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NFL Announces Punishment Decision for Baker Mayfield Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 5:56 PM ET

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs. The Bucs finished second in the NFC South and 10th in the division with an 8-9 record. The Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Mayfield played all 17 games for Tampa this season, registering 343-of-543 completed passes (63.2%) for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback also had 55 carries for 382 yards and one rushing touchdown.

Mayfield was involved in a contentious incident in the Buccaneers’ last game against the Carolina Panthers. The former PWFA Rookie of the Year got into a heated argument with Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson, and the incident has now resulted in a fine from the league.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after an NFL game.Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Mayfield led the Buccaneers to victory in their last game of the season, 16-14. He logged 16-of-22 completed passes for 203 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The 30-year-old also added 31 yards on the ground on four carries.

The Mayfield-Jackson incident happened early in the game. The Buccaneers QB ran out of bounds for an 8-yard gain at the 3:23 mark of the first quarter. Jackson delivered a hard hit on Mayfield, prompting a heated exchange between them.

The referees called a taunting penalty on Jackson, resulting in a 15-yard gain for Tampa.

Baker Mayfield and Mike Jackson jawing after a collision

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After reviewing the play, the NFL Officiating Department decided to fine Jackson for his actions during the game. The Panthers CB was hit with a $11,593 unsportsmanlike conduct fine for taunting. The NFL announced the decision on Saturday via the gameday accountability report.

Jackson, currently in his seventh NFL season and his second with Carolina, was also fined $20,611 for impermissible use of the helmet last season. His fine against Mayfield and the Buccaneers is his second in his career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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