It was a tremendous season for former Oklahoma and Heisman-winning quarterback [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag].
After being traded away by the Cleveland Browns in favor of DeShaun Watson and spending time with both the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found a home with Tampa Bay last offseason.
But nothing was handed to him. He went into Buccaneers training camp and competed with former Florida quarterback Kyle Trask for the starting role. After winning the camp battle, Mayfield had a career year and helped the Bucs reach the divisional round of the playoffs after a win over Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though he didn’t take home the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award, he was one of the more remarkable comeback stories. That led to Mayfield being chosen as the FOX on NFL Comeback Player of the Year as voted on by the fans.
Your 2023 Comeback Player of the Year is @Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, as voted on by NFL on FOX fans pic.twitter.com/WI1czE2BbL
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) February 7, 2024
In 2023, Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in helping Tampa Bay win the NFC South and make the playoffs. While his future was in question entering the 2023 season, it’s likely he’s earned a long-term contract with Tampa Bay this offseason to be their starting quarterback. He capped off his tremendous season winning the Pro Bowl accuracy competition and game MVP in the NFC’s win.
This selection is just another feather in the cap of Mayfield’s career, who’s always shown the ability to bounceback from adversity. Though his career in Cleveland may have been rocky, he found a way to keep grinding and make the most of his opportunity this season with Tampa Bay.
More: Best photos of Baker Mayfield, Jalen Hurts during NFL Pro Bowl festivities.
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