As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for a pivotal 2026 season, GM Jason Licht and his team are busy navigating the free agency and draft landscape. However, a significant decision looms on the horizon: Baker Mayfield's contract situation.
Mayfield is entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal, signed back in 2024. The big question is whether the Bucs will offer him an extension, and if so, at what cost?
The quarterback market has exploded recently, with Daniel Jones securing a hefty $44 million per year. Mayfield, arguably outperforming Jones, might use this as leverage.
Joel Corry from CBS Sports highlights the financial implications for Tampa Bay, noting that Mayfield likely sees Jones' deal as a baseline. Corry explains, "Mayfield probably views Jones' $44 million per year as the starting point for serious discussions and his salary floor." Using his Tampa Bay tenure as a performance benchmark, Mayfield could earn approximately $92 million over the next two seasons.
The Bucs face a strategic choice: extend Mayfield now or let him play out his contract and potentially enter free agency. Delaying a decision could mean higher costs down the line, a reality the Buccaneers must weigh carefully.
Mayfield's performance in 2026 will undoubtedly influence the team's decision. A playoff run or a Pro Bowl-level season could make an extension more appealing. However, with a starting point of at least $44 million, Licht and the Buccaneers must be prepared to invest significantly to keep Mayfield in Tampa Bay.