Baker Mayfield‘s 2023 ‘prove-it’ deal went better than he or the Buccaneers could have envisioned. As a result, team and player worked out a three-year, $100M pact last spring. 
In his first campaign after inking that pact, Mayfield delivered the best statistical output of his career. The former No. 1 pick ranked third in the NFL in passing yards (4,500) and tied for second in touchdowns (41). While Mayfield’s 16 interceptions put him in a tie with Kirk Cousins for the most in the NFL, expectations are high for 2025 and beyond.
Especially if the former Brown, Panther and Ram manages to post strong numbers early in the coming season, the matter of an extension will increasingly become a talking point. Working out a raise now would be somewhat surprising given the term left on Mayfield’s deal, and Jeff Howe of The Athletic writes there are currently no plans to arrange a bump in compensation (subscription required). Nevertheless, general manager Jason Licht is hopeful Mayfield will remain in place beyond the 2026 season.
“I love Baker. I love everything he’s done for us,” Licht said. “The goal for us is for Baker to continue to be the player that he is, and at some point, we reach an extension when the time is right and he continues to be our quarterback for a long time. That’s the goal.”
After restructuring his pact this spring, Mayfield is set to carry a cap charge of $26.48MM. When compared to a number of other big-ticket quarterback deals, that figure (along with his AAV) can be considered team-friendly. A raise could be in store if the 30-year-old carries on from where he left off during the 2025 season with next spring representing a logical period for an extension to be worked out. It will be interesting to see if Tampa Bay would be on board with an arrangement bringing Mayfield closer to the top of the position’s pecking order than where he currently finds himself (19th in terms of average annual value).
Keeping with what has been an annual tradition in Mayfield’s case, 2025 will see him work with a new offensive coordinator. Liam Coen‘s decision to take the Jaguars’ head coaching gig means Josh Grizzard will handle OC duties after being promoted from receivers coach this offseason. A familiar face should help Mayfield adjust to the new system, and another encouraging performance could result in an extended stay with the Buccaneers.
So who saved Baker? Liam Coen or Sean McVay or Ben McAdoo?
He just finally got with a well run organization with non drama players. Browns is a poorly ran franchise, Panthers owner is too involved they are a messy. He was barely with Rams it may have helped a little but gets overblown. You forgot Caneles who brought Geno back to starting.
Canales is probably the best candidate if you’re picking one coach. Definitely not McAdoo. McAdoo had him throwing quick slants that got batted down constantly, as if Mayfield’s height was unknown.
The Browns.
They angrily tossed him off a sinking ship not realizing they were doing him the biggest favor ever.
Then, for fun, they paid a king’s ransom both for and to a serial molester only to watch him fail while Baker succeeded.
The Browns.
Baker saved himself. He matured a little, and he finally got to an environment (Bucs) where he could relax a little bit and not put too much pressure on himself to try to win every game alone. He’s always had the moxie to excel and be a leader, he just had to understand that he didn’t need to do everything himself.
More extensions? What I want is…. I want Mayfield and the Bucs to win a Super Bowl Together!!!
Extension or not, Mayfield has to keep getting better and get this team to an NFC Championship.
Once Wirfs is healthy, there are no excuses, since this team has plenty of talent. If Reddick can play like he should, it will only help the cause. Atlanta will be right on their heels.