Why was Baker Mayfield hit with $11,255 fine? Explaining reason behind Buccaneers QB's penalty

Not only did Baker Mayfield lose to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7, but he also received a financial punishment for his actions during Monday night's game. As usual, every Saturday, the NFL announces punishments for players who broke the rules the prior week and Mayfield was fined $11,255.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback grabbed Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith's facemask in the third quarter of that game, leading to this decision. He wasn't the only player fined as Smith was also fined $16,883 for the hip-drop tackle that led to Chris Godwin's season-ending injury.

After a 51-point outburst against the New Orleans Saints, the Buccaneers couldn't keep up with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Mayfield threw for 370 yards on 31 completions, but his three touchdown passes were overshadowed by his two interceptions.

Tampa Bay also lost its best wide receiver, Mike Evans, with a hamstring injury, which complicated the game for the NFC West team. If that wasn't enough they also lost Godwin for the rest of the season in garbage time to complete a terrible game.

Reporter reveals whether Baker Mayfield can face suspension

The former No. 1 overall pick was spotted popping a nicotine pouch on Monday night. Plenty of fans wondered if this would get him in trouble with the league, but Buccaneers reporter Greg Auman explained on Thursday that the worst-case scenario would be a warning letter from the league.

Auman wrote on X:

"Some of you have asked about Baker Mayfield being shown on camera Monday night putting nicotine pouches in his mouth on the sidelines. NFL policy is no tobacco products in playing area, but such a violation would typically only result in a warning letter as a reminder."

The Buccaneers face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, hoping to avenge their overtime loss in Week 5. Mayfield ranks second in the league in passing yards (1,859) and first in passing touchdowns (18), but those numbers must translate into wins before the season gets more complicated.

Fans hope to see him out of trouble and leading his team to another win against a direct rival.