Overview
- ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Tampa Bay and Mayfield do not expect to negotiate a new deal until after the season, dispelling talk of a Week 9 bye‑week agreement.
- Fowler says both sides are comfortable waiting, with no deal anticipated before preparations begin for the Week 10 home game against the Patriots.
- Mayfield is under contract through 2026 with a $52 million 2026 cap hit that the team could lower via an offseason restructure, and the Buccaneers project to have about $48 million in 2026 cap space.
- Fowler indicates Mayfield’s next contract should start with a “5” on the average annual value, reflecting his performance and the quarterback market.
- Ownership remains a variable, as Fowler labels the Glazer family a wild card given a track record of not always spending big, even as Mayfield’s MVP candidacy strengthens his leverage.