Tampa Bay Buccaneers' QB Situation: A Closer Look at Baker Mayfield's Future
Back in February, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' general manager, Jason Licht, hinted at the possibility of keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield beyond the 2026 season, stating that "everything’s on the table." Fast forward to now, and while Mayfield and the Buccaneers inked a three-year deal back in March 2024, there's still no extension in sight. This leaves fans wondering what's next for Mayfield and the Bucs.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe recently suggested that the negotiations could get complicated. Mayfield, aware of his potential market value, might consider negotiating a clause to prevent the Buccaneers from using the franchise tag on him in 2027 if a long-term deal isn't reached.
While this wouldn't immediately boost his paycheck, it could pave the way for him to hit free agency next offseason. The Bucs, however, could choose to keep him under the franchise tag, projected at $50.746 million for 2027, and hope for a future agreement.
Mayfield was riding high as a legitimate MVP candidate when the Buccaneers entered their Week 9 bye with a solid 6-2 record in 2025. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury and a subsequent slide to 6-5 derailed their momentum, leading to an 8-9 finish and missing the playoffs.
With wide receiver Mike Evans leaving for the San Francisco 49ers in pursuit of another Super Bowl ring, Mayfield might also be contemplating his future under the leadership of Licht and head coach Todd Bowles. Howe speculates that Mayfield could become the first QB to break the $50 million mark in free agency, potentially securing the biggest contract in NFL history. The possibility of reuniting with the Los Angeles Rams, should Matthew Stafford retire after the 2026 season, adds another layer to this intriguing offseason narrative.
For now, Mayfield may need to play out his current contract, waiting to see if the Buccaneers will make a decision about his future in early 2027. With so many variables at play, this offseason promises to be a pivotal one for both Mayfield and the Buccaneers.