Time is running out for the Buccaneers to work out a Baker Mayfield extension if he holds firm on his self-imposed negotiating deadline. Training camp is approaching, but another round of contract talks should be forthcoming.
Tampa Bay is “prepared to dive in on” negotiations this week, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. Earlier this offseason, Mayfield stated he would not discuss an extension once training camp started. As Breer notes, though, the Buccaneers have a history under general manager Jason Licht of finalizing deals during camp.
If that trend is to continue in Mayfield’s case, progress will need to be made in short order. The Bucs’ initial extension offer was not close to the asking price from Mayfield’s camp, and a gap remains between the two sides at this point. Per Breer, a counteroffer had not been presented when Tampa’s QB1 spoke about contract talks last month. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see if traction can be gained over the coming days.
Mayfield thrived during his Bucs campaign, substantially outperforming the $4MM flier Tampa Bay took on him. That deal was followed by a three-year, $100MM pact which is set to expire after the 2026 season. Mayfield is in line for a raise on his next contract, one which could add him to the list of passers averaging $50MM or more per year. There are currently 12 signal-callers carrying an average annual value of at least $51MM.
Across his three Tampa Bay seasons, Mayfield has yet to miss a start. Injuries are a factor being weighed by the team, however, and the 31-year-old dealt with a number of nagging ailments last season. A strong start in 2025 was ultimately undone, and the Buccaneers missed the playoffs with a record of 8-9. Better health on offense would go a long way in helping Tampa Bay rebound, but Mayfield’s level of play would become a major talking point during the season if he were enter the year as a pending free agent.
Breer predicts a deal will indeed get done this summer. Another three-year accord, this time worth $165MM (or a similar figure) likely represents a logical baseline in this case, he adds. A desire to finalize an extension has long been mutual, and a new effort to finish negotiations with an agreement being reached will take place over the coming days.
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