Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has been known to do it all during his time in Tampa Bay. That includes taking the game into his own hands, or better yet feet, and running when necessary to extend plays and keep drives going. Mayfield has become one of the more elusive quarterbacks in the league with his ability to avoid sacks as well.
It’s not because he’s emphatically the fastest when it comes to straight line speed, but because he’s able to move at quick angles and wiggle out of trouble when the pocket collapses around him.
Mayfield is on the smaller side, too. While that has it’s disadvantages, it does make him a more difficult target to track when attempting to corral the veteran quarterback.
Bucs’ Baker Mayfield Gets Respect From Maxx Crosby
The best pass rushers in the league have also noticed. Baker Mayfield got a big time shoutout from Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who is considered to be a top pass rusher in this league. Crosby was on a stream with influencer Neon where he was asked about the quarterbacks that were most difficult to sack. Mayfield, who has been overlooked before in his career, was considered a sleeper by Crosby as he talked about the the Bucs and Raiders faced off in a game at Raymond James Stadium two seasons ago.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and Raiders DE Maxx Crosby – Photo by: USA Today
“I would say a sleeper one, too, Baker Mayfield,” Crosby said. “He pissed me off, bro. I had like two of them I should have had on him. He low key ducked under and got out of there. I was livid, bro. Baker is tough. I like Baker.”
Maxx Crosby says Baker Mayfield is one of the toughest NFL QBs to take down 💪
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— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 15, 2026
The Bucs won that game 28-13 over the Raiders where Tampa Bay only had a four point lead going into the fourth quarter. Mayfield saw ups and downs the whole game has he completed 18 of 29 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions and fumbled once. Mayfield and the Bucs were also sacked four times in the game, but ironically Crosby did not record a sack during it. So as bad as it could’ve been, Mayfield’s elusiveness bailed the Bucs out.
Mayfield’s Scrambles Highlighted On Netflix Series Quarterback
That trend of Mayfield running all over very much continued into the 2025 season. Some of his big rushing moments were highlighted early and often during the Netflix series Quarterback that features Mayfield along with Jayden Daniels, Joe Flacco and Cam Ward. In Week 2 at the Texans, Mayfield famously had a 15-yard scramble on a 4th and 10 with under two minutes to go at the end of the game with the Bucs trailing by five. The moment was documented by showing the hit by C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Mayfield’s knee and ensuing trash talk as Mayfield limped to get back in the huddle and eventually win the game.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
The following week, dealing with the knee injury, Mayfield scrambled for 33 yards that put the Bucs in a situation where a field goal would’ve put the Bucs up by nine and sealed it over the Jets. But the field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown, giving a New York a one point lead. Thankfully, Mayfield led the team down the field to eventually win once again.
And who could forget Mayfield’s 15-yard scramble for a first down on a 3rd and 14 against the 49ers in Week 6? He was dead to rights and somehow juked his way to continue the drive. It’s just what makes Mayfield who he is. And when players like Crosby speak of it, that gives validation to this important part of his game.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Mayfield recorded 26 first downs on scrambles last season, which was second in the league. He had the highest first down conversion rate when running, according to Jacob Gibbs, at 60.5%. From 2023 to 2025 Baker Mayfield has the highest amount of yards after contact at 5.9 per Pro Football Focus. While it comes as a surprise when he does some incredible things, it shouldn’t really be a surprise anymore.
The 2026 season should bring more exciting plays for Mayfield and the Bucs. Hopefully that includes more wins and a return to the postseason.