Baker Mayfield has made his exit known.

Nevertheless, Mayfield, the top choice in 2018 who has played on three different teams since being traded by the Cleveland Browns in the summer of 2022, could not have been more at home as he exited the field at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a 9-0 victory and cries of “Baker! Baker! Baker! Baker!”

Moments later, Mayfield said, “This room we’re standing in right now was kind of where I found out that I wasn’t going to be a part of the Panthers anymore,” before the team took a joyous plane ride back to Tampa in its first season without future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.

In March of last year, Mayfield signed a $4 million, one-year contract with the Bucs, who were still paying Brady $35 million from the previous season. They won the NFC South for the third time in a row, Mayfield’s first division title of his career, and finished with a 9-8 regular-season record. Before the Bucs fell 31-23 to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round, he highlighted it with three touchdown passes in a 32-9 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round.

Mayfield placed third, behind only Damar Hamlin (second) and Joe Flacco (first), to be considered for the Comeback Player of the Year award. In addition to being nominated to the Pro Bowl, his desire to settle down and create new roots is far more significant.

“Being in a stable position, being the greatest version of myself, and doing what they’ve enabled me to achieve has meant the world to me,” Mayfield remarked. The personnel, organization, and locker room are all exceptional; therefore, I sincerely appreciate them. I think that’s clear to the guys. Every day when I go to work, I aim to bring enthusiasm and passion into my work, reflecting it in who I am.”

With six throwing touchdowns, Mayfield’s passer rating of 106.3 was the greatest by a quarterback in team history during the postseason. In both games, he also set a new record for the team’s quarterback by throwing for three touchdowns or more and 300 yards or more.

One day after the season concluded, coach Todd Bowles remarked of Mayfield, “He was outstanding here.” “We will always love him. I hope everything turns out well for us.

Replacing offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who was hired as as coach of the Panthers on January 25, was the first step toward that. The Bucs signed Liam Coen, who had previously worked with Mayfield during his five-game tenure with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. Coen’s method is extremely similar to Canales’s Bucs scheme.

After the club spent the previous summer switching to Canales’ system, the goal was to establish a system that would be easier to understand but yet play to Mayfield’s strengths. The club really asked Mayfield about potential prospects.

Mayfield stated, “You know, first [and] foremost, I mean, I’m just incredibly pleased for Dave.” “That guy is awesome. He really did have a significant influence on me, and I’m thrilled for him and his family. I also believe this is a fantastic chance for him. I’m quite glad to see that.

Canales’ optimism and problem-solving skills came in handy for Mayfield when things weren’t going well in the games. However, he also attributes his comeback to the camaraderie of his teammates.

Mayfield remarked, “What made it great was that we had a really special dressing room.” “So, I’ll just have to weigh my alternatives and see where it leads.” However, we also need the essential components returned to us. We want to give it another go. We obviously had some success, but I know the boys are eager to return and do even better.”

When asked how sure he was that Mayfield would return to Tampa, Coen responded that he was, giving him a hearty hug on his first day.

Coen said, “I want him to be here.” Most likely, there is more “desire” than “know.” Clearly, he’s the reason I’m here. That is accurate. We are aware that much work remains.

“I believe he wants to stay here, that is, he wants to collaborate with me and carry out this task with [Bowles] and the company. He only has wonderful things to say about this location. So maybe that can be completed.”

The Bucs are expected to have the 11th highest salary cap space in 2024, slightly under $35 million, according to Roster Management System projections. However, they should also try to re-sign linebacker Lavonte David, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield and Evans, who have combined for 13 touchdowns this season, sharing the most, have both expressed a desire to play together going forward.

Naturally, Mayfield stated, “I would love to have Mike back.” “This year, Mike really simplified my life. He’s so cute. Yes, I would love to play with him again, but I also know he has to decide what’s best for himself, and I will back him in any case.”

Although Gene Smith’s three-year, $75 million contract has often been used as a model, Mayfield is only 28 years old, whereas Smith was 32 when he inked his contract with the Seattle Seahawks last spring. In addition, Mayfield has already won two postseason games in his career, which lends some support to the price increase.

At the Indianapolis combine the following week, when it is anticipated that Mayfield’s agency and the Bucs will meet, things should get hotter. That’s often where new agreements with existing participants are hammered out.

There, the Bucs will also get a close look at a talented group of quarterbacks, including Jordan Travis of Florida State, Sam Hartman of Notre Dame, Joe Milton III of Tennessee, Austin Reed of Western Kentucky, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon State’s Bo Nix, USC’s Blake Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler.

Even while the Bucs wouldn’t be able to compete with elite quarterbacks like Williams and Maye if they take 26th overall, they still have choices in case Mayfield doesn’t work out. However, there is a great desire to see it through.

Mayfield stated, “Obviously, I want to be back there.” He intends to spend the offseason in Tampa. “I believe that it is reciprocal, so let’s wait and see. However, it’s one day at a time.”