Baker Mayfield Negotiates New Deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, 31, is in contract talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of his 2027 contract year. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the team set a tentative Tuesday deadline, though both sides expect negotiations to extend beyond that date. The Buccaneers remain optimistic but are unlikely to meet all of Mayfield’s financial requests.

If a new agreement is not reached, Tampa Bay could apply the franchise tag for the 2027 season, which would pay Mayfield roughly $47‑$48 million. Mayfield, a former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, has previously played for Cleveland, Carolina, Los Angeles and signed a one‑year, $8.5 million deal with Tampa Bay for 2023 before a three‑year, $100 million extension in 2024 that includes $30 million in guarantees for 2026. In 2025 he started all 17 games, completing 63.2% of passes for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, plus 55 rushes for 382 yards and one rushing touchdown.