Buccaneers Continue Prioritizing Baker Mayfield Extension

When Baker Mayfield arrived in Tampa Bay, expectations were modest. The former No. 1 overall pick faced questions about whether he could still handle starting quarterback duties in the NFL.

Mayfield answered those doubts quickly during the 2023 season while playing on a one-year, $4 million contract. His performance helped establish himself as Tampa Bay’s long-term answer under center, leading to a three-year, $100 million deal with the Buccaneers.

Last summer, the Buccaneers reinforced their commitment to Mayfield by guaranteeing much of his 2026 compensation. He is scheduled to earn $40 million this season while carrying a similar cap hit.

Buccaneers Leadership Confident in New Baker Mayfield Deal

Tampa Bay leadership has continued expressing confidence that another extension will eventually get done.

Buccaneers co-owner Joel Glazer spoke publicly in April about Mayfield’s importance to the franchise and his willingness to approve another major contract. General manager Jason Licht later confirmed that extending Mayfield remains one of the organization’s top priorities.

A new agreement before training camp would not be surprising.

Baker Mayfield Produced Career Numbers in Tampa Bay

Mayfield has delivered some of the best production of his career since joining Tampa Bay.

After setting a career high in passing yards during the 2023 season, he surpassed that total again in 2024. He also posted personal bests in touchdown passes with 41 and passer rating at 106.8.

Those performances earned Mayfield Pro Bowl selections in consecutive seasons and elevated expectations entering 2025.

At one point, Mayfield entered early MVP discussions before injuries across Tampa Bay’s offense slowed production later in the year. Defensive struggles also contributed to the Buccaneers missing the postseason despite competing in an NFC South where every team finished with a losing record.

Buccaneers Make Offensive Coordinator Change

Tampa Bay also made changes to its coaching staff during the offseason.

Zac Robinson replaced Josh Grizzard as offensive coordinator, with Mayfield reportedly involved in the process. Robinson and Mayfield previously crossed paths with the Rams organization and will now attempt to build long-term continuity together.

That stability could become important for Mayfield, who has dealt with frequent coaching changes throughout his NFL career.

Baker Mayfield Extension Could Become Expensive

The quarterback market continues climbing across the league.

Dak Prescott currently leads the market at $60 million annually after signing his 2024 extension. Nine quarterbacks now average at least $51 million per season.

Earlier this offseason, the Colts signed Daniel Jones to a two-year contract worth $88 million with nearly $50 million fully guaranteed.

Those deals create an important framework for Mayfield’s next contract, whether Tampa Bay prefers a short-term extension or a longer commitment.

Buccaneers Face Long-Term Quarterback Decision

One major factor working in Mayfield’s favor is durability. He has started every game since arriving in Tampa Bay despite dealing with injuries earlier in his career.

Still, the Buccaneers have posted a 27-24 record over the last three seasons with only one playoff victory during that span.

If Tampa Bay eventually allowed Mayfield to play out his current contract, the team would absorb more than $30 million in dead money. However, that approach could also open the door for the franchise to pursue another veteran quarterback or draft a younger replacement.

At the moment, though, the Buccaneers do not appear to have a long-term successor in place. That reality continues pointing toward another significant investment in Mayfield’s future.