When it comes to things he can control, don't be surprised if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers see a productive and in-charge version of Baker Mayfield in 2023.

The upcoming stint with the Buccaneers is Mayfield's last shot at becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL. He knows that, too.

He'll never admit it in a public forum and that's fine. He shouldn't have to. The writing is on the wall, however: this is Mayfield's fourth team in the last nine months. If it doesn't work in Tampa Bay, it's not going to work anywhere else unless Mayfield is holding a clipboard on the sidelines.

Mayfield's not going to just cave in, though. Despite all the shenanigans and tomfoolery that's followed him off the field, the guy is pretty smart and can be logical when he wants to be. 

That's exactly what he was during Monday's press conference. And it sounds like he is going to take a smart, yet aggressive approach to this season.

"I want to walk away knowing that I did everything I possibly could, and God willing, I'm gonna play this game for a long time," Mayfield told reporters. "But for right now I'm gonna do everything I can to to enjoy this moment. Be as great of a leader as I possibly can be, as well as I know how to do it. And then be as infectious as possible. 

"I know I'm talented. I know I'm capable of doing it. But how can I affect as many people around me as possible and be proud of that?"

But don't get it twisted: Mayfield still has that ever-burning fire inside that many have come to either love or hate.

"I'm not trying to play to be your friend or to impress you," said Mayfield. "I'm doing it because I love it [football]. And I'm doing it because I love my teammates."

If the Buccaneers can get the version of Mayfield that is collected, yet fiery, then 2023 could be a season of surprises for both sides. Not many are expecting either party to make noise this year, but that can quickly change with the right approach.

A little bit of self-confidence, doesn't hurt, either.

"To me, to be at the top of your game, whatever industry you're in, you have to you have to be wired internally to believe in yourself," said Mayfield. "And sometimes trick yourself into thinking that nobody else believes in you… That's the infectious part about me that I try and get to have my other teammates feel as well."

But most importantly, Mayfield is healthy heading into the season. That's going to make a huge difference when it comes to his preparation and how he approaches the offseason. In turn, it can only make a positive impact that carries into July-September.

"It's night and day different from this time right now to last year," said Mayfield. "I was sitting at home doing rehab for my shoulder last year and not really knowing what was next. That's why I'm really excited about being here and knowing where I'm going to be at, what I get to dive into playbook-wise, and knowing my teammates." 

A steady Mayfield can be a major asset for the Buccaneers in 2023. The NFC South is still up for grabs and Tampa Bay still has enough of a roster to where it can compete. And if the Buccaneers compete, that means Mayfield's chances of NFL starter life increase with each additional win.

Outside of the offensive line, the Buccaneers have the pieces in place to make this happen, as well. If they can get the trenches shored up then Mayfield should be able to find some success.

In all, it's a good spot to be in. For both parties. And that should bring out the best from both sides.