Buccaneers GM: Team Seeking Long-Term Deal With Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have never maintained a long-term quarterback partnership, with no player starting more than six seasons at the position. That history frames the team’s current situation as it evaluates Baker Mayfield’s future.

Vinny Testaverde, a former No. 1 overall pick, remains the longest-tenured starting quarterback in franchise history, departing in free agency in 1993. Trent Dilfer matched that six-year span before leaving in 2000 after an injury-shortened 1999 season. Doug Williams played five seasons in Tampa before a contract dispute led to his 1983 exit. Super Bowl XXXVII starter Brad Johnson spent four seasons with the team.

Ryan Griffin, despite never starting a game, is technically the longest-tenured quarterback in franchise history at seven years from 2015 to 2021.

Mayfield Positioned for Long-Term Extension in Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield is currently under contract for one more season, which would mark his fourth year with the Buccaneers. The organization has designs on positioning him to become its longest-tenured quarterback in franchise history.

Talks of a Mayfield extension have surfaced multiple times this offseason. While negotiations have not formally begun, general manager Jason Licht said the quarterback situation is “at the forefront of our minds” and added that “nobody here wants Baker playing for any other team.”

Mayfield Contract Details and Cap Implications

Mayfield is playing on a three-year, $100 million contract that includes a $39.98 million cap hit in 2026. The Buccaneers guaranteed $30 million of his 2026 compensation last summer, providing security after his career resurgence in Tampa.

The contract includes two void years. If no extension is reached before the 2027 league year, the Buccaneers would incur $30.15 million in dead cap.

That figure is similar to the cap impact Tampa Bay faced following Tom Brady’s second retirement in 2023.

Performance Trends and Team Context

Mayfield initially joined the Buccaneers on an incentive-laden deal worth $4 million in base salary after Brady’s departure, with the team avoiding major quarterback investments due to salary cap constraints.

After a bounce-back 2023 season, he signed his current contract ahead of 2024 free agency. Under offensive coordinator Liam Coen in 2024, Mayfield threw 41 touchdowns and completed 71% of his passes.

In 2025, his production declined, with yards per attempt dropping from 7.9 to 6.8 and completion percentage falling to 63%. The Buccaneers also dealt with significant injuries to key players, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, and multiple offensive linemen.

Coaching Changes and Organizational Direction

The Buccaneers replaced offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard with Zac Robinson this offseason, with input from Mayfield in the hiring process.

Despite the regression in 2025, the organization is prepared to give Mayfield another opportunity to lead the offense.

Extension Outlook and Market Implications

The Buccaneers have often allowed key players to enter contract years before addressing extensions, but it would be notable if Mayfield reached Week 1 without a new deal. At age 31, he would become a free agent in 2027 if no extension is completed.

Mayfield’s current deal ranks 16th among quarterbacks in average annual value. The two-year, $88 million contract given to Daniel Jones could influence negotiations.

Only a small number of quarterbacks over 30 have secured $50 million-per-year extensions, including Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. Mayfield is viewed as a candidate to surpass Daniel Jones’ benchmark on his next deal.

Sam Darnold’s camp is also expected to monitor the situation. The Buccaneers could use the franchise tag if needed, but the combination of cap implications and dead money gives Mayfield leverage heading into future negotiations.