Buccaneers' Jason Licht shares major Baker Mayfield update amid contract standoff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn't hidden on multiple occasions that he isn't thrilled he hasn't yet received a contract extension offer to his liking.

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht offered some noteworthy updates on Mayfield's situation. 

Buccaneers ready to use this tool to hold onto Baker Mayfield

A June report indicated that the Buccaneers wouldn't want to use the franchise tag to retain Mayfield's rights for 2027. According to NFL reporter Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Licht said on Thursday that using the franchise tag to hold onto Mayfield next year is something the Buccaneers "could do if they needed to." Licht also insisted that the team's goal "is still working out a long-term extension" with Mayfield. 

On July 31, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared that the Buccaneers offered Mayfield "a two-year extension." Mayfield told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that he "felt the guarantees were low on both the initial offer and a second offer," and that he wanted "a longer commitment than two years."

Mayfield also seems serious about ceasing contract talks with the Buccaneers until after the upcoming season ends. 

Jason Licht makes Buccaneers' feelings on Baker Mayfield clear

"I’m not going to get into specifics about the contract and all that stuff, but yeah, we do think he is [a franchise quarterback]," Licht added, per the JoeBucsFan website. "And we love Baker. Our feelings for Baker haven’t changed." 

Licht noted that Mayfield "is in a great place" despite clearly feeling disrespected by what he was offered during the offseason. 

"I’ve had discussions with him," Licht continued. "He’s focused on winning. I’ve never seen him this focused." 

According to JoeBucsFan, Licht also said that Mayfield "is focused on having the best year of his career." If such a scenario plays out, it sounds like Licht won't let Mayfield hit the open market in March 2027 even if the two sides fail to come to terms on an extension.