Three games in, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-0, and Baker Mayfield has been the steady hand closing them out with late drives in each win. That rise feels even sharper considering how recently he was on the move after a trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
How Did Baker Mayfield and Steve Wilks Rekindle Old Tensions After Jets-Bucs?
Back then, Mayfield only lasted six regular-season games in Carolina before asking for his release after losing the starting job to P.J. Walker. That turn set the stage for his recent comments and the renewed spotlight on that stint.
After beating the New York Jets, Mayfield said the victory was personal, noting, “Also, their D-coordinator was the one that cut me in Carolina.” The connection is direct since Steve Wilks is now the Jets’ defensive coordinator.
Wilks pushed back, saying an interim coach does not control roster moves. He responded by deflecting blame for Mayfield’s release in Carolina and said, “I don’t think an interim coach has much say over personnel.”
Steve Wilks on Baker Mayfield’s comments about Wilks cutting him in Carolina: “I don’t think an interim coach has much say over personnel. If that was the case I wouldn’t have gotten rid of Christian McCaffrey.”
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 26, 2025
Following Matt Rhule’s 1-4 start in his third season, Wilks was elevated to interim head coach after serving as defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach. He guided the Panthers to a 6-6 finish and later interviewed for the full-time job, which went to Frank Reich.
Wilks added that, if he had a say, the Panthers would not have traded Christian McCaffrey midseason. Carolina moved the 2017 first-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for four draft picks, underscoring Wilks’ point about personnel authority during his interim tenure.
He reiterated the sentiment with, “If that was the case I wouldn’t have gotten rid of Christian McCaffrey.”
What Does Mayfield’s Practice Limitation Mean for Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles?
The Buccaneers now turn to Sunday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams enter undefeated. With just three unbeaten teams left in the NFC, the stakes are clear for the conference race.
This week’s prep took a hit as Mayfield was limited in practice with a right biceps injury suffered against the Jets. He handled snaps but did not throw and wore a sleeve on the arm, a cautious approach that still keeps him involved in the plan.
Meanwhile, Wilks and the Jets face the Miami Dolphins in a meeting of two winless teams, setting a different kind of pressure point as both sides chase their first victory.
