Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield shares fresh warning for NFL amid his uncertain future

The contract situation involving quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to be the biggest story hovering over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the club's regular-season opener at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. 

As of when Mayfield spoke with reporters on Tuesday, he remained in the final year of his existing contract. At that time, he shared somewhat of a warning for the rest of the NFL regarding what he and the Buccaneers could achieve through January 2027. 

Baker Mayfield: Buccaneers will "shock a lot of people" during the 2026 season

"You’re with your guys, and it’s just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you’re going to, and so I think it’s a good opportunity for us against the Bengals," Mayfield said about Tampa Bay's Week 1 matchup, per the JoeBucsFan website. "I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year. And so I’m excited." 

Ever since longtime Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, numerous members of the NFL community have said the Tampa Bay roster is worse off than it was when the club entered its Week 9 bye of the 2025 season at 6-2. 

Following that break, the Buccaneers notched just two victories en route to missing the playoffs. Mayfield suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 of the campaign, and alleged concerns about his health may be impacting what the Buccaneers have offered him during contract negotiations. 

Baker Mayfield hits out at preseason forecasts

As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Buccaneers at -136 betting odds to finish the upcoming campaign with fewer than 8.5 regular-season wins. DraftKings Sportsbook also had Tampa Bay as the overall favorite at +170 odds to claim the NFC South division title for the season. 

"You can’t avoid it," Mayfield added about what is being said and written about the Buccaneers this summer. "The TVs everywhere. Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record." 

It's no secret that Mayfield seemingly welcomes the opportunity to play with a chip on his shoulder whenever possible. It sounds like he's already working to fire himself up for the game at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium.