{"id":172785,"date":"2026-02-28T12:15:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T12:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/172785\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T12:15:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T12:15:54","slug":"bucs-hc-todd-bowles-sends-strong-message-to-baker-mayfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/172785\/","title":{"rendered":"Bucs’ HC Todd Bowles Sends Strong Message to Baker Mayfield"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Todd Bowles celebrate a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. <\/p>\n

At the 2026 NFL<\/a> Scouting Combine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> head coach Todd Bowles publicly addressed the style of play that has defined Quarterback Baker Mayfield\u2019s three-year tenure leading the team. Mayfield\u2019s fearless, gritty approach that often sees him evade pressure, extend plays, and absorb big hits have also drawn criticism about the sustainability of the QB\u2019s approach on the field \u2013 and how sustainable it\u2019s going to be down the road.<\/p>\n

While Bowles praised Mayfield\u2019s toughness and the value of his competitive edge, he also delivered a clear message about longevity and protecting his body as he moves into his fourth season with the team. Here\u2019s what Bowles had to say about Baker Mayfield<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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GettyBaker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers<\/a> during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.<\/p>\n

Giving a broad summation of Baker Mayfield\u2019s approach to playing on the field, including how the Quarterback doesn\u2019t miss games regardless of injuries or illness, Todd Bowles said<\/a>, \u201cI don\u2019t want to say it\u2019s sustainable. I think that\u2019s who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bowles then went more in-depth into the sustainability of Mayfield\u2019s fierce toughness and the way the QB pushes through bodily ailments, saying, \u201cHe\u2019s got to be smarter than that, especially in the second half of the season, when you get guys down. So he\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then, to emphasize the foundation of his belief in Mayfield as a player and team leader, Bowles explains, \u201cWe trust him completely, and we have full confidence in him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Todd Bowles Recalls Advice He Gave to Baker Mayfield
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GettyHead coach Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shake hands after their team\u2019s 23-3 win against the New Orleans Saints<\/a> in the game at Caesars Superdome on October 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.<\/p>\n

Todd Bowles\u2019 comments about Tampa Bay\u2019s QB are measured in that he reiterated the trust and faith he has in Mayfield as a player while noting that sacrificing long-term ability to lead the offense on the field \u2013 or be able to play at all should his body give out prematurely \u2013 isn\u2019t worth the short-term gains of pushing through injuries, ailments, and extreme fatigue.<\/p>\n

The Bucs\u2019 head coach sat down for another interview shortly after with NFL on ESPN<\/a>. When asked his thoughts on the team\u2019s QB, Bowles recalled a conversation he had with Mayfield, saying that he told him, \u201cI\u2019m not asking you to be Tom Brady<\/a>, I\u2019m asking asking you to be Baker. We don\u2019t want Tom. We want Baker Mayfield.\u201d<\/p>\n

The timing of Bowles\u2019 comments on Mayfield matter significantly as the quarterback\u2019s contract will end<\/a> at the conclusion of his upcoming fourth year with the team, thus making questions about a potential renewal or the Bucs searching for a new QB more relevant than ever before. And if Baker Mayfield continues to push his body beyond human limitations, then one route may be more realistic than the other \u2013 but let\u2019s hope that Mayfield prioritizes rest and recovery so that he can continue to be a strong player for many years to come.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Buccaneers\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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