Is Baker Mayfield Worth 44 Million As Bucs Quarterback?

 Baker Mayfield right now is talking with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about a new contract. It has been reported he is seeing around 44 million a year, but I do not know that to be true or not. Let's use that number as a starting point in this article. Is Baker worth 44 million? Let's talk a little about Baker and what I think he would be worth to the Buccaneers.

You cannot start talk about money without taking into consideration the Buccaneers basically were then only team offering Mayfield a contract last year. Most teams passed on Mayfield, but the Buccaneers gave him an opportunity to be in this position. I think the Buccaneers were hoping for a hometown discount, but it looks like Mayfield's camp is not in on that kind of thinking.

The number that the Buccaneers are looking for is 22-30 million range is what I'm guessing as a good number for them. Mayfield is looking for 44 million as a starting point according to various reports. So right now they are far apart, but are still working on trying to get a deal done before Monday.

The real question is Bake Mayfield worth 44 million a year or even more. I love what baker brought to the Buccaneers on and off the field, but that number 44 million is a little high. I hope the Buccaneers do not go past 35 million with Mayfield. I have this feeling they may do that though in the long run. I look for Tampa Bay to draft a quarterback in the draft as well. What about Kyle Trask?

In college at Florida Kyle Trask threw for over 60 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. He is talented, but the Buccaneers do not seem to trust him at all and that makes me wonder. They must not feel comfortable with him or they would not have looked towards Baker Mayfield last year. 

I guess we will see how much the Buccaneers pay Mayfield, but if they do not look for Trask to be given his chance and the Bucs draft a quarterback as well. I do think the Bucs will bite the bullet and pay Mayfield. Even if its more then they want too. Mayfield knows no matter what he will be paid by the Bucs or someone else.

Kobe Bryant Pulls No Punches In Talk To Howard

Kobe Bryant job was to help in the recruitment process of Dwight Howard, but to his credit he pulled no punches with Howard. Bryant has always been blunt and he told Dwight Howard what was on his mind and depending on how he took it will determine if he is a Laker this season. Kobe told Dwight I can teach you to be a champion, but you must learn and listen to what I'm trying to show you. Those are powerful words as Kobe Bryant has multiple championships and knows what it takes to be called a champion. How did Dwight Howard take it?

Now Dwight Howard has been immature much of his career, so how he took those statements from Kobe Bryant is anyone's guess. I do know Kobe is a player that means what he tells people and he was being honest with Dwight Howard. Maybe that is what Dwight Howard needs to take his game to the next level and be an elite player you can depend on. If one player can teach him about winning it is Kobe Bryant. He knows what it takes and has sacrifice to do it. Soon we will find out if Kobe Bryant persuaded Howard enough to return as a Laker.

Fans Get Ready For NFL Football As Vote Comes Monday

I will admit I am tired of all this strike talk and will be glad to write about football again in a positive sense, and talk about the upcoming season which should be a good one. Now that the strike is virtually over fans can start hitting the message boards and blogs telling everyone why their team will win the Super Bowl.

Teams and owners also have a lot of work to do as well. Training camps will be opening and getting ready for the season and signing free agents will be high on their list. Come tomorrow we will start our countdown to the season by looking at each team and what we see for them. Look for it tomorrow here at Sports Blogging Network. I am one happy camper this bullshit strike is over, and now let's talk some football.