Baker Mayfield's journey in Tampa Bay has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, but it seems like the ride might soon be coming to an end. After breathing new life into his career with the Buccaneers, Mayfield had a standout season in 2023, taking the team to the divisional round. While he hasn’t quite replicated that success since, his story of resurgence after a rocky stint with the Cleveland Browns and a few team changes is still remarkable.
Mayfield stepped into some big shoes, replacing the legendary Tom Brady, and while he hasn’t led the Bucs back to the Super Bowl, the expectations remain sky-high. With his current contract set to expire in March 2027, the possibility of Mayfield moving on is very real.
There’s buzz about Mayfield potentially becoming the first quarterback to snag a $50 million deal in free agency. Given the interest he’s likely to attract, he could be looking at a record-breaking contract.
The Los Angeles Rams might be a strong contender for his talents, especially if Matthew Stafford decides to hang up his cleats after the 2026 season. The Minnesota Vikings also appear to be a natural fit, though several teams would likely line up for a shot at the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.
While Mayfield's performance dipped a bit in 2025, with 343 completions out of 543 attempts for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns, his potential departure looms large for the Buccaneers. They’re already bracing for the absence of long-time captain Lavonte David next season, and losing Mayfield could mark the end of an era for Tampa Bay.