Baker Mayfield Takes Another Subtle Shot at Shedeur Sanders as Former Oklahoma Star Thrives with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield has never been one to shy away from controversy, candid remarks, or the occasional subtle jab at his fellow quarterbacks. That personality trait—polarizing to some, beloved by others—was on full display again this week as the former Oklahoma Sooners Heisman Trophy winner delivered what many are interpreting as yet another calculated shot at Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

While speaking to reporters at Buccaneers minicamp in Tampa, Mayfield, now entering his second season with the franchise, was asked about the evolving dynamics of young quarterbacks and the “media hype” that often surrounds prospects well before they’ve taken an NFL snap. His response, seemingly measured but with enough of that trademark edge to stir headlines, immediately caught attention across the football world.

“Look, in this league, talking’s easy. Flash is easy. Social media wins followers, not games,” Mayfield said, cracking a smirk. “I’ve learned the hard way that success at this level is about consistency, preparation, and blocking out the noise. The guys who get it will be around a long time—the others, well, they’ll find out.”

Though Mayfield didn’t directly mention Sanders by name, the timing of the remark, combined with the recent friction between the two, left little room for interpretation. It’s not the first time Mayfield has hinted at skepticism regarding the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, who has emerged as one of the most high-profile and polarizing prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The brewing tension between Mayfield and Sanders dates back months to when Shedeur Sanders appeared on a popular sports podcast and referred to “some quarterbacks in this league living off college reputations” while boasting about his own confidence to eventually surpass them. Though Sanders refrained from specifics, insiders noted that Mayfield’s name surfaced privately as one of those perceived targets.

In response, Mayfield brushed off the original remarks but couldn’t resist inserting competitive jabs when the topic arose. Now, after his most recent comments, it’s clear the fire still burns between the two.

Interestingly, this back-and-forth drama unfolds as Mayfield enjoys a career resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After years of bouncing between teams—first with Cleveland, then brief stints with Carolina and the Los Angeles Rams—Mayfield appears to have found his groove under head coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

Last season, Mayfield silenced many doubters by leading the Buccaneers to a surprising NFC South title and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in the process. His chemistry with star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, coupled with an improving offensive line, has reinvigorated belief in his abilities as a franchise-caliber quarterback.

“I’m just having fun again,” Mayfield told reporters during OTAs. “When you’re in the right environment, with teammates who believe in you, coaches who trust you, that makes all the difference. You tune out the noise and just play ball.”

That noise, however, seems impossible to fully escape when Sanders is involved. The Colorado quarterback, entering his final collegiate season, has dominated offseason headlines, largely due to his electric play, bold persona, and his father Deion’s magnetic media presence as head coach of the Buffaloes.

Sanders threw for over 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024 despite Colorado’s struggles, and his dual-threat abilities have scouts intrigued. But concerns remain, including his decision-making under pressure, his NFL readiness, and whether his outspoken confidence is a strength or potential distraction.

Those concerns have seemingly been amplified by the ongoing public sparring with NFL veterans like Mayfield. Some pundits have questioned whether Sanders’ brashness could alienate locker rooms or increase scrutiny once he enters the professional ranks.

Yet Sanders, known for his unwavering confidence, has brushed off such critiques. In a recent interview, he doubled down on his belief that he belongs among the NFL’s future stars.

“Pressure? That’s for people who aren’t prepared,” Sanders said. “I’ve been groomed for this my whole life. The rest is just proving it every time I touch the field.”

His father, Deion Sanders, unsurprisingly backs his son, often taking to social media to defend Shedeur and, in some cases, subtly clap back at critics like Mayfield. That dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to the growing narrative.

For Mayfield, this situation represents familiar territory. As a Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma and former No. 1 overall draft pick, Mayfield entered the NFL with enormous expectations and often rubbed peers the wrong way with his brash confidence. His early success in Cleveland—including snapping the Browns’ long playoff drought—validated some of the hype, but inconsistencies, injuries, and coaching turnover saw his career hit rocky waters.

Still, Mayfield appears more self-aware today, though his competitive edge clearly remains intact.

“Hey, I’ve been that young guy talking big before,” Mayfield admitted with a grin when asked about his veiled remarks. “I just hope the young guys coming up realize there’s a lot more to this league than cameras and catchy quotes.”

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are focused on building off last season’s success, with Mayfield entrenched as their starter and vocal leader. His rapport with teammates is evident, and reports suggest he’s taken significant strides in mastering Canales’ offensive system.

Tampa Bay’s front office has doubled down on surrounding Mayfield with talent, drafting offensive linemen and skill players to bolster protection and depth. The organization’s commitment appears mutual, with Mayfield embracing the challenge and stability after years of uncertainty.

As for Shedeur Sanders, NFL scouts project him as a potential first-round pick in 2025, though opinions vary on his ceiling. Some believe his playmaking ability and pedigree make him a future star, while others cite areas for growth, particularly in facing elite defenses.

Regardless, the developing rivalry between Mayfield and Sanders—whether grounded in genuine animosity or mutual competitive fire—has added a layer of drama to an already stacked quarterback storyline heading into the new season.

It remains to be seen whether Shedeur Sanders will silence critics and thrive in the NFL or whether Mayfield’s warnings will prove prophetic. What’s certain is that Baker Mayfield, no stranger to the spotlight or controversy, isn’t done making headlines—or taking shots—anytime soon.

For football fans, it’s just another subplot in the never-ending drama that makes the NFL must-watch entertainment year-round.