Overview
- Over the weekend at his football camp in Norman, Oklahoma, Baker Mayfield said he wants to remain in Tampa Bay long term, that “both sides want to get it done,” and that talks must be finished before training camp or negotiations will pause for the season.
- The core obstacle is a wide split between Mayfield’s current $33.3 million average annual value and market estimates roughly in the $50–54 million per‑year range, a gap that has produced little concrete movement in talks.
- If the sides do not agree to an extension before the season, the Buccaneers can let Mayfield play 2026 under his existing deal, or they could try the 2027 franchise tag option that would carry an estimated near‑$48 million quarterback cost and add major cap burden.
- Team leaders including general manager Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles have publicly said they want Mayfield long term, but the club cites his uneven, injury‑marred 2025 finish when sizing guarantees and term.
- A pre‑season deal would lock Mayfield’s price now and preserve roster flexibility, whereas waiting risks a higher market price after a strong 2026 or large dead‑cap and tag costs that would constrain re‑signing other players.