The contract extension talks between Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have stalled, which means that this season could potentially mark his last with the NFC South team.
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The veteran quarterback had previously indicated that he would stop talks if he and the Buccaneers did not reach an extension before training camp. That time has passed, so he will play out the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal that he signed back in March 2024.
Once the season ends, Mayfield will be set to become an unrestricted free agent. He would be eligible to sign with any team. Although the Buccaneers could potentially use the franchise tag to keep him around one more season. He would earn a one-year salary somewhere in the $45-50 million range.
The exact value will not be calculated until just before the start of the 2027 league year.
The first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield began his career with the Cleveland Browns. He spent four seasons with the team (2018-21), and he led the team to a playoff win over the rival Steelers during the 2020 season.
The time in Cleveland ended after the 2021 season, and he landed with the Panthers as an afterthought. Though he did not remain in Carolina for the full season as a mid-season trade sent him to the Rams.
Mayfield took over as an injury replacement during the 2022 season, and he started four games for the Rams. He went 1-3 while throwing for 850 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The former first overall pick landed with the Buccaneers ahead of the 2023 season, and he has remained with the team ever since.
He has posted an overall record of 27-24 while dealing with multiple injuries, and he has led the team to the playoffs two times (2023, 2024). He has thrown for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions while earning two trips to the Pro Bowl.
Now that the contract talks have stalled, Mayfield will shift his attention to his fourth season with the Buccaneers. He will go out and try to lead the team to the playoffs once again and set himself up for a big payday.
