Baker Mayfield Called More 'Relatable' Than Tom Brady by Bucs GM Jason Licht

Although he has yet to reach the same level of success in the NFL, there is a belief within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization that quarterback Baker Mayfield is easier to relate to than his predecessor, Tom Brady.

Bucs general manager Jason Licht made the declaration to The Athletic's Zak Keefer (h/t The Athletic's Emily Ohman ), saying, "I would never throw shade on Tom because I like my ring too much, but Baker is just more … relatable."

Offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is Mayfield's closest friend on the Bucs, seemed to agree, saying, "Tom really didn't do anything with us, because he couldn't. Like, he couldn't even go to dinner. Then Baker comes in, and the first day he's here he asks me if I wanna grab a beer that night. I'm like, 'This is sick!'"

Per Keefer (h/t Ohman), Mayfield does many things that endear him to his teammates, ranging from playing video games and chugging beers to paying for their visits with his personal physiotherapist.

Brady spent the final three years of his career with the Bucs, and he enjoyed enormous success, leading them to a Super Bowl victory.

When Brady retired at the end of the 2022 season, the Buccaneers' quarterback situation was very much in question, so they rolled the dice on signing Mayfield in free agency.

Mayfield, who was fresh off failed runs with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers, proceeded to win the starting job, and he never looked back.

Over his three seasons in Tampa, Mayfield has posted a 27-24 record, leading the Bucs to the playoffs twice. He has also completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns and 37 interceptions en route to two Pro Bowl selections.

Mayfield, who is entering a contract year, will look to get the Buccaneers back on track in 2026 after they missed the playoffs last season.