As the Bucs wrap up minicamp, talk of a Baker Mayfield MVP run heats up. See how a revamped defense with Haason Reddick could fuel a 2024 championship push.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up their 2025 minicamp on Thursday, the buzz wasn't just about a successful offseason program. It was about something much bigger. While a revamped defense turned heads on the practice field, a conversation started by the Pewter Report Podcast is capturing the imagination of the fan base: Could Baker Mayfield actually win the NFL MVP award this season?
After recording 11 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks as a rookie, edge rusher Chris Braswell is poised to benefit from the mentorship of new acquisition Haason Reddick.
The crew at the Pewter Report dove deep into what a Mayfield MVP campaign would look like, and it's not as far-fetched as it sounds. With a full year in the system, a strong supporting cast, and his signature swagger, analysts believe Mayfield has the tools and the narrative to make a serious run. It's a testament to the confidence the organization has in its quarterback and a tantalizing prospect for a team with championship aspirations.
While Mayfield's potential MVP run grabs headlines, the team's biggest offseason project has been a bold reinvention of the defense. Minicamp highlights showcased a revamped secondary, infused with talent from free agency and the draft, flying to the ball with renewed energy. This aggressive overhaul is a direct response to last season's weaknesses. The strategic mind of defensive coach Josh Grizzard, noted for being anything but a 'yes man,' is seen as a key component in maximizing this new talent and challenging offensive schemes across the league.
The defensive excitement extends to the front seven, where second-year edge rusher Chris Braswell is being widely touted as a breakout candidate. After a promising rookie year with 11 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks, Braswell is expected to take a major leap forward under the tutelage of veteran Haason Reddick and Head Coach Todd Bowles. He's not the only one, either. Rookie David Walker also flashed potential in minicamp, and the 'Pewter Pulse' segment identified another 'super sleeper' on defense, signaling a youth movement that could pay massive dividends.
The focus on the future is balanced by a celebration of the past. This week, both BSPN and the NFL honored several Buccaneers greats on their respective All-21st-Century and Quarter Century Teams. These selections serve as a powerful reminder of the franchise's rich history and the legendary status of its former stars, setting a high standard for the current roster to aspire to as they enter the team's 50th season.
As minicamp breaks, the Buccaneers are heading into the summer break on a wave of optimism. The narrative for the 50th season is clear: an offense capable of producing an MVP and a retooled, aggressive defense ready to hunt. All eyes now turn to training camp, where the battles for starting spots and the true identity of this 2025 squad will take shape. The pieces are in place; now it's time to see if they can assemble a championship puzzle.
