Jon Gruden makes prediction about Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield contract standoff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield remains in the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024 heading into the club's preseason finale at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Meanwhile, former Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden returned to the broadcast booth for Tampa Bay's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 22. During a Monday appearance on 95.7 FM WDAE radio out of Tampa Bay, Gruden was asked if there is a chance that Mayfield and the Buccaneers could get something done regarding even a short-term contract extension before the club's regular-season opener at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13.

Jon Gruden has "promise" about Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield contract standoff

"I can’t speak like I have any inside scoop, but I will promise you this: they are not very far away," Gruden said, per the JoeBucsFan website. "And I would assure Buccaneers fans this is no distraction for Baker Mayfield whatsoever. This guy is on the rock, man. He is on the bullseye. This guy is really focused, dead set on winning here with Tampa Bay. But I do have a lot of confidence in (general manager) Jason Licht, (team ownership) the Glazers. I think everybody, every party included, wants to get this done."

A recent update indicated that Mayfield may be willing to sign a two-year extension if the two sides can come to an agreement "on total money and guarantees." Meanwhile, JoeBucsFan noted that Gruden and Licht "have a strong relationship" and that Gruden spent time with Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles and others associated with the Buccaneers while preparing to call what became the team's 16-15 win over the Chiefs. 

Jon Gruden has this expectation for how Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield contract saga will end

"I think they’re a lot closer than people realize," Gruden added about contract talks between the Buccaneers and Mayfield. "But I would expect it to get done, indeed." 

Licht suggested that he was still hopeful that the Buccaneers and Mayfield could ink a deal before Tampa Bay plays in Cincinnati. Perhaps the Buccaneers will have some Mayfield-related news to share before their matchup in Jacksonville on Aug. 28.