Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is still considered one of the best players in the NFL according to pundits around the league. Despite his worst season since joining the Bucs where he had lows in passing yards and touchdowns while Tampa Bay went 8-9 and missed the playoffs, Mayfield came in at 77th overall in the NFL top 100 rankings.

He is ranked just ahead of Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat and thus far has the highest quarterback rankings over the Panthers’ Bryce Young (98) and  Brock Purdy of the 49ers at 85.

Baker Mayfield Is First Bucs Player Named On 2026 NFL’s Top 100 List

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

While it’s admirable to even be on the list, it’s a worse ranking than what Mayfield had the year before where he came in at 50th. Granted, that 2024 season Mayfield had the best year of his NFL career with 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and a 10-win season.

The 2025 season for Baker Mayfield had his numbers drop with 3,693 passing yards and 26 touchdowns through the air. It certainly was not all his doing by any means, but he and the Bucs mustered only eight wins when the expectations were at a minimum to get back to 10 and likely go even higher than that.

Tampa Bay struggled heavily with injuries all season long with wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr, and Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving and offensive linemen Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson all missing significant time throughout the season.

Even Mayfield was banged up while still finding a way to play in each game. Ideally, a healthier Bucs team will lead to better production by Baker Mayfield and company for the 2026 season campaign. Here is what Grant Gordon of NFL.com said about Mayfield.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

“Daring and dogged, Mayfield started his third season with the Buccaneers in stellar fashion, throwing 16 of his 26 touchdowns to just two interceptions in the first nine games. As injuries took a toll on Tampa in large, they also did for Mayfield. He never missed a game, but he was a regular on the injury report. Still, he produced a career-high 382 rushing yards and 27 first downs on the ground. As has become Mayfield’s standard, he was a gamer who did everything he could with his arm, his legs and his moxie to lead the Bucs. His play and tenacity clearly continue to make an impression on his league compatriots.

“NFL Pro Insight for Mayfield: Mayfield has never missed a start in three seasons with the Bucs, but he dealt with a rash of injuries last year. Most notably, he injured his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 versus the Rams. He ended the year with a 90.6 rating, his lowest as a Buccaneer. He had a 99.2 passer rating from Weeks 1-11 prior to injuring his shoulder.”

Highlights Of Mayfield’s Season

In the highlight package of Mayfield’s 2025 season, several players around the league were highly complimentary about the caliber player that he is.

“I call Baker Mayfield a pit bull,” 49ers linebacker Eric Kendicks said. “It’s just fin watching him put it on the line, try to win. That’s the kind of guy I want to go to war with.”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Being on this list shows that it’s understood that Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense can still be prolific when they put it all together. The talent is in there with Baker Mayfield, so even what is considered a down year for him is still better than others. Having more offensive weapons available surrounding him for 2026 should see those numbers jump back up and give him a higher ranking.