Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers stall on contract extension

Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay Buccaneers contract dispute two‑year extension franchise tag

Quarterback Baker Mayfield set a self‑imposed deadline for a new deal before the start of training camp, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not present an offer he deemed satisfactory. Mayfield said the negotiations stalled, leaving him feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued.”

The Buccaneers offered a two‑year extension worth just over $100 million total, which Mayfield rejected in favor of a longer‑term contract. As a result, he will play out the final year of his three‑year, $100 million contract, which averages $33.3 million per season with up to $28 million in the last year. The team could apply the 2027 franchise tag, projected to cost roughly $50 million‑plus, but the tag has been used four times in the past five years.

Mayfield, a two‑time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Buccaneers to consecutive NFC South titles, emphasized that he remains focused on football despite the dispute.

Entities: 2027 franchise tag · Baker Mayfield · Jason Licht · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Todd Bowles

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 5 SOURCES] Mayfield will play out the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract. (supporting_article_ids)
[● 7 SOURCES] Mayfield set a deadline for a contract agreement by the start of training camp. (supporting_article_ids)
[● 5 SOURCES] Buccaneers offered Mayfield a two‑year contract extension before camp. (supporting_article_ids)
[● 2 SOURCES] A 2027 franchise tag on Mayfield would cost about $50 million plus. (supporting_article_ids)
[● 7 SOURCES] Mayfield felt disrespected by Buccaneers ownership after failing to agree on a new contract. (supporting_article_ids)
[● 4 SOURCES] Mayfield is a two‑time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the Buccaneers to consecutive NFC South titles. (supporting_article_ids)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea requested a trade after his own contract talks stalled. (team reports)
[● 4 SOURCES] Mayfield's current contract averages $33.3 million per season, with up to $28 million in the final year. (supporting_article_ids)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Buccaneers have used the franchise tag four times in the past five years. (supporting_article_ids)