Baker Mayfield says the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to surprise critics in the 2026 NFL season. In comments reported by multiple outlets, he frames the team as an underdog that can exceed expectations as the season approaches.
Both reports note that Tampa Bay faces public skepticism going into 2026. CBS Sports adds context that Mayfield is playing out the final year of his contract, describing how that situation shapes his approach. Newsweek similarly emphasizes Mayfield’s belief that the Buccaneers can outperform what many observers predict, but it focuses less on contract specifics and more on the idea that the team can “shock” people.
Overall, the outlets agree on Mayfield’s stance: he believes the Buccaneers can outperform expectations and turn doubt into motivation for the 2026 season, even as external perceptions of the team remain cautious.
