Baker Mayfield has a crucial season approaching as one Tampa Bay Buccaneers provided his stance on the star quarterback.
Mayfield prepares for the ninth season of his NFL career, his fourth with the Buccaneers. He has found his place as one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league, often helping Tampa Bay be in the mix of playoff contention.
Ronde Barber played his entire NFL career with the Buccaneers from 1997 to 2012. He earned five Pro Bowl selections, accumulated three first-team All-Pro and two second-team selections. He even earned a place on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Additionally, he led the NFL in interceptions in 2001, and he is the Buccaneers all-time interceptions leader.
Barber took part in an interview on the Jim Rome show. He talked about Mayfield’s impact on the franchise, labelling him as the team’s lifeblood when it comes to their chances of success with him in the long term.
“The team is handling it the way that they want to because they know that they have him under the franchise tag in a year or two years. Actually, they can put him on the franchise tag. Look, Baker just has to go play the way Baker plays. Two years ago, he was maybe a top five quarterback when he had 4000 yards and 40 touchdowns or whatever he had a year ago,” Barber said.
“A little less or so last year with the new coordinator, but I think Baker can handle this all by himself by just going out and playing well. He is the lifeblood of this franchise now. Everybody loves him. The locker room rallies around him. The community is in love with him here in Tampa, and I think if he goes and plays well, this won’t even be an issue.”
What Lies Ahead for Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers This SeasonTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) makes a throw as Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jake Browning (5) watches during a joint Buccaneers‑Jaguars NFL practice Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Ronde Barber has his full support for Baker Mayfield, hoping for the best of results ahead of the Buccaneers’ 2026 season.
Mayfield had a solid campaign throughout his 17 starts in 2025. He completed 343 passes for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He even racked up 55 rushes for 382 yards and a touchdown.
The Buccaneers will seek to improve upon their 8–9 record from the previous season. They also intend to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence and reclaim the NFC South title.
Tampa Bay’s regular season will get underway on the road. They take on the Cincinnati Bengals as kickoff commences on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
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