While Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun contract discussions, they are “not anywhere close” to finalizing a long-term deal, the quarterback told reporters Friday. Mayfield is entering the final year of his contract this season.
“First and foremost, regardless, we’ve built roots here in Tampa. We love the community; we love being here. They’ve embraced us, and we enjoy being here and obviously going to raise kids here,” Mayfield, 31, said. “But contract stuff, it’s happening, it’s starting the talks and whatnot, but not anywhere close to what we were thinking.
“Would love to be here long-term, and as of now, that’s not exactly the case. But I’m under contract for 2026, and the guys in that locker room and staff know that I’m still going to be me. I’m still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl, and to me, that’s the priority. Everything else can take care of itself. Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline is as soon as training camp starts; we’re not doing any contract stuff (after that), it’s all ball. It’s not up to me when that gets done by, so hopefully before that. If not, still going to have a good year.”
Tampa Bay restructured Mayfield’s contract in July 2025, guaranteeing him $30 million in 2026. He originally came to the Bucs on a one-year, prove-it deal in 2023, which he quickly outplayed to earn a three-year, $100 million contract in 2024. That deal, though, did not contain any guaranteed money following the 2025 season, before the restructuring.
The No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield led the franchise to its first playoff victory in 26 years in 2020. However, the years that followed were challenging. Mayfield battled multiple injuries in 2021 and, after the Browns’ historic trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers.
After the Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule, Mayfield requested a release, and the Los Angeles Rams picked him up in December 2022. His five-game stint with the Rams served as a lifeline to Mayfield’s career. The Bucs, who were looking for a veteran quarterback after Tom Brady’s retirement, signed Mayfield in 2023.
In his first season in Tampa, Mayfield helped the Bucs win the NFC South and reach the postseason. In 2024, Mayfield passed for a career-high 4,500 yards with a 71.4 percent completion rate, leading the Bucs to a 10-7 record and another postseason berth.
Tampa Bay began the 2025 season 5-1, with Mayfield throwing for 12 touchdowns and just one interception over that stretch. The hot start sparked chatter of Mayfield’s MVP candidacy, but the Bucs’ season fizzled out to an 8-9 finish.