Buccaneers Guarantee $30M for Baker Mayfield in 2026 Contract Restructure

Baker Mayfield’s contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is set to expire after the 2026 season, but the team has recently made changes to his deal. Via Fox Sports Greg Auman, Initially, the 2026 season had no guaranteed money, but the Buccaneers have since restructured his contract to include $30 million in guaranteed salary for that year.

This move provides financial security for Mayfield and reflects the team’s confidence in him as their quarterback. Mayfield’s original three-year, $100 million contract was signed in March 2024, with $40 million of his 2026 salary previously being unguaranteed.

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Mayfield announced that the team has restructured his contract to guarantee $30 million of his $40 million salary for the 2026 season. The restructure provides Mayfield with financial security, but doesn’t extend his current deal beyond its expiration after the 2026 season.

The Buccaneers’ decision to guarantee $30 million of Baker Mayfield’s 2026 salary shows their commitment to him as quarterback. After a career-best season in 2024, if Mayfield maintains his performance, a contract extension beyond 2026 is likely. Mayfield has expressed his satisfaction with the team and desire to stay, aligning with the Buccaneers’ goal of winning

“Right now, I’m under contract through ’26.” Mayfield said during an interview with CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco. “So it was really just about getting guaranteed money for ’26, and they did that. And that’s all I can ask for… I trust this place. I love being here. Obviously, used to bouncing around. I’ve done that before, but I don’t want to leave.”

Despite some turnover issues, Mayfield has impressed with 8,554 yards and 69 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The Buccaneers have dominated the NFC South for four consecutive years, and with Baker Mayfield at the helm, expectations are high for another championship season in 2025. Mayfield’s performance will be crucial to the team’s success, and he’s likely to enter contract extension discussions after the season.

Fortunately for Mayfield, his financial future is secure for the next two years, thanks to a recent contract restructuring that guarantees $30 million of his 2026 salary. General Manager Jason Licht has expressed the team’s commitment to keeping Mayfield as their long-term quarterback solution, and a strong season could accelerate extension talks.