The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not be a top-tier contender, but they’re a team no one wants to meet in the playoffs.
Todd Bowles and Jason Licht’s partnership has been better than some anticipated, and even though they’ve lost some key pieces to the coaching staff, they continue to be the team to beat in the division.
When asked about that, the Bucs’ general manager gushed about his players.
More than that, he tipped his hat to Baker Mayfield.
Talking to Kay Adams for her “Up & Adams” show, Licht argued that Mayfield is the reason players want to be in Tampa Bay.
Baker Mayfield is the reason why players want to play on the Buccaneers says GM Jason Licht.@heykayadams | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/Ll4HGP6UWl
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 1, 2025
He also gave the coach some credit for the culture he’s built in the locker room.
The Bucs currently hold the longest streak of making the playoffs in the NFC, as they’ve been to the postseason five years in a row.
Notably, Mayfield didn’t step into an easy position.
He was asked to fill in for Tom Brady, of all people, and he’s done a very good job.
His numbers from his first season with the team were similar to Brady’s, and he kept his foot on the gas last season despite being banged up and losing his offensive coordinator to the Carolina Panthers’ head coaching job.
Mayfield was a controversial and polarizing figure earlier in his career, but it seems like he’s come a long way as a leader.
He’s always been tough and the kind of player who won’t hesitate to put his body on the line to get the job done, and that inspires everybody around him.
NEXT: Insider Provides Update On Chris Godwin's Future
