Baker Mayfield admission may explain Buccaneers' alleged concerns amid contract standoff

A June report claimed that people within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were "concerned" that quarterback Baker Mayfield may continue "to neglect" his health via his "UFC" playing style in future seasons. 

The fact that Mayfield remains in the final year of his existing deal could lead one to believe such worries do exist among noteworthy members of the Buccaneers. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Mayfield admitted during the upcoming season of Netflix's "Quarterback" series that he was more banged up last fall than outsiders knew. 

How hurt was Baker Mayfield during 2025 NFL season? 

It was no secret that Mayfield suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 of the 2025 campaign that impacted his play as the Buccaneers went from 6-2 to 8-9. Per Stroud, Mayfield said during the show that he played with a sprained MCL and PCL from Week 2 of last season through early January. 

"He also had a bad biceps contusion that...affected his velocity," Stroud added about Mayfield.

Mayfield was dinged up during each of his first three seasons with Tampa Bay. Before that, he dealt with a serious injury to his non-throwing shoulder during his final campaign as a member of the Cleveland Browns (2021).

Did Buccaneers break NFL rules regarding Baker Mayfield's injuries? 

The Buccaneers were accused of breaking NFL rules when they allegedly hid certain ailments that legendary quarterback Tom Brady dealt with during his time with the club. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Mayfield's knee injury wasn’t listed on official injury reports last season until Week 5.

"Here’s the full breakdown of the 10 weeks in which Mayfield appeared on the injury report," Florio wrote. "Week 3 (foot/toe), Week 4 (right biceps), Week 5 (right knee/biceps), Week 8 (knee), Week 10 (knee/oblique), Week 12 (illness), Week 13 (left shoulder), Week 14 (left shoulder), Week 15 (left shoulder), Week 18 (right shoulder/knee)." 

Teams have been fined for violating the NFL's injury report policy in the past. It remains to be seen if the Buccaneers will hear from the league regarding Mayfield's revelations this summer.