Interesting update on Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield contract talks emerges

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and disgruntled defensive tackle Vita Vea recently agreed to a short-term fix regarding his playing future. Thus, the biggest contract-related issue hovering over the club this summer is the fact that quarterback Baker Mayfield remains in the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024.

During an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," NFL insider Mike Garafolo of ESPN/NFL Network shared more information about contract talks that previously occurred involving Mayfield's camp and the Buccaneers. 

Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield went "back and forth" during contract talks

"They did go back and forth," Garafolo said about the Buccaneers and Mayfield, per the JoeBucsFan website. "Like Baker Mayfield and his camp did respond to the Buccaneers’ two-year offer with their own two-year proposal as well." 

Back in late July, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t Jenna Laine) reported that the Buccaneers offered Mayfield "a two-year deal worth slightly above $100M in total." Mayfield allegedly "felt the structure of the contract was not suitable, mainly the guaranteed money."

Earlier this month, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said that "we felt on our end it was a strong offer that represented a franchise quarterback." While Mayfield has told anybody who will listen he isn't thrilled he hasn't yet received an offer to his liking, he has also made it known that he is fully dedicated to trying to lead the Buccaneers back to the playoffs this season. 

Is there a Buccaneers-Baker Mayfield deal to be done? 

"It’s not like they said, 'We are adamantly opposed to a two-year extension,'" Garafolo added about Mayfield's camp. "It’s just once those numbers started to go back and forth, they couldn’t get to an agreement on total money and guarantees."

Garafolo's update would lead one to believe that Mayfield and the Buccaneers could potentially reach an agreement regarding a short-term extension before Tampa Bay opens the regular season with a matchup at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. Mayfield previously insisted he wouldn't continue contract talks after training camp got underway, but such words could prove to be an empty threat.

Earlier this month, the agent for Vea warned that he didn't see Vea's situation "ending in anything but a trade at this point." While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Vea said he "always wanted to be a Buc" and "wanted to be a Buc for life." 

Perhaps the saga involving Mayfield will have a similar outcome.