David pointed to injuries across the board—on the offensive line, in the back end, and among skill players—and noted how hard it is for any quarterback to sustain high-level play when health is inconsistent. He also stressed that what fans saw from Mayfield early in the year represented the QB’s true potential when the team was healthy, even as the lineup around him shifted.
In the first 10 games, Mayfield appeared to be thriving, posting a passer rating near 97 with 2,365 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just three interceptions as Tampa went 6–4. But injuries began piling up, with Mayfield on the injury report for at least five issues, including an oblique strain, a left AC joint sprain, a right shoulder issue, and two separate knee problems.
The late-season stretch was rough for Mayfield, as his production dipped to a 79.8 passer rating over the final seven games, with 1,328 yards, 9 TDs, and eight interceptions. The Bucs also dealt with defensive struggles, finishing 20th in scoring defense (24.2 PPG), a factor that limited opportunities to close out tight games.
Offensively, Tampa Bay also faced a revolving door at offensive coordinator. Since Mayfield arrived, the team has cycled through multiple play-callers, and the recent hire of Zac Robinson—familiar to Mayfield from the Rams era—adds a layer of stability. David expressed optimism that Robinson’s approach and familiarity with Mayfield could help the offense find its footing again, leveraging the team’s available weapons.
Looking ahead, Baker Mayfield has acknowledged Mike Evans’ situation without closing the door on a return, while Evans himself indicated he’s not retiring and still believes in the potential of a healthier, more consistent offense. If Evans is back to full strength and Robinson stabilizes the scheme, the 2026 season could offer a markedly different outlook for Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
