Baker Mayfield predicts Buccaneers will shock the NFL in 2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has expressed strong confidence regarding the 2026 NFL season, stating that his team intends to ‘shock a lot of people’ despite widespread negative predictions.

Following an 8-9 season that saw the Buccaneers miss the playoffs, many analysts expect the team to struggle again. Mayfield acknowledged these projections, noting that ‘everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record,’ but he intends to use that skepticism as motivation. The team is entering the season with significant changes, including a new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, and the departure of longtime wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield will likely rely on young talent such as receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Mayfield is also entering the final year of his contract, and his performance is expected to play a major role in future negotiations. General Manager Jason Licht noted that the quarterback has shown ‘extra motivation’ during training camp. While Mayfield’s bold claims have drawn criticism from some fans on social media, who labeled the outlook ‘delusional,’ the quarterback remains focused on proving the doubters wrong.