The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday following a loss in the divisional round against the Detroit Lions, 31–23.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was asked about his emotions in the aftermath of one of the most difficult defeats of his career.
He didn’t mince words when discussing the brutal sting of the loss, having battled throughout all four quarters in Detroit.
“It sucks. I feel like my heart just got ripped out,” said Mayfield, via Sara Walsh of the NFL Network.
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Mayfield enjoyed a career year in Tampa Bay, leading the team to the postseason and a win in the wild-card round. Unfortunately, a costly interception on the Buccaneers’ final drive sealed the team’s fate on Sunday.
With free agency once again looming for the 28-year-old, Mayfield said it would “mean a lot” to him if the franchise wanted him to return next season, and added that he’s hopeful star wide receiver Mike Evans would also be back in a Buccaneers uniform in 2024.
“If I’m back, I want Mike [Evans] back. That guy’s a stud,” said Mayfield.
Mayfield was signed to a one-year, $4 million prove-it deal last offseason after having spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers in 2023. Despite a strong season in Tampa Bay during which he defied all expectations, the former No. 1 pick made clear that he wasn’t satisfied with a divisional round exit.
