BakerMayfield

News: 17 hours agoBuccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that Mayfield will be rested for the preseason opener Friday versus the Jets, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Spin: Bowles indicated that the Bucs' had been planning for backup Jake Browning to direct the first-team offense Friday, but Browning's status is now in flux after he appeared to suffer a back injury during Tuesday's session. Mayfield didn't see any action during the 2025 preseason, and the Buccaneers could opt to take a similar approach with the veteran signal-caller in 2026 and hold him out for their final two exhibitions. The 31-year-old is heading into his fourth season with Tampa Bay on an expiring contract and will be aiming for a bounce-back campaign after noticing a steep decline in his passing efficiency and touchdown total between 2024 and 2025.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mayfield is back for Year 4 as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback. He has put together three consecutive top-12 fantasy campaigns, though his 2025 season (12th in total points, but 19th in points per game) was a big step back from 2024 (fourth overall and per game). Mayfield tossed 26 touchdowns (way down from 41 in 2024) and severely lacked upside, managing only four top-10 fantasy weeks. Granted, the 31-year-old was not fully healthy throughout the season and did still finish in the top 10 at the position in key categories, including passing yards, passing TDs and rushing yards. With a solid supporting cast and Zac Robinson as playcaller, Mayfield has some rebound potential and does just enough with his legs to make him an appealing QB2 target.