As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to replace former offensive coordinator, and new Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales, their latest candidate for the job could hurt their chances of bringing back quarterback Baker Mayfield.
This time last year Baker Mayfield was considered a draft but after failed runs with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers. And while he played well late in the 2022 season for the Los Angeles Rams it only helped him land a $4 million deal from the Buccaneers last year. But the 2023-24 NFL season delivered a career resurgence for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Related: Baker Mayfield may reportedly take a team-friendly deal to return to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024
This season, Mayfield was a revelation as he helped a Tampa offense that lacked a reliable run game become an offensive force as he formed a great combo with star wide receiver Mike Evans. In their 2023-24 campaign, the 28-year-old finished in the top 10 for passing yards and touchdowns this season, while also tossing just 10 interceptions despite throwing by far the most passes of his career.
A key factor in the Heisman Trophy winner’s big bounce-back season was his work with offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The QB guru played a major role in Geno Smith’s career turnaround in Seattle and it all helped him land the top job with the Panthers. Not having Canales in 2024 is important, but it may not be enough to stop Mayfield from reportedly taking a team-friendly deal to return in free agency this spring.
- Baker Mayfield stats (2023-24): 4,044 passing yards, 163 rushing yards, 28 TD, 10 INT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers interview Baker Mayfield’s former offensive coordinator
However, a new development could actually have an effect on his return next season. On Monday morning, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported that recently fired Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will interview for the opening with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Van Pelt and Mayfield’s time in Cleveland overlapped during the QB’s final two seasons with the team. In their first year together Mayfield had a very strong season. Posting a 95.9 passer rating and a career-best 25-8 touchdown to interception ratio as the Browns went 11-5 that season. However, in the second season, all of Mayfield’s numbers declined and he had a 17 to 13 TD-INT ratio.
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That poor showing in 2021 led the Browns to make a blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson the following spring and Mayfield’s tenure with the team ended. If the current Buccaneers QB doesn’t have confidence he can continue his strong play with Van Pelt, it could have a major effect on his decision to return with various teams again needing a veteran QB next season.