With veterans reporting to Buccaneers training camp this week, the reporting around Baker Mayfield’s contract negotiations has heated up.
Baker Mayfield’s Contract Negotiations Are Heating Up With the Clock Ticking Before Training Camp
In June, the uncertainty surrounding Mayfield’s contract extension grew when he shared that his team and the Bucs weren’t “anywhere close” to a new deal.
That same day, Mayfield said he wouldn’t partake in any back-and-forth regarding a new extension once training camp starts. Now we’re reaching the 11th hour, with the Bucs’ veterans reporting to One Buc Place on Tuesday and practice beginning Wednesday.
The Bucs are hoping to get a deal done before the season starts. NFL insider Albert Breer reported last week that “the Buccaneers are prepared to dive in on negotiations this week.” That report came a week ago, and no deal has been reached.
Why Isn’t Mayfield’s Contract Deal Getting Done?
Mayfield’s contract negotiations are a tricky situation for the Bucs’ front office.
The ups and downs of Mayfield’s career are well documented. He had prolific 2018 and 2020 seasons, combining for 53 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. But in 2019 and 2021, he struggled, combining for 39 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.
Then there was the 2022 roller coaster. Mayfield was benched and released by the Panthers after posting 1,313 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games. After being released, he signed with the Rams and started four games, throwing for 850 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions while appearing in five games.
However, Mayfield has been remarkably consistent since becoming the Bucs’ starter in 2023. He has started all 51 possible games since taking over the job. He ranks second in the NFL with 95 passing touchdowns and third with 12,237 passing yards since the start of the 2023 season.
That stability has led Mayfield to seek an annual salary of $50 million or more in his next contract. Twelve quarterbacks currently earn at least $50 million per year, while Mayfield ranks 16th in average annual salary among quarterbacks.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Reveals Key Details About Mayfield’s Contract Negotiations
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed new details Sunday about how extension talks could unfold between Mayfield and the Bucs.
“They want to try and get something done, and they are optimistic, but they’re going to have their limits. They’re probably not going to give him everything he wants,” Fowler said about the Bucs’ approach to Mayfield’s next deal.
-Gonzalez and the corner market
-Diggs’ free agency
-Baker and Bucs on the clock @SportsCenter with @RandyScottESPN and @KeianaMartinTV pic.twitter.com/VDHc7oDznq— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 26, 2026
Fowler also said Mayfield’s training camp deadline could be more of an “artificial deadline,” noting the sides could still continue negotiating after Mayfield reports to training camp Tuesday.
Tampa Bay is surely motivated to keep Mayfield. The Bucs have cycled through mediocre quarterback play for much of the franchise’s existence. The level of play Mayfield has provided since taking over as the starter has been far better than what most quarterbacks wearing red and pewter — or even Florida orange and white — have produced.
Another interesting point Fowler made was that “Mayfield is not scared of the franchise tag.”
If the Bucs and Mayfield can’t agree to an extension, Tampa Bay could use the franchise tag, which would likely put his 2027 salary between $47 million and $48 million.
“This is a guy who’s bet on himself before. He’s not afraid to now,” Fowler said.
The stage is set. Mayfield is looking to cash in the biggest contract of his career. The Bucs are trying to lock down one of the most productive quarterbacks in the franchise’s history.
Both sides have repeatedly expressed a desire to get a deal done during this process. Now it’s just about meeting in the middle.
And the clock is ticking.
