Bucs Nation on Baker Mayfield

ArticleThree Burning Questions for the 2026 Buccaneers
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Through the first six weeks of the 2025 season, Baker Mayfield looked like an MVP candidate, and he was backing it up. However, as good as those first six games were, the second half came and Mayfield's played dipped.

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Mayfield's 2026 bounce-back critical to Bucs' playoff hopes and his free agency future.

The source identifies Mayfield's 2026 performance as the most crucial question for the Bucs. Through the first six weeks of 2025, Mayfield looked like an MVP candidate and was dominating even without top weapons available; Tampa Bay was 5-1. However, his play dipped in the second half and he was a leading cause in late-season losses. His 2026 play has long-term implications as he is scheduled to be a free agent after this year. If Mayfield bounces back, Tampa Bay likely becomes a playoff team dangerous in January; if he doesn't, the Bucs could reset the entire franchise.

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