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    “We’re gonna shock a lot of people”: Baker Mayfield sends clear message to people rooting against Bucs in 2026

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    Runfyers
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    Baker Mayfield has a stern warning for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ detractors ahead of the 2026 season.

    2025 marked the first time the quarterback had a losing record as the starter for the NFC South franchise, which missed the playoffs after being dethroned as divisional champions by the Carolina Panthers. Afterward, long-time stalwarts Lavonte David (retired) and Mike Evans (joined the San Francisco 49ers in free agency) left.

    This has led to doubts about the Buccaneers’ ability to contend in an increasingly competitive division. However, Mayfield showed defiant confidence during his media availability in Wednesday’s practice:

    “I think we’re gonna shock a lot of people this year. … Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record, so we’ll see.”

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    That attitude stems from the presence and emergence of new and potentially important faces within the team.

    Emeka Egbuka is now firmly the WR1 after nearly hitting quadruple-digit yards as a rookie. The offensive line is arguably the most talented in franchise history, with star left tackle Tristan Wirfs complemented by Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke.

    The defense has also undergone a reconstitution, headlined by edge rusher Al-Quadin Mohammad, who has joined after registering a career-high 11 sacks off the Detroit Lions’ bench in 2025. Off-ball linebacker has seen the biggest upgrade, however, with former divisional rivals Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom joining SirVocea Dennis and rookie Josiah Trotter.

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    Baker Mayfield praises new Buccaneers additions Kenneth Gainwell, Josiah Trotter

    Speaking of Josiah Trotter, Baker Mayfield had some positive words about him during the same media availability:

    “He’s an animal. He’s not a rookie. He’s physical, he’s aggressive. He talks s***. … We needed guys like that on the defense.”

    He also raved about running back and team newcomer Kenneth Gainwell:

    “I’ve just been completely overwhelmed with the amount of talent that he has. … He was a slot receiver at Memphis, and it explains why he’s so smooth running routes. And just his run game, he stays true to his tracks. He reads his blocks really, really well. I thought he’s been a huge addition for us.”

    The Buccaneers open their 2026 season at the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on Fox.