Robert Kraft’s Potential Move to Land Baker Mayfield
New England Patriots’ recent addition, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, could play a crucial role in bringing Baker Mayfield to the team. Van Pelt and Mayfield have previously worked together with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and 2021, and there is speculation of a potential reunion in Foxborough. Mayfield, who had a standout year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, may become a highly sought-after free agent.
Despite the likelihood of Mayfield staying in Tampa Bay after his impressive season, the Patriots have the means to make a move for him. With Van Pelt’s familiarity and experience working with Mayfield, the Patriots could have an advantage in securing his services. During their time together, Mayfield showcased his skills, completing 602 of 975 passes (61.7%) for 7,040 yards, 47 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions across 32 regular season and playoff games.
Mayfield’s talent was on display during the Pro Bowl festivities, where he emerged as the winner of the Precision Passing competition. His performance further solidified his status as a top quarterback. It remains to be seen whether the Patriots will make a move for Mayfield, but with Van Pelt’s presence, the possibility of a reunion is worth considering.
MAYFIELD’S IMPRESSIVE SEASON LEAVES TEAMS VYING FOR HIS SERVICES
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Baker Mayfield proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 season. Completing an impressive 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, Mayfield led the Buccaneers to the NFC Divisional Round. This is not the first time Mayfield has made a deep playoff run, as he previously achieved this feat with the Browns in the 2020 AFC playoffs.
Mayfield’s success has caught the attention of teams across the league, but the recent hire of offensive coordinator Liam Coen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may make it more difficult for other teams to lure him away. Mayfield spoke highly of Coen, stating, “If they lock that down for sure, it’s a similar system. Obviously, same system. Just some different terminology in how he wants to call things. There’s something to say about that continuity in the offense for the skill guys, the offensive line … it’s important to have.”
While the offensive coordinator is a major consideration for Mayfield in free agency, pay is also a significant factor. Spotrac’s free agent market projections suggest that Mayfield could command a four-year, $108.51 million deal or $27.1 million annually. This is where the New England Patriots may have an advantage, as they have more spending money than the Buccaneers. With $67.48 million in salary cap space, the Patriots could make a compelling offer to Mayfield.
In addition to financial considerations, the Patriots could sweeten the deal by signing Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield has expressed his desire to see Evans remain in Tampa, but if he were to join the Patriots, it would provide New England with an elite receiver they currently lack. Evans has an impressive track record, with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Spotrac estimates that he could command a four-year, $95.34 million deal or $23.8 million annually.
The addition of Mayfield and Evans to the Patriots’ roster would undoubtedly bolster the team’s chances of success. Mayfield’s experience as a playoff starter and his ability to excel in offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s system would be invaluable. Meanwhile, Evans would provide a much-needed boost to the receiving corps. With a new regime in place, the Patriots could see a resurgence in the 2024 season.
Matthew Davis, a respected NFL reporter, covers all the latest news and updates in the league. Stay tuned for more updates on the Baker Mayfield saga.
