Even though Tom Brady isn’t playing football anymore, the former NFL great quarterback is still devoted to the sport—he just covers it now as a commentator. The success of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield versus the Washington Commanders in Florida was one of his main learnings from his first week in the booth. Brady listed the best three players from Week 1 on Tuesday, and Mayfield—who is still working toward his NFL redemption—is one of them.

Brady remarked, “What a performance,” regarding Mayfield’s display versus Washington. “I wish I had taken you in a dream, Baker. but a fantastic beginning. Tracking down Mike, tracking down Chris, putting on a show like that at home. That’s just what the group requires. Fantastic work.” Presenting @TomBrady’s Weekly Top 3 Stars! LB @MicahhParsons11 @49ers RB @jpmason27 @DallasCowboys

On 24 of 30 pass completions last Sunday, Mayfield destroyed Washington’s defense for 289 passing yards and four touchdowns. He appeared calm in the pocket, did not turn the ball over, and regularly found his targets downfield.

Brady  noted that Mike Evans finished with two touchdowns on five receptions; Mayfield’s other two touchdown passes went to Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. As a starting quarterback for the Buccaneers, Mayfield is making the most of his opportunity. It appeared as though the once-promising NFL career of the former Heisman Trophy winner would end after he was released by the Carolina Panthers in 2022, but in 2023, following a cup of coffee with the Los Angeles Rams, he signed a one-year contract with the Bucs.

Since then, Mayfield—who signed a three-year, $100 million contract extension with Tampa Bay in March of last year—has been the Bucs’ starting quarterback. He even helped the NFC South squad qualify for the playoffs the previous season.