Baker Mayfield’s career has not been linear, but rather bumpy. However, one team has provided the turning point in his career.

Baker Mayfield has won over most of his doubters. The critics who considered him a grossly overrated number one pick. He is now the undisputed leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, it took a few setbacks before he reached this point after the 2018 NFL Draft and his time with the Cleveland Browns. A stroke of luck helped him significantly: his move to the Los Angeles Rams. He played five games for the Rams in 2022. He then went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and developed into a franchise quarterback.

“That time was a turning point for my career and my entire journey,” Mayfield said ahead of his reunion with the Rams in the Week 12 Sunday Night Game. “I’ve often told you that this phase helped me rediscover the fun of football – that joy. And simply the opportunity to learn from the guys.”

NFL – Mayfield: “A very crucial period in my career”

Head coach Sean McVay’s team helped him figure out what kind of offense he really wanted to play in and what responsibilities that entailed. “It was a crucial stage in my career, for which I will always be grateful. And it will be fun to go back and see familiar faces,” said Mayfield. Mayfield also had words of praise for his fellow quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was injured at the time. The two still exchanged ideas. “I gained even more respect for him – in terms of communication, how he wanted certain routes or schemes executed,” Mayfield said. “When you’re at that level – or at that stage of your career – you’re basically running the ship. I already had a lot of respect for him before, but then seeing him in person, how detail-oriented he really is, that was impressive.”