Baker Mayfield has enjoyed a resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a rocky start to his career, but apparently, there are concerns about his longevity. Head coach Todd Bowles isn’t as worried about the quarterback missing games as about what it would mean long-term for one of their most important offensive leaders.
Todd Bowles Wants Some Balance From Baker Mayfield
There is a grit to Mayfield that not everyone has, and that has been on display in every single season since he became a member of the Buccaneers in 2023.
After only starting 24 games in 2021 and 2022 combined between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, the former 1st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft hasn’t missed a start in three years.
Speaking at the 2026 NFL Combine, Bowles praised the resiliency of his quarterback while also giving some advice for Mayfield down the line. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times posted the head coach’s comments on X during the media session on Tuesday.
“I don’t want to say it’s sustainable. I think that’s who he is. He’s got to be smarter than that, especially in the second half of the season, when you get guys down. So he’s got to be a little smarter taking care of his body, so we can have the availability there, but being with us three years now, we know who he is. We trust him completely, and we have full confidence in him.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles on Baker Mayfield wearing down with injuries each season despite not missing games. “I don’t want to say it’s sustainable. I think that’s who he is,” Bowles said. “He’s got to be smarter than that, especially in the second half of the season, when you get…
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 24, 2026
That is nine combined seasons of experience as an NFL head coach speaking, with Bowles having stints with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets prior to the Buccaneers.
There is certainly wisdom in the words Bowles had for his veteran quarterback, because while an aggressive, physical style is respected, it can lead to wear and tear, as he told the press.
Tampa Bay has relied on Mayfield to outplay the errors of the defense or offensive line during his time under center with the team. He ranked 24th on the PFSN NFL QB Impact metrics with an impact score of 73.6.
While it is one thing for the head coach to ask for that balance between playing smart and playing physical, it is another when the team consistently places that passer in positions where he has to be the hero.
Giving advice to Mayfield is the first step, but unless the Buccaneers ensure he is well-protected and that their defense can give his offense time to breathe, Mayfield is going to do what he always has. If Bowles wants that more contained, long-term perspective from his quarterback, it needs to come bearing actions and talent on the other side of the ball.
