In the aftermath of the Tom Brady era, few have pegged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as contenders in 2023.

New quarterback Baker Mayfield, who split time with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams last season, could give a hoot about the perception of the Bucs' chances, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

"I played in this division last year, and pretty sure the Bucs won it still," Mayfield said Tuesday. "I don't really care what the people in Vegas are putting odds on it because it's May. We haven't played a real snap of football. There's a long way to go before that. It's just the time of year where everybody's pretty bored and they don't really have much to talk about. It makes it fun.

"This is a great group. It seems like a no B.S. squad that's all about winning."

The Bucs are an odd amalgam. There is veteran talent, like a good WR trio in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. The defense was able to retain defensive stalwarts Lavonte David and Jamel Dean. But there is little young talent that sparks intrigue and excitement.

It feels as if Tampa is running back the same 8-9 club that won the NFC South last year but swapping Brady for Mayfield. The QB downgrade is a primary reason for the lack of trust outside of Tampa in offseason projections. The lack of depth throughout the roster also is troubling.

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