Buccaneers get more bad news about Baker Mayfield's contract situation

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Buccaneers get more bad news about Baker Mayfield's contract situation

By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 9:03 AM ET

Months ago, Baker Mayfield set a clear deadline for his contract negotiations.

The former No. 1 pick told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he would only discuss a new contract until the start of training camp.

That date arrived, and Mayfield doubled down on his stance, admitting he felt disrespected and undervalued by the organization.

That's why, as much as some think he may change his stance and pick up talks at some point in the season, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport isn't so sure.

Baker Mayfield won't reconsider his stance on contract negotiations

“No, I would say this. Baker Mayfield is a man of his word,” Rapoport said when asked whether Mayfield could be bluffing. “When he talks about cutting off contract negotiations when the preseason starts, doesn’t want to think about it, only wants to think about football, I believe him.”

From Inside Training Camp Live: Talking #Bucs, as the focus on their two contract situations continue… pic.twitter.com/mh9JBiCcQs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2026

Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay when it seemed that he was poised for a backup role for the remainder of his playing days.

He's been a bit of a mixed bag in Florida, alternating MVP-caliber performances with head-turning ones, but he's become a vocal leader in the organization, playing through injury and leading by example.

Mayfield is reportedly aiming for at least $50 million a year, which isn't unreasonable when compared to some of his colleagues.

That said, the Buccaneers also have every right to be skeptical about his ability to lead the team to the Super Bowl, given his history of inconsistency.

Still, Mayfield has all the leverage in this situation, and there should be plenty of quarterback-needy teams willing to give him a chance in the offseason.

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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