The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may soon have to think about life beyond Baker Mayfield, and one NFL analyst already has a potential replacement in mind.
With Mayfield entering the final year of his $100 million contract, attention is beginning to turn to the 2027 NFL Draft. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is emerging as an intriguing option for Tampa Bay, particularly if the team decides it needs to prepare for the future.
27-TD QB a Post-Baker Mayfield Option for Buccaneers
Carr had an impressive 2025 season, finishing with 24 passing touchdowns and three rushing scores for 27 total TDs.
NFL analyst Alex Barbour believes the Buccaneers could be an ideal landing spot for the Notre Dame quarterback. In a 2027 mock draft, Barbour projected Carr to Tampa Bay with the No. 19 pick.
“Number 19 for the Buccaneers. I do believe that quarterback will be on their mind. CJ Carr is here. This is the range where actually a lot of quarterbacks have been taking shots on and they do end up panning out over time. I think CJ Carr would be a perfect fit for this team. He’s a quarterback that a lot of people love… I kind of find it hard to let him slip any further,” Barbour said.
The projection is largely about planning ahead. Mayfield has played well since joining Tampa Bay, but his contract situation means the Buccaneers cannot afford to wait until the last minute to consider their next quarterback.
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General manager Jason Licht and the front office could therefore begin evaluating the 2027 class well before they actually need to make a decision.
Why CJ Carr Could Fit Tampa Bay
Carr brings a combination of experience, accuracy, and mobility that could make him an appealing option for an NFL offense.
While he is not viewed as a run-first quarterback, his ability to make plays outside the pocket adds another dimension to his game.
Carr also has a strong football background. He is the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and has gained exposure to high-level coaching and competition, including the Manning Passing Academy.
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At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Carr has the size teams typically want from a modern pocket passer. His ability to make throws at different levels of the field and operate with patience could also fit an offense built around Tampa Bay’s offensive weapons.
Why Pick No. 19 Makes Sense
Barbour also believes the 19th pick could be an attractive range for Tampa Bay to take a quarterback.
Carr would not face the same immediate expectations as a top-three selection, potentially giving him time to develop before taking over the starting job.
That could make a potential transition from Mayfield much smoother if Tampa Bay eventually moves on.
There is still plenty of time before the 2027 draft, but Carr could be an intriguing option if the Buccaneers begin planning for their next franchise quarterback.
