Ian Rapoport gives grim update on Baker Mayfield's contract talks

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Ian Rapoport gives grim update on Baker Mayfield's contract talks

By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 18, 2026 11:26 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are less than two weeks away from the start of training camp.

That means the clock is ticking, and Baker Mayfield still hasn't gotten the deal he's looking for.

The former No. 1 pick let it be known that he wouldn't negotiate a new deal after the start of training camp, meaning he's getting dangerously close to playing on the final year of his contract before hitting free agency in 2027.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, both sides have been in constant talks recently, but the situation still hasn't changed.

Baker Mayfield may not get a new deal before training camp

“They have had conversations; they have had extensive talks. Does not feel to me like they’re close, and this deadline is coming,” Rapoport said on “The Insiders.”

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: A robust discussion on #Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, his contract and his status with @Sara_Walsh and @wyche89. pic.twitter.com/l0iyKLW7jY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2026

Mayfield is reportedly looking to get top dollar and make at least $55 million a year.

He has led the Buccaneers to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, and he threw for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 picks last season. Injuries derailed the team's aspirations, but he played well enough when they were at full strength.

Consistency has never been Mayfield's strength, and that, plus his reluctance to avoid hits, might raise concerns in Florida about a potential long-term pact.

Even so, he's held his end of the bargain after signing a three-year, $100 million contract that may have saved his spiraling career, and he's by far the Buccaneers' best option right now.

The clock is ticking, and these sides aren't seeing eye to eye. And as much as they could always get a deal done during the season, it looks like they could be heading toward divorce.

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

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