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Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Todd Bowles celebrate a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles publicly addressed the style of play that has defined Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s three-year tenure leading the team. Mayfield’s fearless, gritty approach that often sees him evade pressure, extend plays, and absorb big hits have also drawn criticism about the sustainability of the QB’s approach on the field – and how sustainable it’s going to be down the road.
While Bowles praised Mayfield’s toughness and the value of his competitive edge, he also delivered a clear message about longevity and protecting his body as he moves into his fourth season with the team. Here’s what Bowles had to say about Baker Mayfield.
GettyBaker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
Giving a broad summation of Baker Mayfield’s approach to playing on the field, including how the Quarterback doesn’t miss games regardless of injuries or illness, Todd Bowles said, “I don’t want to say it’s sustainable. I think that’s who he is.”
Bowles then went more in-depth into the sustainability of Mayfield’s fierce toughness and the way the QB pushes through bodily ailments, saying, “He’s got to be smarter than that, especially in the second half of the season, when you get guys down. So he’s got to be a little smarter taking care of his body, so we can have the availability there, but being with us three years now, we know who he is.”
Then, to underscore the foundation of his belief in Mayfield as a player and team leader, Bowles explained, “We trust him completely, and we have full confidence in him.”
Todd Bowles Recalls Advice He Gave to Baker Mayfield
GettyHead coach Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after their team’s 23-3 win against the New Orleans Saints in the game at Caesars Superdome on October 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Todd Bowles’ comments about Tampa Bay’s QB are measured in that he reiterated the trust and faith he has in Mayfield as a player while noting that sacrificing long-term ability to lead the offense on the field – or be able to play at all should his body give out prematurely – isn’t worth the short-term gains of pushing through injuries, ailments, and extreme fatigue.
The Bucs’ head coach sat down for another interview shortly after with NFL on ESPN. When asked his thoughts on the team’s QB, Bowles recalled a conversation he had with Mayfield, saying that he told him, “I’m not asking you to be Tom Brady, I’m asking asking you to be Baker. We don’t want Tom. We want Baker Mayfield.”
The timing of Bowles’ comments on Mayfield matter significantly as the quarterback’s contract will end at the conclusion of his upcoming fourth year with the team, thus making questions about a potential renewal or the Bucs searching for a new QB more relevant than ever before. And if Baker Mayfield continues to push his body beyond human limitations, then one route may be more realistic than the other – but let’s hope that Mayfield prioritizes rest and recovery so that he can continue to be a strong player for many years to come.