Why Baker Mayfield may 'drive a hard bargain' amid contract standoff with Buccaneers

A recent update revealed that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield "are not close yet" to coming to terms on a contract extension.

Mayfield remains in the final year of his existing deal, and it's unknown just how much guaranteed money beyond 2026 the Buccaneers are willing to commit to him. On Wednesday, former agent and current CBS Sports NFL contracts and salary-cap expert Joel Corry explained why Mayfield may not be in a rush to give the Buccaneers a hometown discount. 

Baker Mayfield may have millions of reasons to bet on himself

"There could be a massive shift in the marketplace," Corry wrote. "Lamar Jackson will be in a contract year in 2027. 2024 draft picks, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix will be eligible for contract extensions. At least one of the five should reset the quarterback market by eclipsing [Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes'] recent deal, averaging $63,093,750 per year. Mayfield could be the beneficiary under the premise that a rising tide lifts all boats. He might be more inclined to drive a hard bargain rather than find middle ground after having to incur the risk of injury and poor performance during the 2026 season while playing out his contract."

Meanwhile, a June report claimed that the Buccaneers "are concerned about one element of [Mayfield's] game he continues to neglect: his health." Mayfield was dinged up in the latter portions of each of the past three seasons. Most recently, he suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 of the 2025 campaign that seemed to negatively affect his play as the Buccaneers went from 6-2 to 8-9.

Why Baker Mayfield may not fear the franchise tag

Questions about whether or not the Buccaneers would use the franchise tag to retain Mayfield's rights for 2027 could grow louder if he doesn't sign an extension before Week 1 of the upcoming season arrives. Corry suggested that Mayfield may not lose sleep over possibly being tagged early next year. 

"The average of two franchise tags in 2027 and 2028 wouldn't be any lower than $51.447M per year," Corry added. "This number is in line with the higher end of the middle ground range. Patience could be Mayfield's best friend if his situation results in a franchise tag next year."