Todd Bowles’ Reaction to Baker Mayfield’s Public Outburst Over Bucs Contract Issue

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles isn't too concerned about Baker Mayfield's rant in media for not signing a contract extension before the start of the training camp.

Todd Bowles’ Reaction to Baker Mayfield’s Public Outburst Over Bucs Contract Issue

Baker Mayfield (Image via IMAGO)

On Thursday, Baker Mayfield had plenty to say about his stalled contract extension talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Todd Bowles addressed his quarterback’s outburst in front of the media.

The Bucs appointed Bowles as head coach in 2022. Since then, he has accumulated a 35-33 record and has been crowned NFC South champions three times.

Last year, the Bucs missed out on making it four in a row, but the Panthers pipped them for the title and earned qualification for the playoffs. However, his position has come under question following the disappointing end to last campaign.

He also saw future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans leave, Super Bowl winner Vita Vea ask for a trade, and now QB Baker Mayfield throw a fit because he didn’t get the contract he wanted.

Reporters asked Bowles what he thought about Mayfield’s outburst.

I didn’t have a reaction. You know, [Baker Mayfield] had a few things to say. He said it. We’re all about ball today, and we moved on.

Todd Bowles revealed
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What did Baker Mayfield say?

Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers in 2023 and delivered a divisional crown on his first try. The Bucs quickly signed the former first overall pick to a three-year $100 million contract extension.

Todd Bowles' Reaction to Baker Mayfield's Public Outburst Over Bucs Contract Issue
Baker Mayfield (Image via IMAGO)

That contract will end after the 2026 season. Mayfield wanted to complete a long-term extension before hitting training camp. However, no such extension has been announced yet.

On day one of the camp, Mayfield went off in front of the camera. The 31-year-old hinted that the Bucs did present him with some offers that weren’t to his liking.

I don’t know if they thought I was just going to take some of the offers that they gave. But I’m at the point of my career and understanding what I brought to this franchise.

Mayfield said

Mayfield remains grateful to the Bucs for giving him a chance to continue his NFL career when he was bouncing around from one team to another. However, the two-time Pro Bowler also noted that he has proven enough to warrant a new and improved deal.

So, disappointing in that regard to not have… to feel disrespected a little bit. And that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.

Mayfield said

Mayfield wants to be compensated similarly to his peers. He is slated to earn $27 million in 2026.

How much did the Buccaneers offer Baker Mayfield?

Adam Schefter of ESPN discussed Mayfield’s estimated contract numbers on the Pat McAfee Show. According to Schefter, the Bucs offered Mayfield $50 million. However, Baker believes he deserves north of $50 million. This has created a minor rift between Mayfield and the Bucs organization.

It almost feels like it’s Baker versus the team… Baker’s not happy with them. They’re not happy with the way he spoke about the organization. That’s not great.

Schefter said

Mayfield no longer has any desire to further negotiate his contract. He just wants to focus on delivering a good season.

The Cleveland Browns drafted Mayfield, a former Heisman Trophy winner, first overall in 2018. After leaving the Browns, he spent time on the Panthers and Rams rosters before signing with the Bucs in 2023.

In eight years, Mayfield has posted a 58-62 record in the regular season. He has completed 2500 passes for 28,525 yards, 197 touchdowns and 101 interceptions. He has a 2-3 postseason record.

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