{"id":294084,"date":"2026-07-27T09:00:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T13:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=294084"},"modified":"2026-07-27T06:47:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:47:57","slug":"mayfields-contract-negotiations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/07\/27\/mayfields-contract-negotiations\/","title":{"rendered":"Baker Mayfield\u2019s Contract Negotiations Are Heating Up With the Clock Ticking Before Training Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

With veterans reporting to Buccaneers training camp this week, the reporting around Baker Mayfield\u2019s contract negotiations <\/a>has heated up.<\/p>\n

Baker Mayfield\u2019s Contract Negotiations Are Heating Up With the Clock Ticking Before Training Camp<\/h2>\n

In June, the uncertainty surrounding Mayfield\u2019s contract extension grew when he shared that his team and the Bucs weren\u2019t \u201canywhere close\u201d to a new deal.<\/a><\/p>\n

That same day, Mayfield said he wouldn\u2019t partake in any back-and-forth regarding a new extension once training camp starts. Now we\u2019re reaching the 11th hour, with the Bucs\u2019 veterans reporting to One Buc Place on Tuesday and practice beginning Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The Bucs are hoping to get a deal done before the season starts. NFL insider Albert Breer reported<\/a> last week that \u201cthe Buccaneers are prepared to dive in on negotiations this week.\u201d That report came a week ago, and no deal has been reached.<\/p>\n

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Why Isn\u2019t Mayfield’s Contract Deal Getting Done?<\/h3>\n

Mayfield\u2019s contract negotiations are a tricky situation for the Bucs\u2019 front office.<\/p>\n

The ups and downs of Mayfield\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However, Mayfield has been remarkably consistent since becoming the Bucs\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

That stability has led Mayfield to seek an annual salary of $50 million or more in his next contract.<\/a> Twelve quarterbacks currently earn at least $50 million per year, while Mayfield ranks 16th in average annual salary among quarterbacks.<\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Jeremy Fowler Reveals Key Details About Mayfield\u2019s Contract Negotiations<\/h3>\n

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed new details Sunday about how extension talks could unfold between Mayfield and the Bucs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want to try and get something done, and they are optimistic, but they\u2019re going to have their limits. They\u2019re probably not going to give him everything he wants,\u201d Fowler said about the Bucs\u2019 approach to Mayfield\u2019s next deal.<\/p>\n

\n

-Gonzalez and the corner market
-Diggs\u2019 free agency
-Baker and Bucs on the clock @SportsCenter<\/a> with @RandyScottESPN<\/a> and @KeianaMartinTV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VDHc7oDznq<\/a><\/p>\n

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 26, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n