Arvin Roberts|Baker Mayfield says Bryce Young's story is 'far from finished' following benching

2025-05-05 01:28:36source:EAI Community category:My

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield can Arvin Robertsempathize with Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young. Mayfield was once a castaway quarterback before finding a home in Tampa Bay.

Fittingly, Mayfield publicly supported the recently demoted Panthers quarterback when asked his thoughts about Young’s benching.

“Quarterback is hard, especially for young guys when you’re not surrounded with the pieces (and) not given the opportunity to have success," Mayfield told reporters. "A lot of times guys have the talent they might have the brains, but they don’t have the right opportunity, the right fit.

"I’m sitting here right now in a way better fit than other places I’ve been. That’s not to put other teams down, but it’s a matter of the pieces around you (and) the coaches.”

NFL WEEK 2:32 things we learned: Saints among biggest early-season surprises

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Mayfield, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, was shown the door in Cleveland after the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in 2022. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers and had an unceremonious exit after just seven games. During the 2022 season, Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. Following a one-year rental season in Los Angeles, the Buccaneers became Mayfield’s fourth NFL team in 2023.

Mayfield enjoyed career-highs in passing yards and touchdown passes last season and was selected to the Pro Bowl. His performance earned him a three-year contract extension in Tampa Bay.

The journeyman quarterback’s revitalized his career in Tampa Bay and he envisions a similar fate for Young.

“For Bryce, I can relate to this, finding that belief within yourself again,” Mayfield added. “He’ll get it. His story is far, far from finished."

Young is just 23 years old. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick could potentially have many more years left in the NFL. His rookie contract runs through the 2026 season. His future in Carolina is uncertain as a result of his benching but Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters Wednesday the team is not “really considering” trading Young.

Young’s development and surroundings will ultimately determine if he can rebound in a similar fashion as Mayfield.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

More:My

Recommend

Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam

You're pulling your hair out, trying to fix something on your computer. You Google it and find what

Beau Hossler shoots 10-under 60 at vulnerable Sedgefield in the rain-delayed Wyndham Championship

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Beau Hossler shot a 10-under 60 on Friday in the rain-delayed Wyndham Champi

Refugee breaker disqualified for wearing 'Free Afghan Women' cape at Paris Olympics

PARIS — A breaker representing the Refugee Olympic Team was disqualified from the B-Girl breaking co