The Buffalo Bills host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season, and quarterbacks Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield have exchanged insults ahead of the contest.
The Bills and the Buccaneers are both 6-3 through nine games, but while Tampa Bay leads the NFC South division, Buffalo has fallen well behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East. With favorable games upcoming for the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday feels like a must-win for both teams.
Mayfield called out the Buccaneers roster following the Week 10 defeat to the Patriots, while Allen accepted full responsibility after losing to the Dolphins. However, both quarterbacks have called each other out ahead of Sunday’s clash.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Mayfield was asked to describe his relationship with Allen and joked about his friend and fellow quarterback. “I have to walkie-talkie to him cause he’s so damn tall, so I can’t really have a face-to-face conversation with him,” Mayfield said.
“But, you know, in Buffalo, it’s cold, it’s rainy. Even though he’s 6-foot-10, his hands are small, so he better wear his gloves.”
Later that day, Allen spoke with reporters and was told that Mayfield had referenced his small hands. Allen was caught off guard and said, “That’s crazy,” before responding.
“Baker wears two gloves golfing, so he’s that type of guy,” Allen said. “I love the guy. He’s awesome. To see kind of how his career has progressed and the adversity he’s fought through and playing some really, really dang good football right now, I’m a big fan of his.
“Anytime I get to watch games, I’m watching what he does, because he’s very fun to watch.” Allen and Mayfield were both drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but their careers have taken different directions.
Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns, but he has since spent time with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Buccaneers. After signing a one-year, $4 million contract, he has since proven himself and agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $100 million.
Allen was selected seventh overall by the Bills, and since going 5-6 in his debut season, he’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Allen was named NFL MVP for the first time last season, but has yet to reach the Super Bowl and attempt to break Buffalo’s drought.
Mayfield and Allen have golfed together during the offseason, reportedly bonding over reciting popular movie quotes. Both players are also close with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.
