TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s been quite the season for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has rejuvenated his career, leading the Buccaneers to the NFC Divisional Round in his first year with the team.
On Thursday, the National Football League announced that the former No. 1 draft pick was named a finalist for the Associated Press 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award — and rightfully so.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Bucs as a free agent this past offseason, has appeared to find his “forever home” in Tampa Bay after being named captain by his teammates and helping the team clinch the NFC South for the third consecutive year.
With the Bucs being Mayfield’s fourth team in the past two seasons, he found stability, as he was one of nine quarterbacks in the NFL to start all 17 regular season games this season. The sixth-year veteran finished the 2023 season completing 64-of-566 passes for 4,044 yards and 28 passing touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 94.6.
Throughout the season, Mayfield rose to the challenge of being Tom Brady’s successor following his retirement last year. This season, Mayfield led Tampa Bay to victories in five of the team’s final six games, recording the club’s first four-game win streak since the 2021 season.
During that streak, Mayfield became the first visiting quarterback in NFL history to record a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field.
Mayfield joined the Bucs on a one-year, $4 million contract. He is set to become a free agent this season.
Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford, Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin, and Browns’ quarterback Joe Flacco were also named finalists for Comeback Player of the Year.
