How Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield impressed Rob Gronkowski

Quarterback Baker Mayfield could've tested free agency this past offseason but instead agreed to a three-year contract reportedly worth $100M with a maximum value of $115M — one that included $30M guaranteed for 2024 and $30M (with $20M guaranteed) in 2025 — to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

During the debut episode of the "Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules" podcast, former Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski shared how Mayfield participated in a pre-scheduled workout the same day the 29-year-old put pen to paper on his massive deal. 

"It was like nothing happened," Gronkowski explained, per the JoeBucsFan website. "He just showed up. He didn’t have an ego. He didn’t have a big head or nothing. He just showed up and frickin' put the work in that day and hit some more [personal records]. And that’s what I appreciate about him. He’s a dude, man. He’s a dog. He wants to get dirty. He wants to just have a good time. He wants to laugh."

Much has been made over the past year and a half about how Mayfield's personality made him the perfect person to replace living legend Tom Brady after Brady retired in February 2023. Most recently, Mayfield has impressed with his play this season en route to guiding Tampa Bay to a 4-2 record. 

Mayfield enters Week 7 leading the NFL with 15 passing touchdowns on the campaign. He also ranks first with a 54.4% passing success rate, fourth with a 70.9% completion percentage and eighth with 1,489 yards passing. 

Additionally, Mayfield earlier this month helped keep his teammates focused on the task at hand after they had to evacuate the Tampa area in advance of Hurricane Milton. The Buccaneers earned a 51-27 win at the rival New Orleans Saints this past Sunday. 

"He’s like the ultimate, like, teammate," Gronkowski added about Mayfield. "He’s like the ultimate locker room guy. Quarterbacks aren’t really like this. ...He’s a guy that will come over and chop it up with you while watching the game, whatever it is, the WNBA or if it’s soccer. Whatever it is, he’ll have his opinion, he’ll make you laugh. He’s not a politician. …He’s no bull----."

Mayfield and the Buccaneers next host the 4-2 Baltimore Ravens this coming Monday night. As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Tampa Bay as a 3.5-point underdog for that matchup.