Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield Reveals Brutally Honest Take On QB Rankings
This offseason, we have seen Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield finally start to get the plaudits he deserves after two good seasons of football.
Entering the 2025 season as a dark horse Super Bowl contender and one of the NFC's stronger teams, the Buccaneers have seen quarterback Baker Mayfield consistently ranked among the league's top 10 quarterbacks—or just outside it—in various publications.
That is quite the tip of the cap to the former first overall pick, but if you thought he takes any stock in what those rankings are, you're sadly mistaken.
"I don't really think about them," Mayfield said. "Most of the people that vote on them haven't played the position at a high level or in the NFL. So, I just do my job. That's not a knock on the people that vote, but the rankings don't mean anything if you don't win games."
He isn't wrong.
The rankings mean nothing if you aren't winning football games, and in 2025, Tampa Bay and Baker are expected to win a lot.
Favorites for the NFC South (cue shocked face) and expected to not only make the playoffs, but go on a deep run given the offense that has been assembled and the defensive improvements, the Buccaneers have the tools to make this upcoming season a one to remember.
Of course, Mayfield is at the heart of that – and if he can play at a top 10 level, there's no telling how far the Buccaneers can go. But one thing is for certain, it will make Tampa Bay one of the most dangerous teams in football.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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