Baker Mayfield's journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been a rollercoaster, but it might be nearing its end. After revitalizing his career in Tampa Bay, Mayfield delivered his best NFL season in 2023, steering the Bucs to the divisional round. While he hasn't replicated that success, he still holds significant expectations.
Mayfield's story is one of resilience. After his stint with the Cleveland Browns didn't pan out, he bounced between teams before landing with the Buccaneers as Tom Brady's successor. Although a Super Bowl appearance has eluded him, his performance has kept fans hopeful.
With his contract set to expire in March 2027, Mayfield's future in Florida is uncertain. There’s buzz about potential moves, with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams emerging as possible destinations. If he hits free agency, Mayfield could potentially become the first quarterback to surpass a $50 million deal, possibly snagging the biggest contract in NFL history.
Jeff Howe from The Athletic suggests that if Matthew Stafford retires after the 2026 season, a reunion with the Rams could be on the cards. The Vikings also stand out as a logical fit, but several teams would likely be eager to sign the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.
Despite a dip in his 2025 performance, with 343 completions on 543 attempts for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns, Mayfield remains a hot commodity. The Buccaneers face a challenging future, especially with the departure of long-time captain Lavonte David and the potential loss of Mayfield at the end of the 2026 season. The next chapter for Mayfield promises to be intriguing, as teams line up for his signature.