How Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield contract saga could turn ugly

Back in February, Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said that "everything’s on the table right now" as it pertains to keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield with the club beyond the 2026 season. 

Mayfield and the Buccaneers agreed to a three-year contract back in March 2024, and some have pointed out that Tampa Bay could save some money by signing Mayfield to an extension this spring. However, there's no indication the sides are all that close to putting pen to paper on a deal. 

For a piece published on Tuesday, The Athletic's Jeff Howe suggested that the situation involving Mayfield and the Buccaneers could turn a bit ugly.

Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield both have options this offseason

"Mayfield should be very much aware of his potential market if the Bucs balk at the going rate," Howe wrote. "If he can’t reach a long-term deal this offseason, don’t be surprised if he adjusts his strategy to negotiate a clause that prevents the Bucs from using the franchise tag on him in 2027. It wouldn’t come with the desired raise, but it would get him to free agency next offseason. The Bucs could simply refuse and ride it out. The 2027 QB franchise tag is projected to hit $50.746M, according to Over The Cap, so they could lock him in and hope it leads to a new deal." 

Mayfield was viewed as a legitimate Most Valuable Player Award candidate when the 2025 Buccaneers entered their Week 9 bye with a record of 6-2. However, Tampa Bay then fell to 6-5 on the same day Mayfield suffered an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, and the Buccaneers ultimately missed the playoffs by finishing the campaign with a record of 8-9.

Why Baker Mayfield could be eager to reach free agency next year 

The Buccaneers declined to retain wide receiver Mike Evans via the franchise tag this past winter, and it's now believed that he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency because he believes the 49ers will give him a better opportunity to earn a second career Super Bowl ring before he retires. Perhaps Mayfield could have similar thoughts about what Tampa Bay is and isn't under the leadership of Licht and head coach Todd Bowles. 

"Mayfield has a chance to be the first QB to exceed $50M in free agency," Howe added. "Considering the likely competition for his services, it’s not far-fetched to believe he could corral the biggest contract in NFL history. And if quarterback Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams and Mayfield might feel compelled to reunite." 

Mayfield had a brief stint with the Rams during the 2022 season, but it's too early to know what Stafford plans to do beyond the upcoming campaign. Regardless, Mayfield may have to accept playing on the terms of his existing deal this fall if his camp learns the Buccaneers want to punt a decision about his future down the road to early 2027.