It is tough to replace one of the best to do it. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just did the impossible. Earlier this year, when 7X Super Bowl winner Tom Brady retired, the Bucs placed their bets on the 28-year-old Baker Mayfield. And as they clinch the playoff berth in the last game of the season, it looks like the bet has paid off.

Baker Mayfield joined the Bucs in the offseason of 2023, and the quarterback is now set to earn big money. With the success of the Bucs this season, Mayfield met his incentive targets and will now represent the team in the postseason games.

Baker Mayfield took the challenge head-on

Ever since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield has seen little game-time. He has also bounced around several franchises, but in the Bucs system, he found immense success. And the monetary gain will be the cherry on top for the former Heisman Trophy winner.

In the Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the Bucs needed only a win to secure the playoffs. The Bucs defeated their divisional rivals 9-0 and secured the wildcard spot in the playoffs. Mayfield had earlier hurt his ribs, but he played nevertheless.

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With this win, Mayfield booked his million-dollar incentive as well. The Bucs also claimed the NFC South title with a record of 9-8 in the season. The team achieved this feat for the third time in a row. But now they must face the challenge of the wildcard game.

Mayfield signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Buccaneers for the 2023 season. He secured $1 million in bonuses for playing time by Week 18 and doubled it by making it to the postseason.

Can the Buccaneers do it all?

Before the season began, the Bucs had the worst odds to make it to the playoffs. But that they are here, can they outdo themselves one more time? However, they are in line to face two dominant teams in the wildcard game.

The Bucs can face off against the Dallas Cowboys or the Philadelphia Eagles. And neither possibility will be a straightforward game for the NFC South winners. Though they haven’t played against the Cowboys this season, their meeting against the Eagles in Week 3 did not end well, as the Bucs lost 11-25 at home.

Can Baker Mayfield take the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments.

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