Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield responds to GM's viral comment

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted to explain during an NFL Network appearance why he received some unique praise from general manager Jason Licht during Wednesday's news conference after Mayfield re-signed with the club. 

"I think, you know, he’s hinting at the fact that I’m extremely stubborn," Mayfield said, as shared by the JoeBucsFan website. "I’m not going to let somebody tell me, 'No.' I’m going to continue to work for it." 

Licht went viral on Wednesday when he said that Mayfield "sets the tone for this team" in part by being "a 10 on the 'pr---' scale" and "kind of an offensive lineman in a quarterback’s body." Mayfield said at the time he would happily "take" what he viewed as a compliment.

"But just knowing that the guys in this locker room, the organization embraced that mentality, that I can be the best version of myself, you can’t ask for much more," Mayfield added during the NFL Network segment. "And so knowing that I have that coming back, it’s just time to work harder and continue to try and improve this organization."

Mayfield clapped back at doubters on multiple occasions in 2023 after analysts repeatedly ranked the Buccaneers near the bottom of overall power rankings following the retirement of living legend Tom Brady. After Tampa Bay claimed the division title and earned a playoff victory with Mayfield leading the offense, Licht and head coach Todd Bowles both made it known they kept receipts regarding what was said and written about the 2023 Buccaneers during the spring and summer. 

Mayfield and company again find themselves in an underdog role now that Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. As of early Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as the betting favorites at -125 odds to win the NFC South division title for next season. That outlet had the Buccaneers second at +300 odds at that time. 

"It’s always fun to listen to the opinions," Mayfield said during the interview. "...We have the group there that’s going to handle it correctly."

History suggests fans and analysts, alike, should maybe think twice about doubting what Mayfield can accomplish with this Tampa Bay group.