Baker Mayfield Pushes Back on Idea That he Needs to Protect Himself

A recent report from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times indicated that there is some concern within the Buccaneers organization about Baker Mayfield’s style of play.

Mayfield is fearless in the open field, taking hits in order to fight for extra yardage. While this is what makes Mayfield who he is, it also puts him at an increased risk of injury.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles feels Mayfield can do a better job of limiting these open-field hits.

“He can take a little bit better care of himself in certain situations," Bowles said, via Stroud. "I understand when he's a yard and a half or two from a first down, but not when it's 10 yards or eight yards from the first down when he can get up and live another day. Unless it's fourth and 10 in Houston and the game is on the line, and I understand why he's doing those types of things. But if we can take care of that, we'll be fine."

"Getting down, he can do a little bit better job," Bowles added. "I'm not saying all of them, but there are two or three where he'd like to have back where he can get down and not hurt himself."

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Mayfield promptly pushed back on this narrative when asked about it on Tuesday.

“I started every single game last year - for three years. So, I don’t know if that should ever be a question,” Mayfield replied.

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Mayfield started all 17 games in each of his three seasons with the Buccaneers, despite battling through multiple injury issues. The 31-year-old quarterback is entering the final season of his current contract with Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers will kickoff their 2026 regular-season schedule with a Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13.

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 1:02 PM.