**The First Florida Team to Woo Bucs QB Baker Mayfield**
After a strong 2023 season that revitalized his career, Baker Mayfield became a hot commodity during the 2024 NFL offseason. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed strong interest in retaining the veteran quarterback, but they weren’t the only Florida team in the mix. The first Florida franchise to show serious interest in wooing Mayfield away was none other than the Miami Dolphins.
While the Dolphins were still publicly committed to Tua Tagovailoa, behind the scenes they were exploring quarterback options amid concerns about Tua’s long-term durability and playoff performance. Sources revealed that Miami reached out to Mayfield’s camp early in free agency, gauging his interest in competing for a starting role in a high-powered offense featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Mayfield, however, was coming off one of his best seasons, having led Tampa Bay to a playoff win and earning respect for his leadership and grit. He wasn’t looking for a backup job or a quarterback controversy. Still, Miami’s early interest showed how much his stock had risen in just a year.
Ultimately, the Dolphins never made a formal offer, and Mayfield chose to re-sign with the Buccaneers on a three-year deal. Tampa’s belief in him, paired with a familiar offensive system and strong locker room chemistry, made the decision easier.
Though Mayfield stayed put, Miami’s initial outreach proved how fluid the quarterback market had become—and how valuable Mayfield had reestablished himself to be. The Dolphins may not have landed him, but their early move signaled a willingness to make bold changes at quarterback if the right opportunity emerged. As for Mayfield, his return to Tampa cemented his status as the face of the franchise moving forward.
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