in the game.

Bowles is a defensive-minded coach, and the Bucs have been underrated on that side of the ball as well.

In the division, the Carolina Panthers are expected to be better, but they’re still not a real threat.

The New Orleans Saints will most likely be in the mix to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That leaves the Atlanta Falcons as the only potential foe atop the division.

If Mayfield takes another step forward and has a strong campaign, he could add the prestigious award, as Brooks suggested.

The post Analyst Makes A Bold Prediction About Baker Mayfield This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.