Buccaneers GM Jason Licht shares new Baker Mayfield contract update

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield previously suggested that he did not want contract talks with the club to extend beyond the start of training camp, let alone past the team's Week 1 game at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. 

It sounds like Mayfield and Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht may have an understanding regarding what will and won't be said before the second Sunday of September arrives. 

Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield now "on to Cincinnati?"

As shared by Parker Hurley of Heavy, Licht was asked on Tuesday whether he plans to re-engage in contract talks with Mayfield's camp. 

"We certainly respect him wanting to focus on this season," Licht said about Mayfield. "We’re focused on this season. I’ve been here long enough to know that in this league, you don’t make decisions on what could happen, what will happen, what won’t happen. Right now, I’ve been waiting to say this for a long time – 'It’s on to Cincinnati.'" 

Licht's last line was a reference to a phrase once famously repeated by Bill Belichick when the living legend was serving as the head coach of the New England Patriots. While Licht was able to have some fun during Tuesday's news conference, his team's quarterback situation beyond 2026 is no laughing matter. 

Mayfield is in the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024. While an update from the second half of August indicated the two sides could potentially come to terms on a two-year extension before Week 1, there's now no sign that an agreement is imminent. 

"We love Baker," Licht said about the often-outspoken Mayfield. "There’s nothing fake about Baker. Sometimes I wish there was maybe 10 percent more fake. He’s certainly motivated, and we love that." 

Jason Licht has an interesting answer regarding potential Baker Mayfield concern

A June report claimed that people within the Buccaneers were concerned about Mayfield's "UFC" playing style as it pertains to his worrisome injury history. Most recently, he suffered a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 12 of the 2025 season that impacted his play as Tampa Bay went from 6-2 to 8-9. He also seemingly dealt with a sprained MCL and PCL, along with "a bad biceps contusion." 

On Tuesday, Licht was asked if Mayfield needs to alter his playing style to better protect himself during games. 

"If you would ask him, I’m not sure what the answer would be," Licht responded. "But I think he’s probably pretty mindful of that."

Licht previously made it known he's willing to retain Mayfield's rights for 2027 via the franchise tag. That said, there's still time for the two sides to work something out before Mayfield shifts his focus toward preparing to face Cincinnati in Week 1.