Overview
- Negotiations remained stalled as of Friday, July 10, with Mayfield insisting on a deal before late‑July training camp and the Buccaneers saying they are not in a rush to strike an extension.
- Reports show Mayfield’s current contract averages $33.33 million per year with roughly $40 million carried into 2026 and about $27 million in cash due this year plus up to $5 million in incentives.
- The sides are split on value because many veteran quarterbacks have signed deals at $50 million a year or more, while Tampa Bay is cautious about large guarantees and cap effects.
- One concrete option for the club is the franchise tag, which reporting estimates would cost at least about $47.97 million for the 2027 season based on a projected cap figure.
- If talks fail and Mayfield leaves after 2026, the Bucs would turn to internal options such as Jalon Daniels, Jake Browning, or Connor Bazelak and face wider roster and cap tradeoffs from delaying a long‑term choice.