Baker Mayfield Drops Disappointing Update on His Buccaneers Contract

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield signed a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract before the 2024 season, and he's only got one more year left before he becomes a free agent again.

Mayfield has made it clear he wants to stay put, telling reporters on Friday he and his family have put down roots in Tampa and consider the community their home.

But he also admitted that as far as working toward signing an extension with the Bucs, there's unfortunately been no progress at all.

"Contract stuff - it's happening, it's starting, the talks and what not," Mayfield stated. "But [we're] not anywhere close to what we were thinking. So, I'd to be here long-term, but right now that's not the case. I'm under contract for 2026 and the guys in that locker room and that staff know that I'm still going to do everything I can to win a Super Bowl. To me, that's the priority. Everything else will take care of itself.

"Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline: As soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing any contract stuff. It’s all ball. It’s not up to me when that gets done by. So hopefully before that. If not - still going to have a good year."

The Bucs likely won't be picking high enough in the 2027 draft to land one of the elite QB prospects - Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, C.J. Carr, and LaNorris Sellers, who all are projected to be top-10 picks - and the 2027 free-agent class leaves much to be desired.

Deshaun Watson, Justin Fields, Anthony Richardson, and Mac Jones are the top QBs expected to be available next offseason, so it would behoove the Bucs to keep Mayfield around given the alternatives.

In three seasons with the Bucs, Mayfield has thrown for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions with a 97.4 passer rating and a 27-24 record as the starter while making two Pro Bowls. He's also led them to two division titles and two playoff appearances.

If on the off chance Tampa lets Mayfield get to free agency, there are several teams - the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers - that could potentially be interested in him.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 5:59 PM.