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Former Tampa Bay defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has a lot of history with both the Bucs and Baker Mayfield. McCoy spent the majority of his NFL career in Tampa Bay, making six Pro Bowls, one first-team All-Pro and two second-team All-Pros. Before that, McCoy became a well known player in college at the University of Oklahoma where he was a two time first-team All-American and All-Big 12 selection with the Sooners, the same alma mater as Mayfield.

So when it came to this latest drama between the Buccaneers and Mayfield, McCoy has appreciation for each side. But McCoy also made his intention clear.

Mayfield was right in everything he had to say. McCoy posted a video to his social media discussing the situation.

Former Bucs DT Gerald McCoy – Photo by: Getty Images

Gerald McCoy Backs Bucs QB Baker Mayfield

“Baker [Mayfield] said a lot. Baker’s standing on business,” Gerald McCoy said. “But Baker said two things that I believe are wrong. He said ‘I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback.’ No, Baker, don’t say you think. Say you are. Say you believe because you are. Don’t think. Let these people know. The Bucs ain’t had no bunch of franchise quarterbacks. In fact, it’s tough to find a franchise quarterback in any franchise.

“Baker has earned that right. He’s earned the right to be the guy. He is (the guy). Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback and he should be the Bucs’ long-term franchise quarterback. That’s not no bias talking. That’s consistency since he’s been there talking.”

McCoy makes a good point about the lack of stability at quarterback in the history of the Tampa Bay franchise. The team does have two Super Bowl trophies to its name, although neither quarterback – Brad Johnson and Tom Brady – was here for a considerably long period of time.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and OC Zac Robinson – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R

Johnson wound up playing for four teams and five different stops, staying in Tampa for four seasons from 2001-04. Brady, who helped revive the franchise when he arrived in 2020, already built his Hall of Fame career in New England. He added to it in Tampa Bay by winning a Super Bowl that year and breaking a couple of single-season records, but he was only with the Buccaneers for three seasons – retiring after the 2022 season.

Tampa Bay has struggled to find quarterbacks to stay for the long term, and it’s been even more difficult to draft them. When the Buccaneers re-signed Kyle Trask a season ago to a one-year deal, he became the first quarterback in team history to be drafted by the team and sign a second contract. Trask was cut at the end of training camp and before eventually signing to the Falcons practice squad.

Mayfield might not have been drafted by the Buccaneers, but he’s had a good amount of success in Tampa Bay going into his fourth year. The Bucs have only had five quarterbacks start in at least one game in five straight seasons. Those are Ring Of Honor member Doug Williams, Vinny Testaverde, Trent Dilfer, Josh Freeman and Jameis Winston.

Outside of Williams, none of these other quarterbacks have done anything remotely close to what Mayfield has accomplished while in red and pewter.

Gerald McCoy Believes Buccaneers Will Have A Great Season Led By Baker Mayfield

“This is who Baker Mayfield is,” Gerald McCoy continued. “So, Baker don’t say ‘I think’ or ‘they told me.’ People ain’t got to tell you nothing. People told you were a walk-on. People told you you weren’t going to be the No. 1 pick. Last I checked, not only were you the No. 1 pick, you left with a Heisman Trophy.”

McCoy reminded everyone how Mayfield has been doubted before.

“People wrote you off a long time ago,” McCoy said. “What people said – forget what people say. That includes the owners, Jason [Licht], whoever. You are a franchise quarterback, so stand on business my brother.

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

“The second thing that you said that I have a problem with is that you’re going to have a good year. No, you’re going to have a great year because this is who you are. You’re healthy, and every time you’re healthy, y’all seen what has happened. Baker Mayfield will lead this team and he will lead it in a great way. Baker, I love you my brother. I stand with you. I’m glad you said what you said.”

McCoy added at the end: “I love the Bucs, but I’m a player first. Baker, I love you my brother. Handle your business.”