Community Tailgate: Baker Mayfield

Upon arrival in Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield faced tempered expectations to say the least. The former No. 1 pick faced questions about his ability to handle starting quarterback duties in the NFL, let alone deliver the production he has amassed over the past three seasons.

Mayfield shone while playing on a one-year, $4MM pact in 2023. His strong showing indicated a long-term partnership with Tampa Bay could be feasible, and a lucrative deal was worked out. Team and player finalized a three-year, $100MM contract to avoid another free agent departure in Mayfield’s case.

The Buccaneers made clear their commitment to the ex-Brown, Panther and Ram last summer by locking in much of his 2026 compensation. Mayfield is owed $40MM for the coming season, one in which he is scheduled to carry a cap charge of roughly the same amount. This spring/summer has long been viewed as the time for an agreement to be reached, and multiple expressions of confidence that will take place have been made by the Bucs recently.

Co-owner Joel Glazer spoke in April about Mayfield’s importance and his willingness to authorize another big-money extension. Since then, general manager Jason Licht has confirmed a new Mayfield deal remains high on Tampa Bay’s priority list. It would come as no surprise if a new pact were to be in place by the start of training camp in July as a result. Keeping one starter in place over a lengthy period is not commonplace when it comes to the Buccaneers, though, and questions about the ideal value of a new Mayfield deal will be raised.

After setting a new career high in passing yards during his debut Bucs campaign, Mayfield topped that figure in 2024 while adding a new personal mark in touchdowns (41) and passer rating (106.8). Pro Bowl nods arrived in both cases, elevating expectations for 2025. Mayfield was in the early MVP conversation, but his production waned over time as Tampa Bay struggled through a number of injuries up front at at the skill positions. Defensive letdowns also contributed heavily to the Buccaneers falling outside of the postseason despite playing in an NFC South which produced four teams with a losing record.

A change at the offensive coordinator spot was made during this year’s hiring cycle. Zac Robinson replaced Josh Grizzard in a move which included input from Mayfield himself. After briefly crossing paths with the Rams, Robinson and Mayfield will look to establish a lengthy partnership, something which could provide the OC stability that has eluded Mayfield throughout his career. Either way, attention will turn over the course of the near future to the matter of extension talks.

The top of the quarterback market remains $60MM per year thanks to the deal Dak Prescott inked in 2024. He did so at the age of 31, the same spot Mayfield currently finds himself in. Nine other passers are attached to an average annual value of $51MM or more, a figure which would represent a considerable raise in this case. Earlier this offseason, the Colts gave Daniel Jones nearly $50MM in full guarantees and $88MM total on a two-year pact to keep him in the fold. A short-term Mayfield accord would no doubt carry similar financial terms, whereas a longer commitment would bring with it substantial payments in terms of locked-in money.

Mayfield has managed to play every game since arrival in Tampa Bay, and that durability has added to his value after playing through injuries throughout his career. On the other hand, the Bucs have only managed a record of 27-24 over the past three years; the team has recorded just one postseason victory during that span. Electing to have Mayfield play out his final deal before departing would result in a $30.15MM dead money charge, but it would also pave the way for a replacement being brought in via another low-cost veteran addition or a rookie being selected in the draft.

No long-term successor is in place right now for Tampa Bay. That is of course another indication a big-ticket contract should be expected for Mayfield. Do you agree with that approach from the Buccaneers, or would the team be better suited to begin planning for a transition to a new signal-caller for 2027? Have your say in the comments section below.