Tom Brady played a huge role in turning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ trajectory around in the short tenure he played with the team. After his retirement, the Bucs are struggling to find a reliable replacement for the quarterback. The former Cleveland Browns Baker Mayfield was projected to lead the team toward an upward trajectory which never really happened.
From being one of the greatest heroes of the Browns in 2020 by ensuring their first playoff win since 1994 to getting replaced by the team, Mayfield’s NFL journey has been shaky till now. Before joining the Bucs, he had short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. However, an NFL analyst thinks it’s time for the quarterback to call an end to his career.
Colin Cowherd urges Baker Mayfield to retire
Baker is set to compete with the inexperienced Kyle Trask to be Tampa Bay’s starter in the upcoming season and the Fox tv personality Colin Cowherd thinks the former Oklahoma standout shouldn’t continue his NFL career anymore. Speaking on his show ‘The Herd’, the host said he would like to advise Mayfield to save his brand by retiring,
“I’d like to be Baker Mayfield’s agent and I’m going to tell him at 28 years old, retire, save your brand, and go to college football and be an analyst. You’ll be able to make seven figures. I just saw a story this morning where Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask – it’s a battle to see who will start at quarterback. It’s time to retire.”
Though the 2017 Heisman winner showcased an incredible performance with the Browns, Colin said the signal-caller has never been a franchise quarterback like Tim Tebow or Cam Newton,
“You lead the NFL in interceptions since you entered it. You’re not a franchise quarterback. You’ve never grown out of the chutzpah and the tough guy thing. And like Tim Tebow or Cam Newton, he’s just too relevant to be a backup.”
Bucs grapple with QB decision in post-Tom Brady era
Trask became the immediate contender for the Buccaneers QB1 following TB12’s retirement as he had experience playing alongside the 45-year-old veteran for two years. After Baker‘s signing, it turned into a competition between the rookie star and the ex-Browns player.
However, following Tampa Bay’s training camp, their offensive coordinator Dave Canales said the QB1 would be selected based on the practice session’s performance,
“First couple of days, I think the experience that Baker brings — just playing in games, being in camps, going through installs — you could see where the offense was jelling really well.”
New #Bucs OC Dave Canales said Baker Mayfield may have had a slight edge in QB competition after first 2-3 days of camp, but said Trask really has come on recently. pic.twitter.com/eczAgZQMc2
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) August 1, 2023
Given Mayfield’s experience, he is touted as the frontrunner to steal away the position. Additionally, Kyle’s accuracy has been a major concern following his 3-of-9, 23 yards record against the Atlanta Falcons in January. Nevertheless, Dave said the 24-year-old showcased some incredible performances in the camp and hence, anyone can be picked for the QB1,
“But it just took a couple of days for Kyle to really settle in, and then what we saw is, the last two practices Kyle really showed what he can do: stretching the field with his arm, getting the ball out quickly, making decisions.”
Whoever finally gets picked for the role will have huge shoes to fill. While Brady is a legend of the sport, newcomers like Patrick Mahomes are already showing signs of breaking his records.
Between Baker and Kyle, who do you think should get the role? Share with us in the comments!
