ESPN's annual NFL quarterback rankings are always good for debate, but one omission should catch the attention of Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans.
Despite putting together three productive seasons in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield was left
outside the NFL's top-10 quarterbacks entering the 2026 season in ESPN's survey of league
executives, coaches, and scouts.
The rankings aren't simply a recap of last season's statistics. They are intended to reflect the
best quarterbacks in the NFL entering the upcoming season based on talent, production,
accomplishments, durability, and upside.
That raises an interesting question: Why isn't Baker Mayfield viewed as a top-10 quarterback?
The process doesn’t seem consistent
Several quarterbacks ranked ahead of Mayfield make sense. Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Matthew Stafford have established themselves among the NFL's elite.
Others deserve a closer look when compared to Mayfield's record of achievements.
Justin Herbert was ranked seventh despite never winning a playoff game during his NFL career. There's no denying Herbert possesses elite physical tools and tremendous talent, but Mayfield has accomplished more postseason success during his career, including winning multiple playoff games.
Caleb Williams joined the top 10 after a solid season, but doesn't yet have Mayfield's durability or body of work at the NFL level.
Meanwhile, Mayfield has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, won division titles, put up
impressive numbers, and proven he can consistently stay on the field.
If upside matters most, then younger quarterbacks deserve recognition. If sustained production and accomplishments matter, Mayfield deserves more consideration than he received.
Baker’s reputation may matter
Another possibility is that Mayfield's reputation still lingers among NFL evaluators.
Throughout his career, Mayfield has been viewed as an emotional and outspoken competitor.
He plays with confidence and has often carried a chip on his shoulder dating back to his college days.
Fair or not, perceptions can be difficult to change.
Mayfield spent years being labeled inconsistent before landing in Tampa Bay. Even after
proving he can succeed as the Buccaneers' franchise quarterback, league insiders may still
view him differently than others at his position.
Mayfield has spent his entire football career proving doubters wrong. Entering his fourth season in Tampa Bay, it's fair to wonder why he's still being asked to do so.
At some point, sustained production has to matter. Mayfield may never receive the same level of respect as some of the NFL's bigger names, but after what he has accomplished in Tampa Bay, it's fair to ask what more he has to do before earning a spot among the league's top 10 quarterbacks.
