Is Baker Mayfield heading into free agency after the Buccaneers did not franchise tag him?

2023 was a prove-it year for Baker Mayfield. After bouncing around with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found himself with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The 28-year-old proved to himself that he could be the starter for an NFL franchise. He registered career highs in yards (4,004) and touchdowns (28) to go along with 10 interceptions and a 64.3 completion percentage. With numbers like that, most analysts were certain that the Buccaneers would extend Mayfield’s stay in Florida, but that has yet to materialize.

The good news is that they have secured two very important players. First All-Pro Wide receiver Mike Evans signed a two-year, $52 million deal. Then they used the franchise tag on star safety Antonine Winfield Jr., tying him down to $17.1 million for a year with the possibility of a long-term deal in the future.

Now all eyes are on what the Bucs will do with Mayfield. The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini claimed,

When I last checked in with sources, Mayfield and the Bucs were working hard to strike a deal, especially after they locked up WR Mike Evans.

Witnessing Evans’ receiving a deal should excite Mayfield because he was eager to keep playing with the 30-year-old.

If I'm back, I want Mike [Evans] back. That guy's a stud.

Mayfield said last January

But the issue is that the Bucs are running out of time. They have until Monday, March 11, before players can start negotiating with other teams. Two days later, the NFL’s free agency officially kicks in. So if they want to renew Mayfield’s contract, then it’s time to motor.

Dave Canales has a hilarious take on Baker Mayfield receiving a new deal

Whichever team he goes to, Dave Canales brings the best out of the quarterback. In Seattle, he and Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl. Then in 2023, the Buccaneers hired him as their offensive coordinator, and under his guidance, Baker Mayfield bagged the NFC South title and went as far as the Divisional game.

However, soon after the season concluded, the Carolina Panthers poached Canales from Tampa and made him their head coach. Naturally, he will be one of the few people fit to answer the question of whether the Bucs should extend Mayfield’s contract.

Canales had a hilarious take while talking with Kay Adams during a recent segment of ‘Up and Adams.’ He said,

I think the more resources he occupies for the Bucs, the fewer great players they can add to the team, so let's go ahead and pay that guy whatever he wants. Let's get this [quarterback] market going up here, so give us the advantage again.

Being in the same division, the Panthers and Bucs face each other twice every year. So from Canales’ standpoint, giving Baker Mayfield a big contract will take a chunk out of their $22.45 million salary cap (18th best in the league). He is rumored to bag a deal in the region of $160 million for 4 years ($40 million a year).

In case you missed it:

• Jason Kelce let his trainer tape his ankle one last time in wholesome gesture before the retirement press conference
• At 40, Aaron Rodgers hopeful of playing for another 3-4 years as he continues his recovery from Achilles injury

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW