3 Buccaneers offseason decisions that could age poorly

3. Tampa Bay is banking on one great season from Baker Mayfield

The Bucs rightfully gave Baker Mayfield a new contract after a career year in 2023. If it wasn't Baker, who would it have been, anyway? The Bucs aren't exactly in a position to draft a top quarterback this year, and Kirk Cousins was never a realistic option.

It was always Baker. But, was it the right call to re-sign him?

Don't hear what I'm not saying. It was definitely the right decision. However, let's not act like it couldn't backfire.

You can't exactly "rectify" this decision if it ends up backfiring. But, the Bucs could take a serious look at a developmental quarterback in this year's draft, at the very least. Kyle Trask probably isn't going to be a long-term answer, and his contract is up after this year anyway, so beyond Baker, the Bucs have to potentially think about another option.

Again, this is worst-case scenario. I firmly believe in Baker Mayfield, and I think last season was an indication of what the future holds. I don't buy into the Bucs giving him too much money or banking on a one-year wonder, so to speak. Mayfield is a starter in this league, and he deserves to be here.

But, never say never.