Less than three years ago, Baker Mayfield was playing scout team quarterback during Carolina Panthers practices. Now, as the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has his team at 4-1 atop the NFC South division, and he is even garnering NFL MVP consideration.
Baker Mayfield Is Playing The Best Football Of His NFL Career
Once the face of the city’s long-awaited football revival, Mayfield’s time with the Cleveland Browns ended abruptly when the team acquired Deshaun Watson. His stint with the Panthers was brief and uneven, a season that many thought marked the beginning of the end for his career as a starting quarterback.
Yet, just a couple of years later, Mayfield has not only rebuilt his reputation but also emerged as one of the most compelling comeback stories in the NFL.
Is Baker Mayfield leading the MVP conversation?
◽️ 1,283 passing yards (4th in NFL)
◽️ 10 passing TDs (T-3rd)
◽️ 1 INT (T-28th)
◽️ 4 game-winning drives (1st) pic.twitter.com/I68BWrvRN3— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 6, 2025
When Mayfield landed in Tampa Bay, expectations were modest at best. He was stepping into the shadow of Tom Brady, inheriting a roster in transition and a fan base unsure of what to expect.
Instead of crumbling under the weight of comparison, Mayfield embraced the challenge with the same chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that defined his college days. His chemistry with receivers reignited the Buccaneers’ offense, while his leadership helped stabilize a locker room that could’ve easily unraveled.
Mayfield led Tampa Bay to the playoffs in each of his first two years as a starter, and was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career in back to back seasons. This year, he has the Buccaneers off to a 4-1 start, thanks in large part to his clutch contributions, and is even garnering some MVP buzz.
Does Mayfield Have A Shot Of Winning MVP?
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen entered the season as the favorite to win the award for the second time in a row, and he is still the leader in the clubhouse. With a designation of +150, he is the obvious favorite, and it will take a noticeable regression for him to give up his lead in the category.
| Josh Allen | +150 |
| Patrick Mahomes | +400 |
| Justin Herbert | +1000 |
| Baker Mayfield | +1200 |
| Matthew Stafford | +1200 |
But if that happens, Mayfield could be waiting in the wings. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Tampa Bay’s quarterback is listed at +1200 to take home the prestigious award, which is tied with Matthew Stafford for the 4th-lowest odds of any other NFL player. Only Patrick Mahomes (+400) and Justin Herbert (+1000) stand between Mayfield and Allen on the odds board.
He has a chance to strengthen his case in the coming weeks. Mayfield and the Buccaneers are scheduled to take on two NFC powerhouses in their next two games, as they will take on both the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. Winning either game would be considered a statement victory, and somehow winning both could catapult both the quarterback and his team into an elite status.
