Baker Mayfield says Bryce Young's story 'far from finished' - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield voiced his support for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Wednesday, two days after the first pick of the 2023 draft was benched following an 0-2 start.

«Obviously [my career] didn't happen in the same time frame as Bryce, but quarterback is hard, especially for young guys when you're not surrounded with the pieces… and you're not given the opportunity to have success,» Mayfield said.

«A lot of time, guys have the talent, they might have the brains, but they don't have the right opportunity or the right fit. I'm sitting here right now in a way better fit than the other places I've been. That's not to put other teams down. But it's a matter of the pieces around you, the coaches. And for Bryce, a guy that — I can relate to this — finding that belief within yourself again. He'll get it. His story is far, far from finished.»

Mayfield would know. After four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, the 2018 first overall draft pick was traded to the Panthers in 2022, where he started six games and was waived, before a five-game stint with the Los Angeles Rams. A one-year «prove it» deal with Tampa Bay in 2023 culminated in an NFC South title and a three-year deal for Mayfield worth $100 million before this season.

Mayfield has credited the Bucs' organizational stability, coaching staff, scheme and playmakers — as well as the team allowing him to be himself — for helping revive his career. His resurgence was aided by new Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who was the Bucs' offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield said Canales' positivity left a lasting mark.

«I told you guys, he's an optimist bully,» Mayfield said. «Finding ways to make things work when it's not the best