Baker Mayfield has experienced one of the more eventful quarterback journeys in recent NFL history. He entered the league with enormous expectations as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, enjoyed an impressive stretch with the Cleveland Browns, went through difficult seasons with Carolina and Los Angeles, and then rebuilt his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His story is not simply about statistics. Mayfield’s career has been shaped by resilience, leadership, confidence, and the ability to perform after setbacks. In Tampa Bay, he produced the best statistical season of his career in 2024 and earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
As of 2026, Mayfield remains Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback and an important part of the franchise’s plans.
Who Is Baker Mayfield?
Baker Reagan Mayfield is an NFL quarterback who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds and throws right-handed. Mayfield was born in Austin, Texas, on April 14, 1995.
He attended Lake Travis High School before playing college football at Texas Tech and later Oklahoma. His outstanding 2017 season at Oklahoma helped him win the Heisman Trophy and positioned him as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks entering the 2018 NFL Draft.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Baker Reagan Mayfield |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 215 lbs |
| Position | Quarterback |
| College | Oklahoma |
| NFL Draft | 2018, Round 1, Pick 1 |
| Current Team | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Jersey | No. 6 |
His official Buccaneers biography confirms that Cleveland selected him first overall in 2018 and that he later joined Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent in March 2023.
Early Life and College Career
Mayfield developed as a football player in Texas, a state known for its strong high school football culture. At Lake Travis High School, he became a successful quarterback and attracted attention from college programs.
He initially played at Texas Tech before transferring to Oklahoma. The move proved to be a major turning point.
The 2017 Heisman Trophy Season
At Oklahoma, Mayfield became one of college football’s biggest stars. During the 2017 season, he won the Heisman Trophy, along with several other major awards.
His college honors included:
- Heisman Trophy
- Maxwell Award
- Davey O’Brien Award
- Walter Camp Award
- First-team All-American recognition
His combination of arm strength, competitiveness, mobility, and confidence made him a natural leader and helped establish his reputation before entering the NFL.
Baker Mayfield’s NFL Draft
The Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The selection immediately placed enormous pressure on him. Cleveland expected Mayfield to become the long-term answer at quarterback, and his rookie season provided plenty of reasons for optimism.
He completed 63.8% of his passes for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 2018. He also earned PFWA Rookie of the Year honors.
Career With the Cleveland Browns
Mayfield spent his first four NFL seasons with Cleveland. His tenure included impressive performances as well as periods of inconsistency.
The 2020 season was particularly important. He threw for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns while posting a 95.9 passer rating. Cleveland reached the playoffs, giving Mayfield his first postseason opportunity.
Although his time with the Browns eventually ended, those years established several important parts of his NFL résumé.
What Went Wrong?
Mayfield’s final season in Cleveland was affected by injuries and inconsistent play. After the 2021 campaign, the Browns moved in a different direction at quarterback.
Cleveland traded him to the Carolina Panthers in July 2022, beginning a turbulent period in his career.
Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams
Mayfield’s time with Carolina was brief. He started seven games for the Panthers in 2022 before being waived in December.
The Los Angeles Rams then claimed him off waivers. The move gave Mayfield another opportunity to demonstrate that he could still compete at a high level.
His Rams stint was short, but it helped keep his NFL career alive. Shortly afterward, he entered free agency and found a much better fit in Tampa Bay.
Career Resurgence With the Buccaneers
Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2023. The move became a major turning point.
In his first season with Tampa Bay, he threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Buccaneers won the NFC South and advanced to the NFC Divisional Round. Mayfield also earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
His second Tampa Bay season was even more productive.
A Career Year in 2024
In 2024, Mayfield recorded:
- 4,500 passing yards
- 41 passing touchdowns
- 16 interceptions
- 407 completions
- 71.4% completion rate
- 106.8 passer rating
Those numbers represented career highs in several major passing categories. The Buccaneers also established franchise records for completion percentage and passer rating with Mayfield at quarterback.
He earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection and became the only quarterback in Buccaneers history to receive multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Baker Mayfield Stats and Achievements
Mayfield’s career statistics demonstrate his durability and experience. Through the 2025 regular season, he had started 120 of 123 games and accumulated 28,525 passing yards, 197 touchdown passes, and 101 interceptions.
