ESPN links Bucs to Russell Wilson even after all of Baker Mayfield's success

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving on to the next round of the playoffs after demolishing the Philadelphia Eagles. Baker Mayfield has been a huge part of the Bucs' success this season yet a recent report from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN suggested that perhaps Russell Wilson could be a fit for the Bucs moving forward.

Now, it's worth noting that in Fowler's article, he mentions how Mayfield is a free agent after this season and if the two don't agree on a new deal, then maybe the Bucs shift their attention to Wilson.

"Mayfield is a free agent, and if Tampa Bay can't reach a new deal with him, the Bucs would make a lot of sense for Wilson. Tampa offensive coordinator Dave Canales was on Seattle's offensive staff throughout Wilson's 10 years there, and the two maintained a close relationship. In Canales' two years as Wilson's quarterbacks coach, Wilson was efficient with 66 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

The Bucs and Mayfield are open to extension talks, so the Wilson discussion might be a moot point. But Wilson could be an intriguing option for them."

- Jeremy Fowler

Bucs linked to Russell Wilson if new deal doesn't get done with Baker Mayfield

The logic here does make sense. First and foremost, we know that the Bucs are open bringing Mayfield back -- and why wouldn't they want to after what he's done this season?

Secondly, Wilson wouldn't be a terrible signing if that was the decision here. He played much better in 2023 than he did in 2022 and there are still glimpses of what made him great. Wilson also has a connection with Dave Canales, as Fowler mentions in the write-up.

It feels that, more than likely, Tampa will bring back Mayfield and he'll be their quarterback until he's not, as silly as that sentence might sound. There were times this season when Mayfield has been frustrating but after watching him ball out in the Wild Card round, the Bucs would be fools not to want him back. That being said, it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan should things fall through and a deal with Mayfield doesn't get done.