Baker Mayfield shares alarming update about contract talks with Buccaneers

A report from earlier this spring indicated that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were prepared to lock quarterback Baker Mayfield down via a new contract extension before the 2026 NFL season gets underway.

However, Mayfield has since remained in the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024. While speaking with reporters on Friday, he offered an update on the situation that could sound some alarms for Tampa Bay fans. 

Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers "not anywhere close" on agreeing to new deal

"First and foremost, regardless, we’ve built roots here in Tampa. We love the community, we love being here. They’ve embraced us," Mayfield explained, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "We enjoy being here and, obviously, are going to raise kids here. But the contract stuff, it’s happening, it’s starting — talks and whatnot. But, not anywhere close to what we were thinking. So, would love to be here long-term, and as of right now, that’s not exactly the case. But I’m under contract for 2026. The guys in that locker room, the staff know that I’m still going to be me — I’m still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. To me, that’s the priority. Everything else will take care of itself."

Mayfield guided the Buccaneers to a pair of division titles and one playoff win over his first two seasons with the organization. However, he suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 of last season amid a Tampa Bay collapse that involved the club going from 6-2 to 8-9 and missing the playoffs. 

Baker Mayfield shares deadline for contract talks with Buccaneers

Some previously suggested that Mayfield could eventually ink a deal similar to the three-year, $100.5M contract that Sam Darnold received from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. It's unknown exactly what kind of guaranteed money Mayfield wants attached to his next extension, but it also sounds like he doesn't want contract talks to drag on through the summer. 

"Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done," Mayfield added during his comments. "But, they know my deadline — as soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing [anymore] contract stuff. It’s all ball. So, it’s not up to me when that gets done by. So, hopefully before that. If not, we’re still going to have a good year." 

There's still plenty of time for the Buccaneers and Mayfield to work something out before training camp practices get underway in late July. If nothing else, Tampa Bay could always retain his rights for 2027 via the franchise tag.