Bucs and Baker Mayfield at impasse over contract, trade rumors swirl

Negotiations between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield have stalled ahead of the July 28 training‑camp start, leaving the QB on an expiring contract for the 2026 season. Mayfield, the league's 16th‑highest paid quarterback, posted a 4,500‑yard, 41‑touchdown season in 2024 and is reportedly seeking a raise beyond his three‑year, $100 million deal.

NFL insiders suggest he could forgo a higher offer from Tampa Bay to join another team that values him, even at a lower salary, to “stick it to” the Buccaneers. Trade speculation has linked Mayfield with the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets, with the Buccaneers potentially receiving draft assets in return. The deadlock raises uncertainty over Mayfield’s 2026 role and the franchise’s quarterback plans for the future.