Baker Mayfield says Buccaneers finally have what they lacked last season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers couldn’t escape their reputation for being a soft team last season.

The team didn't have a killer instinct, and the lack of a tone setter on defense was painfully obvious. Even longtime captain Lavonte David admitted to being called out for loafing down the stretch. 

The Bucs badly needed a culture change on defense, and they prioritized addressing that this offseason. 

Baker Mayfield loves the new mentality of Buccaneers defense

Tampa Bay added a few players on defense that will help bring an edge to the defensive side of the ball. In free agency, they added A’Shawn Robinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad — all of whom play with their hair on fire. 

Robinson in particular is known for being a bit of a bully, which is exactly why he was a free agency target for Tampa Bay.

Mayfield was asked about his new teammate in Robinson, and said exactly what Bucs fans needed to hear.

“I think people have said it. We need some a**holes over there. He’s one of those…You can see it stamped on his forehead, he’s ready to fight and compete,” said Mayfield, via Pewter Report. “Pretty happy I’m not having to go up against him anymore.”

With a wave of offseason additions who fit that same nasty, competitive mold, this Bucs defense could look completely different when the 2026 season rolls around.

Players like Robinson, and even rookie Rueben Bain Jr., who famously hates everybody that isn’t his teammate, will bring a nasty streak and help the Bucs shed the soft label. 

Jason Licht and the front office deserve their flowers for recognizing what had become a major problem last year, and going all out to fix the issue and bring a new identity to the defense.

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