Baker Mayfield‘s journey in Tampa Bay has been nothing short of incredible.
He significantly outplayed his first two contracts with the Buccaneers, earning his first Pro Bowl after an initial $4MM deal in 2023 and looking like an MVP candidate after a three-year, $100MM extension in 2024. Mayfield’s awards candidacy last year was only held back by a league-leading 16 interceptions; otherwise, he ranked among the NFL’s top three quarterbacks in completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.
This season, he has again looked like one of the league’s best passers, averaging 256.5 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and only one interception. He has also taken just 10 sacks despite a number of offensive line injuries, and star skill players Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Emeka Egbuka have all missed time as well. Mayfield has also led fourth quarter comebacks in four of the Buccaneers’ five wins this year. Tampa Bay is 5-1, and their quarterback is among the early favorites to win the Most Valuable Player award at the end of the season.
The Buccaneers have made it clear that they envision keeping Mayfield past the end of his current contract, which expires after the 2026 season. However, extension talks will not take place until the offseason, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, allowing both sides to see how this year plays out.
Mayfield should already be in line for a solid raise based on his performance in 2024, and his value could continue to go up, especially if this season ends with individual recognition and/or team success in the playoffs. He could push well above $50MM per year on his next contract, but his obvious appreciation for the Buccaneers organization could incentivize him to take a team-friendly deal.
Baker already took team friendly deals. If he finishes top 3 in MVP, pay him top of market.
They are going to hook him up, but I also think Baker’s history he knows he will want to leave a bit for the oline or other weapons. He won’t be going anywhere.