Buccaneers GM responds to Baker Mayfield’s critical comments

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Buccaneers GM responds to Baker Mayfield’s critical comments

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Aug 6, 2026 3:38 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht responded to the public comments made by quarterback Baker Mayfield about his contract situation.

Licht tried to be diplomatic on Thursday as he made comments about Mayfield’s public dissatisfaction with the Buccaneers’ contract offer, as well as the quarterback’s stated feelings of disrespect. Licht affirmed that the Buccaneers do see Mayfield as a franchise quarterback, and that the two sides are in a “good place.”

“Baker, as we all know here, is a very fiery competitor who’s not afraid to speak his mind,” Licht said, via Greg Auman of FOX Sports. “I’m sure he’s disappointed, frustrated; we were too. We’re in a good place. He’s focused on having the best year of his career.”

Licht on how candid Mayfield was about not getting a deal: "Baker, as we all know here, is a very fiery competitor who's not afraid to speak his mind. I'm sure he's disappointed, frustrated; we were too. We're in a good place. He's focused on having the best year of his career."
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 6, 2026

Mayfield made waves when he accused the Bucs of disrespecting him during contract negotiations, which ultimately did not yield a new long-term deal. The quarterback is in the final year of the $100 million contract he signed three years ago, and he indicated that the team was unwilling to break the $50 million annual salary mark for him.

While Licht is being diplomatic in public, there have been reports that the Buccaneers were privately less-than-thrilled with Mayfield’s public commentary. Still, the quarterback is going to play out the final year of his current deal, so things are not that toxic at the moment.

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