Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield can empathize with Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young. Mayfield was once a castaway quarterback before finding a home in Tampa Bay.
Fittingly, Mayfield publicly supported the recently demoted Panthers quarterback when asked his thoughts about Young’s benching.
“Quarterback is hard, especially for young guys when you’re not surrounded with the pieces (and) not given the opportunity to have success,’ Mayfield told reporters. ‘A lot of times guys have the talent they might have the brains, but they don’t have the right opportunity, the right fit.
‘I’m sitting here right now in a way better fit than other places I’ve been. That’s not to put other teams down, but it’s a matter of the pieces around you (and) the coaches.”
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Mayfield, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, was shown the door in Cleveland after the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in 2022. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers and had an unceremonious exit after just seven games. During the 2022 season, Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. Following a one-year rental season in Los Angeles, the Buccaneers became Mayfield’s fourth NFL team in 2023.
Mayfield enjoyed career-highs in passing yards and touchdown passes last season and was selected to the Pro Bowl. His performance earned him a three-year contract extension in Tampa Bay.
The journeyman quarterback’s revitalized his career in Tampa Bay and he envisions a similar fate for Young.
“For Bryce, I can relate to this, finding that belief within yourself again,” Mayfield added. “He’ll get it. His story is far, far from finished.’
Young is just 23 years old. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick could potentially have many more years left in the NFL. His rookie contract runs through the 2026 season. His future in Carolina is uncertain as a result of his benching but Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters Wednesday the team is not “really considering” trading Young.
Young’s development and surroundings will ultimately determine if he can rebound in a similar fashion as Mayfield.