Buccaneers-Baker Mayfield on Contract Collision Course as Training Camp Deadline Nears

The Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is adamant that quarterback Baker Mayfield will remain with the team beyond the 2026 season.

Buccaneers-Baker Mayfield on Contract Collision Course as Training Camp Deadline Nears

Baker Mayfield (Image via IMAGO)

Quarterback Baker Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, worth up to $100 million, ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Two years removed, Mayfield stands on the doorstep of another big extension.

Mayfield is a big part of the Buccaneers staying relevant in the league post-Tom Brady. Many suspected the Bucs would struggle to find a suitable replacement. They brought in free agent Mayfield in 2023. In his first year, Mayfield led them to a 9-8 finish, threw for 4000+ yards, and 28 touchdowns.

In the playoffs, the Bucs destroyed the defending NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9. However, lost to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round fixture.

The following year, the Bucs won the NFC South with Mayfield contributing 4500 yards and 41 TDs. A narrow three-point defeat in the wildcard round against the Washington Commanders ended their campaign.

Mayfield’s form slightly regressed in 2025. For the first time, he threw fewer than 3700 passing yards and 26 TDs. The Bucs finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. But to be fair, Mayfield played with multiple injuries throughout the year. While facing the Los Angeles Rams in November, he suffered a low-grade sprain (AC joint sprain) in his left, non-throwing shoulder, and later veteran edge Lavonte David revealed the Pro Bowler also carried oblique, ankle, and knee injuries.

Mayfield is popular among the Bucs fans not only because he is a humble, down-to-earth individual but also because he plays the game like a gladiator. One of those fans is the Bucs’ general manager, Jason Licht. Even though Mayfield is unhappy with his contract situation, Licht assured that he’s not going anywhere.

We’ve had some discussions, and we’ll continue to have some internal discussions and see, and try to bring this to closure one way or another. No one wants to see Baker go anywhere, and no one’s worried about how Baker’s mindset is going to be. I’ve had conversations with him about that. He’s all about wanting to win. So, he’s in a good place.

Jason Licht said via Joe Bucs

Last week, Mayfield revealed that contract talks aren’t moving along as smoothly as he had hoped. He’s part of the Bucs through the 2026 season, so he wants a “long-term deal” done as soon as possible.

I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline: As soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing any contract stuff. 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.

Mayfield said (H/T ESPN)
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Analyst says this AFC team is the perfect fit for Baker Mayfield

Mayfield’s statement about his contract launched a debate about whether his time in Tampa is coming to an end. If so, then what’s next for the former Heisman Trophy winner?

Buccaneers-Baker Mayfield on Contract Collision Course as Training Camp Deadline Nears
Baker Mayfield (Image via IMAGO)

Mike Florio of NBC Sports floated a theory that intrigued a lot of people. In a recent segment of Pro Football Talk, Florio linked Mayfield to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baker Mayfield would be perfect for Pittsburgh [Steelers]. He would be perfect. I know they’d like to get off this train of older, veteran quarterbacks. But he’s a spring chicken in comparison to Aaron Rodgers. I would make a beeline for Baker Mayfield if I’m Mike McCartney and I’m the Pittsburgh Steelers and I get through this season and my options are Will Howard, Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolf, I am doing whatever it takes to get Baker Mayfield in Pittsburgh.

Florio said

The Steelers have been searching for Ben Roethlisberger’s successor for a long time. Despite going through a bunch of players, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields, the Steelers can’t seem to find the right fit for their team.

Currently, their quarterback is four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, he has already announced that the upcoming season will be his last as an active player. The Steelers drafted Will Howard and Drew Allar in consecutive years and have Mason Rudolph waiting for a chance.

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