Baker Mayfield Faces Criticism After Buccaneers’ Second Straight Loss

Following their Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell short again in Week 2. They lost 23-19 to Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns. The game highlighted an impressive comeback by the Browns. Mayfield had a chance to secure a win but failed to lead his team to the end zone late in the fourth quarter. This second consecutive defeat has intensified scrutiny over Mayfield’s salary.

“Baker Mayfield ain’t worth that money. I’m just gonna go ahead and say it. He’s not worth that money,” said former NFL running back Damien Harris, now an analyst with CBS Sports. Harris expressed doubts about guaranteeing a large salary to Mayfield, citing inconsistency in his performance. “Sometimes he plays like it, but sometimes he doesn’t,” Harris noted.

Harris also commented on the Buccaneers’ team’s struggles, including a lackluster run game and the performance of player Emeka Egbuka. Despite these issues, he emphasized that Mayfield is “not playing well.”

“Are you gonna get the hot hand or the cold Baker Mayfield. That’s what we’re seeing the past two games,” Harris said on CBS Sports HQ. “He’s not living up to the contract.”

In the game against the Browns, Mayfield completed 61.8% of his passes, accumulating 182 yards, one touchdown, and one crucial interception. The Browns capitalized on his mistake by adding a field goal, impacting the final score. Harris, a two-time National Champion with Alabama, mentioned that Mayfield’s three turnovers in Week 1 contributed to the Bengals’ victory. “I apologize for being blunt, but he’s not worth that kind of money,” Harris remarked.

In September, ESPN reported Mayfield’s three-year, $165 million extension with the Buccaneers. Their 0-2 start places doubt on the contract’s value, but with the season just starting, Mayfield has time to improve and potentially lead the Buccaneers to achievements. They will face the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 27.

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