Career Passing Statistics
| Statistic | Career Total |
| Games Started | 120 |
| Passing Yards | 28,525 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 197 |
| Interceptions | 101 |
| Completion Rate | 63.5% |
| Passer Rating | 91.2 |
His 2025 season produced 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 382 yards, showing that his mobility remains an important part of his game.
Major NFL Achievements
Some of Mayfield’s most notable accomplishments include:
- 2018 PFWA Rookie of the Year
- 2018 NFL All-Rookie Team
- Two-time Pro Bowl selection
- 2023 Pro Bowl Games Offensive MVP
- 2023 PFWA Most Improved Player
- Multiple AFC and NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards
- Buccaneers franchise records for 2024 completion percentage and passer rating
He also owns an impressive postseason statistic. According to the Buccaneers, Mayfield ranks first in NFL history in postseason passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 150 postseason attempts.
Playing Style and Strengths
Baker Mayfield’s style combines traditional pocket passing with mobility outside the pocket.
Competitive Mentality
One of his defining characteristics is his competitive approach. Mayfield often plays with visible emotion and confidence, traits that have made him both popular with supporters and a frequent subject of discussion among NFL fans.
Mobility
Mayfield is not simply a pocket quarterback. His 382 rushing yards in 2025 were a career high, while his 2025 rushing average was listed at 7.0 yards per attempt by NFL statistics.
Experience
Mayfield has played for four NFL franchises, giving him extensive experience in different offensive systems and team environments. That journey has also helped him develop as a leader.
Personal Life
Mayfield is married to Emily Wilkinson, and the couple have children together. Their family life has increasingly become part of his story away from football.
In 2026, Mayfield and Emily welcomed their second child, a son named Maverick. Mayfield has also spoken publicly about reconnecting with members of his extended family following a difficult financial dispute.
For Mayfield, life away from football has increasingly centered on family, fatherhood, and personal growth.
Baker Mayfield Contract and Future
Mayfield signed a three-year contract with Tampa Bay worth $100 million, with a maximum value of $115 million through incentives. The deal included $50 million guaranteed.
His future with Tampa Bay has attracted attention because the contract situation could become an important storyline as the Buccaneers evaluate their long-term quarterback plans.
For now, Mayfield remains one of the most experienced players on Tampa Bay’s roster. His ability to maintain consistency, protect the football, and lead the offense will be central to the team’s success.
Key Takeaways
- Baker Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
- He won the 2017 Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma.
- His NFL career includes stops with Cleveland, Carolina, Los Angeles, and Tampa Bay.
- Tampa Bay became the major rebuilding point of his career.
- He produced career-best passing numbers in 2024.
- Mayfield has earned two Pro Bowl selections.
- His 2025 season included a career-high 382 rushing yards.
- He remains the Buccaneers’ quarterback as of 2026.
FAQs About Baker Mayfield
1. Who is Baker Mayfield?
Baker Mayfield is an American professional football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft.
2. How old is Baker Mayfield?
Baker Mayfield was born on April 14, 1995. He is 31 years old as of August 2026.
3. What college did Baker Mayfield attend?
Mayfield played college football at Oklahoma after beginning his college career at Texas Tech. He won the Heisman Trophy with Oklahoma in 2017.
4. How many Pro Bowls has Baker Mayfield made?
Mayfield has been selected to two Pro Bowls, in 2023 and 2024. He also became the only quarterback in Buccaneers franchise history to receive multiple Pro Bowl selections.
5. What teams has Baker Mayfield played for?
Mayfield has played for the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
6. What were Baker Mayfield’s 2024 stats?
In 2024, Mayfield passed for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. He completed 71.4% of his passes and recorded a 106.8 passer rating.
7. Is Baker Mayfield still with the Buccaneers?
Yes. As of August 2026, Mayfield remains listed as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback.
Conclusion
Baker Mayfield’s NFL career has been defined by change and resilience. From becoming the first overall pick and winning Rookie of the Year to struggling through difficult stops in Carolina and Los Angeles, his path has rarely been straightforward.
His arrival in Tampa Bay changed the narrative. Mayfield delivered two strong seasons, earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections, established franchise records, and became a central figure in the Buccaneers’ offense.
His journey remains one of the more interesting quarterback stories in modern NFL football. Whether discussing his college success, NFL statistics, leadership, or comeback with Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield has built a career that goes well beyond the expectations attached to him on draft night.
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