Report: Bucs expected to target Mayfield in free agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to target former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield when free agency begins, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Tampa Bay is reportedly seeking a veteran passing option following the retirement of Tom Brady in February. Kyle Trask is currently the only quarterback under contract.

The Buccaneers are also expected to look at a few other options at the position, Garafolo reports.

The legal negotiating window is set to commence on March 13 at noon, with free agency opening on March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Mayfield would provide plenty of experience under center for the Buccaneers, with 69 career starts in 72 regular-season games, along with two postseason contests.

Mayfield was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. He racked up 14,125 passing yards, 92 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions over four seasons with Cleveland.

The Oklahoma product was dealt to the Carolina Panthers not long after the Browns exercised his fifth-year option and acquired Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans.

In 2022, Mayfield started six of seven games for the Panthers before the team released him. He was claimed off waivers by the Rams. Mayfield went on to start for L.A. following a season-ending injury to Matthew Stafford. He passed for 850 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions with a 63.6% completion rate.

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