Baker Mayfield’s future in Tampa Bay is suddenly a lot less settled, and the clock is ticking.
The Buccaneers still haven’t reached a new contract with their quarterback, and with training camp less than three weeks away, the pressure is starting to build. NBC Sports reported that Tampa Bay is in “no rush” to extend Mayfield, while Mayfield has reportedly drawn his own line in the sand and wants a deal done before camp opens. That leaves the two sides with just 19 days to find common ground.
If they don’t, the market could get loud fast.
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio said the Pittsburgh Steelers “should be ready to make a move” if Mayfield gets to free agency. That would put a former rival into the mix for a quarterback-needy team that expects to look for its next long-term answer after Aaron Rodgers retires.
Mayfield is heading into the final year of his current deal after rebuilding his career in Tampa Bay. After rough stretches with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams, he steadied himself with the Buccaneers and reestablished his value as a dependable veteran starter.
The money is where things get tricky. Mayfield is currently on a contract that averages $33.33 million per season, and he’ll make $40 million this year because of money carried over from last season. NBC Sports reported that Tampa Bay believes it can outbid any other team, but the rising quarterback market could still push negotiations beyond what the organization wants to pay.
The Buccaneers do have another path if a long-term extension doesn’t come together. They could use the franchise tag, though the projected quarterback tag for 2027 is at least $47.97 million. Mayfield will turn 32 during that season.
If he reaches free agency without a new contract or a tag, Pittsburgh could become one of the most obvious landing spots. Mayfield finished the 2025 season among the NFL’s top 10 in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, and that kind of production would make him a sought-after name if he ever hits the open market.
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