Cody Mauch Sends Warning to NFL About Baker Mayfield

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has plenty of motivation heading into the 2026 season, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Cody Mauch believes the NFL should take notice.

Mayfield enters the season with plenty to prove after contract extension talks with Tampa Bay failed to produce a new deal. He is scheduled to play the season on the final year of his current contract, setting up a potentially pivotal year for the veteran quarterback.

That could be exactly what Mayfield needs.

Mauch Expects Mayfield to Explode

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has previously acknowledged that Mayfield appears to have some extra motivation this summer. There is also a belief around the league that Mayfield tends to play his best football when he has something to prove.

Mauch clearly shares that belief.

The Tampa Bay right guard recently delivered a blunt prediction about what could be coming from his quarterback this season.

“HE’S GOING TO GO OFF,” Mauch said about Mayfield via ESPN’s Jenna Laine “… No doubt in my mind, he’s going to go up and [put up MVP or Offensive Player of the Year numbers] and get even more money now.”

Mauch isn’t simply expecting Mayfield to have another productive season.

He believes the quarterback could take his game to an entirely different level.

“I’m excited to see the way Bake uses this year,” Mauch added.

That’s a fascinating prediction considering what’s at stake for Mayfield.

A Massive Season Ahead

Mayfield has established himself as Tampa Bay’s unquestioned starter since joining the Buccaneers. Now, he enters a season that could have significant implications for both his future and his next contract.

A strong 2026 campaign could dramatically change the quarterback’s leverage.

Mauch believes Mayfield understands that opportunity.

“So it’s going to work out better for him in the end,” Mauch said.

The Buccaneers will certainly hope he is right.

Mayfield has already shown he can elevate his play when challenged. With his contract situation unresolved, another motivated version of the quarterback could be exactly what Tampa Bay needs.

Cincinnati Is First Up

Mayfield won’t have to wait long to begin proving Mauch right.

The Buccaneers open their 2026 regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. That matchup will provide Mayfield’s first opportunity to turn all of the offseason motivation into production.

If Mauch’s prediction comes true, the rest of the NFL could have a problem on its hands.

An angry Baker Mayfield is exactly the version Tampa Bay wants leading its offense.