NFL News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders Finalize Trade for Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Acquires Mayfield from Carolina

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired quarterback Baker Mayfield from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a conditional 2024 fifth-round draft pick, the teams announced Wednesday. Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to Carolina in July.

Mayfield to Back Up Brady

Mayfield is expected to serve as the backup to veteran quarterback Tom Brady, who is entering his 24th NFL season. Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, but the team struggled in 2022, finishing with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs.

Washington Receives Draft Pick

The Washington Commanders, who had acquired Mayfield from the Browns in March, will receive a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2024 as part of the trade. The pick can become a fourth-round pick if Mayfield plays at least 50% of the Bucs' offensive snaps in 2023 and Tampa Bay makes the playoffs. ***

Mayfield's Struggles in Carolina

Mayfield's time in Carolina was marked by struggles both on and off the field. He threw for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions in seven games before losing his starting job to Sam Darnold.

Buccaneers Hope for Mayfield's Resurgence

The Buccaneers are hoping that Mayfield can regain his Pro Bowl form from 2020, when he led the Browns to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. Mayfield has shown flashes of talent throughout his career, but he has also been plagued by inconsistency.

Brady's Uncertain Future

Mayfield's arrival in Tampa Bay raises questions about the future of Brady, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2023 season. Brady has indicated that he plans to play in 2023, but it is unclear if he will return to the Buccaneers or sign with another team. ***

Conclusion

The trade for Mayfield is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Buccaneers. If Mayfield can return to his previous form, he could provide Tampa Bay with a reliable backup quarterback. However, if Mayfield struggles, the Buccaneers will not have given up a significant asset in exchange for him. The Commanders, meanwhile, receive a draft pick in exchange for a player who was no longer in their plans.