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In the NFL, the importance of having a franchise quarterback is undeniable. Teams possessing such a key player find themselves in a distinct category, with a substantial gap setting them apart from others struggling to secure a long-term solution in the pivotal quarterback position. The quarterback salary scale reflects this, creating an all-or-nothing scenario. For instance, the 15th-highest paid quarterback, Kirk Cousins, earns $35 million annually with his signing bonus, while the 20th-highest paid, Jordan Love, makes $13.5 million. The desperation to find a reliable long-term quarterback is evident across the league.
Baker Mayfield has consistently navigated an awkward middle ground in this dynamic. Initially seen as a franchise quarterback by the Cleveland Browns, this perception changed over time. Despite the Browns’ initial confidence, Mayfield’s status as a franchise quarterback came into question, leading to his eventual departure. Now, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield’s resurgent season prompts contemplation on whether stability could be the missing ingredient for him to establish himself as the long-term leader of a franchise.
Baker Mayfield’s Coaches Timeline:
2018: Hue Jackson
- Mayfield’s rookie season started with Jackson, who was fired mid-season after a 2-5-1 start.
- Mayfield’s instant success as a rookie led to questions about Jackson’s coaching ability.
2018: Gregg Williams (interim)
- Williams took over as interim head coach, leading the Browns to a 5-3 record.
- Mayfield’s improvement was attributed to Freddie Kitchens, who became the offensive coordinator.
2019: Freddie Kitchens
- The Kitchens-Mayfield duo lasted just one season, finishing 6-10.
- Mayfield regressed, throwing 21 interceptions, and Kitchens was quickly let go.
2020-21: Kevin Stefanski
- Stefanski guided the Browns to an 11-win season in 2020, and Mayfield had a more efficient season.
- Mayfield’s second season under Stefanski was less successful, finishing 8-9 with turnovers and inefficiencies.
2022: Matt Rhule (Carolina Panthers)
- Mayfield joined the Panthers, and Rhule became his head coach.
- Mayfield’s time in Carolina was disappointing, and Rhule was fired after a 1-4 start.
2022: Steve Wilks (interim)
- Wilks served as interim coach but Mayfield made only one start before requesting his release.
2022: Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)
- Mayfield joined the Rams and played competently, with two interceptions in five games.
- The Rams claimed him off waivers for a brief stint.
2023: Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers and played under Bowles in 2023.
- Mayfield had a career-best season, completing 64.3% of passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Coaching Stability and Future:
Mayfield has played under eight head coaches in just six years in the NFL. Todd Bowles, his current coach, might provide some stability, but potential changes in the coaching staff could impact Mayfield’s future.
Teams Played For:
Mayfield has played for four NFL teams: Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His future in free agency might bring either stability with the Buccaneers or lead to playing for a fifth team in 2024.