Alarming update about contract talks between Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield emerges

A recent update suggested that Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will not receive his desired contract extension anytime soon and may have to play through the 2026 season while in the final year of his existing deal. 

For an NFL Network update shared on Wednesday, league insider Tom Pelissero gave Buccaneers fans some bad news about a situation that could hover over the franchise for the foreseeable future. 

Nothing has changed regarding situation involving Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield?

"[Mayfield] said back at minicamp a couple of weeks ago that the sides had not made any progress on a contract extension," Pelissero explained, per the JoeBucsFan website. "My understanding as of [Wednesday] is that they’re still in the same spot. It’s not about whether the Bucs want Baker Mayfield back or Mayfield wants to stay in Tampa. As it often is, this comes down to what does the value look like on a potential new deal?"

Ahead of the NFL's summer break, Mayfield insisted that uncertainty about his future will not "affect how" he approaches featuring for the Buccaneers through the upcoming campaign. As Grant Gordon of the NFL's website and others have pointed out, Tampa Bay could retain Mayfield's rights for 2027 via the franchise tag if necessary. 

Does Baker Mayfield feel underpaid this summer?

A previous report indicated that Mayfield may want at least $50M per year attached to his next extension. It's unknown how much guaranteed money or how many years his camp has asked for during negotiations. 

"Among the 16 veteran quarterbacks who are on franchise-type contracts, Baker is the lowest paid," Pelissero added. "So, how far should he jump at a time the top of the market is basically double what he’s making right now? The sides are not on the same page on that."

Alleged concerns about how Mayfield has continued "to neglect" his health via his "UFC" playing style may have something to do with why he and the Buccaneers "are not on the same page" regarding a possible extension. According to the NFL's website, veteran Tampa Bay players are due to report for training camp on July 28. 

It remains to be seen whether Mayfield will truly shut down talks with the Buccaneers if he doesn't sign an extension by that date.