Not so long ago, NFL analysts and fans thought of Baker Mayfield as a bust.
The No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft seemingly had more TV commercials than wins, and while the Cleveland Browns had plenty to do with that, his demeanor also rubbed some people the wrong way.
That’s why his career turnaround has been so notable.
He went from potentially not getting another chance to be an NFL starter to being a legitimate MVP candidate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With that in mind, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy recently gushed about the way Mayfield has performed this season.
“Baker Mayfield is playing great football. … When the game is on the line he’s at his best,” McCarthy said.
"Baker Mayfield is playing great football..
When the game is on the line he's at his best"
Coach McCarthy #PMSLive https://t.co/cGFKAvvYCS pic.twitter.com/Aq0vJj50bO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2025
While he’s still a trash-talker, Mayfield has matured into a leader.
The Buccaneers have rallied behind him since he joined the team, and it looks like everybody in the organization would run through a brick wall for him.
Mayfield has orchestrated four game-winning drives this season, and has done so without starting running back Bucky Irving and with star wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. each missing time.
It took Mayfield much longer than people expected, but he is another example that sometimes all it takes is being in the right system and the right organization for a player to flourish and finally live up to expectations.
NEXT: Todd Bowles Reveals Injury Update On Mike Evans