Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is ready to prove detractors wrong this season after missing the playoffs in 2025 and hearing the naysayers early in 2026.
"I think we're gonna shock a lot of people this year," Mayfield said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "You can't avoid it. There's some TVs everywhere."
Mayfield is focused on leading Tampa Bay back to the postseason despite not landing a contract extension. The two-time Pro Bowler set a self-imposed deadline before training camp to finalize a new deal, but the sides were unable to reach an agreement.
The 31-year-old veteran said that he felt "disrespected" by the Bucs' initial offer. Mayfield was especially upset that Tampa Bay tendered him a two-year deal despite the team labeling him a "franchise quarterback."
General manager Jason Licht said Mayfield has been locked in during training camp, despite his frustrations.
"I've never seen him this focused," Licht said on Monday. "He has always been a focused player. Shoot, he gets in here at probably 4 a.m. I can just see it. Not that he wasn't before, but I just see a bit extra motivation on his part."
Tampa Bay appeared on pace to clinch its sixth consecutive playoff berth last season before losing seven of the last nine games. Mayfield saw his production plunge in the second half of the season, resulting in six interception in the final fives games of the year.
Mayfield passed for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while posting a 63.2% completion rate.
The former first overall pick will make his preseason debut when the Bucs host the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
