Buccaneers' Todd Bowles breaks silence on Baker Mayfield contract saga

Quarterback Baker Mayfield sparked concerns among pockets of Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans when he said last week that the two sides were "not anywhere close" to putting pen to paper on a contract extension. 

Mayfield remains in the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that there is "absolutely no question" he wants Mayfield to be his long-term starter. 

Tampa Bay signed Bowles and general manager Jason Licht to multiyear contract extensions in June 2025.

Todd Bowles not concerned Baker Mayfield contract saga will cause distraction

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, Bowles also indicated that a potential contract saga involving Mayfield won't negatively impact the signal-caller or the Buccaneers this summer. 

"Baker's all business. He's all about business," Bowles explained. "The contract stuff takes care of itself. That's the business side of it that you don't see, that everybody has to deal with, and I'm sure he'll take care of it, but it doesn't affect his play."

While Mayfield has made it known he doesn't want contract talks to extend beyond the start of training camp in late July, it's believed he may have to wait until around the middle of August to receive an offer he would accept. That said, the Buccaneers could retain Mayfield's rights for 2027 via the franchise tag if he plays well through January. 

Todd Bowles: Baker Mayfield contract situation will take care of itself

While speaking ahead of the first weekend of June, Mayfield insisted that he wants to remain with the Buccaneers past the expiration of his existing contract. Bowles seems confident that his QB1 will eventually put pen to paper on at least a short-term agreement at some point before the 2026 season gets underway. 

"Baker's a true pro," Bowles added. "I don't think there's any disappointment whatsoever. I mean, he loves it here. We love him here. The contract stuff takes care of itself, whether it's the quarterback or any other position that comes up -- those things get worked out over time. You just concentrate on what we got to concentrate on, on the field, and he's been great right there."