Baker Mayfield’s NFL journey reads like a roller coaster that just won’t stop. The No. 1 overall pick who led Cleveland to its first playoff win in decades, only to get replaced by Deshaun Watson. The quarterback bounced around the league before finding his groove in Tampa Bay. Now he’s being compared to Brett Favre and ranked among the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL.
How Did Baker Mayfield Earn His Top 10 Quarterback Ranking?
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled 50 NFL coaches, executives, and scouts to determine how the league ranks quarterbacks. When the results came in, Mayfield landed at No. 10Â among all NFL quarterbacks.
Top 10 QBs from execs/coaches/scouts is here!
-Mahomes still 1 but grip slipping slightly (60% first-place votes)
-Allen, Burrow, Jackson split other 40%
-Daniels 5. Yes, 5
-Super Bowl winner 9th
-Hello, Mayfield— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 14, 2025
The recognition comes after Mayfield’s breakout 2024-25 season in Tampa Bay. He threw for a career-high 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the Buccaneers to a playoff appearance and their second straight NFC South title.
One anonymous NFL staffer praised Mayfield’s fearless approach and leadership qualities in the ranking.
“Fearless as a thrower and a runner,” an NFL personnel evaluator told Fowler. “He’s got on-field leadership where teammates want to support him.
Why Is an NFL Personnel Comparing Mayfield to Brett Favre?
The same talent evaluator went even further, drawing comparisons between Mayfield’s style and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
“He honestly reminds me of Favre a little bit as far as style of play,” the personnel evaluator told Fowler. “He’s got a moxie to him, like, ‘F— you, I’m on the attack.’ And defensive guys feel that presence.”
This comparison highlights what makes Mayfield special. His gunslinger mentality and willingness to take risks mirror the approach that made Favre a legend. Both quarterbacks play with an aggressive confidence that can change games.
Mayfield’s numbers from the 2024-25 season back up the praise. He lit up the stat sheet throughout the campaign, finishing third in the league in passing yards.
Baker Mayfield masterclass today:
347 Pass YDs | 3 TDs (1 Rush) 🔥@FedEx pic.twitter.com/XBzLIl9Qkz
— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
That confidence has been Mayfield’s calling card since his college days at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy. Every time he steps on the field, he believes he’s the best player out there. That mindset has carried him through the ups and downs of his NFL career and helped him find success in Tampa Bay.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Mayfield faces a new challenge. After Liam Cohen departed for the Jacksonville head coaching position, the Buccaneers quarterback will work with a new offensive coordinator. However, if he can maintain his high level of play, there’s every reason to believe he’ll earn a similar ranking next season.
