Baker Mayfield: I stayed myself, the story changes when you play well

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has generated buzz as an MVP candidate through the first five weeks of the season, which is a far cry from where his career appeared to be headed before joining the team in 2023.

Mayfield was released by the Browns after the 2021 season and had a short stint with the Panthers in 2022 before finishing this season with the Rams. He also ended it with doubts about his ability to be a long-term answer at quarterback, but those faded in Tampa thanks to two division titles and a strong start to the season.

On Wednesday, Mayfield was asked about his response to how the conversation around him has changed over the years. Mayfield said he’s “not worried about the little things that don’t matter” at this point in his career and has come to understand that winning is the most important thing in how a player is perceived in the league.

“I I told you guys that I try not to go too high, or too low, which I didn’t do early in my career,” Mayfield said. “Early in my career, it was considered ‘arrogant, immature.’ Now it’s “Moxie” and “he’s a dog.” Same thing, different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative, but you just have to be yourself, and I’ve always been like that.

The formula has worked well for Mayfield and he will try to take the Bucs to 5-1 at home against the 49ers this Sunday.