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Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Bucs has been one of the best stories in recent memory of a player changing the narrative around him. Everyone knows how he was cast aside by the Browns and Panthers and had his stint with the Rams. Mayfield had one final chance to be an NFL starting quarterback coming to Tampa Bay, and he has firmly put his days in Cleveland behind him to re-establish himself as a franchise quarterback.

As the NFL does every year, they have been ranking the top 100 players in the league entering this season. After inside linebacker Lavonte David (No. 96) and defensive tackle Vita Vea (No. 76) made the list, Mayfield is the highest-ranked Buccaneer yet.

Baker Mayfield Ranks Smack Dab In The Middle At No. 50 In NFL Top 100

Even after his first season with the Bucs, where he threw for 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl, Baker Mayfield entered last season not ranked in the NFL Top 100. Making the cut this time around, Mayfield came in right in the middle at No. 50.

Rachaad White, Tristan Wirfs, and several players around the league had plenty to say about Mayfield and his playstyle as the NFL released his ranking.

Here is a move detailed analysis of a ranking that is voted on by players across the league.

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

Mayfield’s Tampa Bay career renaissance continued in 2024, with his second campaign as a Buccaneer bringing him back into the Top 100 rankings for the first time since the 2021 list and matching his best ranking from his rookie season. He’s gone from former first-rounder to journeyman to the starting quarterback for Tampa Bay, leading his team to the NFC South title each of the last two years.

Mayfield earned an extension ahead of last season, and proceeded to outperform almost every statistic from his first season with the team, even receiving MVP and Offensive Player of the Year votes — a far cry from the position he was in just two seasons ago. He’ll have more to prove in 2025 without former offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who departed Tampa Bay in favor of a head coach gig in Duval.

While Mayfield fell short of being ranked among the most elite quarterbacks in the game, No. 50 is a fair reflection of where he stands, not considered the most elite quarterback, but firmly in the conversation and above several others. Notably, he slots in above Tua Tagovailoa (No. 91), Dak Prescott (No. 79), Sam Darnold (No. 72), Jordan Love (No. 68), Bo Nix (No. 64), Matthew Stafford (No. 59), and Justin Herbert (No. 56).

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

It is fair to say – based on what is known so far – that he is held in a higher regard by those on the field than those in the national media. One can assume that he is likely eighth-best quarterback on the list, behind some order of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, and Jalen Hurts.

Ranking Mayfield at No. 50 reflects both respect and measured skepticism. It is recognition from the players that the veteran quarterback has not just revived his career – he has now earned their confidence and cemented his status.

In a league where quarterbacks rule the rankings, breaking into the top half after years of uncertainty tells the story.

Baker Mayfield has overcome his journeyman past to become a true franchise quarterback with the Bucs.