Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have failed to reach a long-term contract extension, leaving Mayfield to play out the final year of a three-year, $100 million deal signed in 2024. Mayfield stated Thursday morning that the time for negotiation has ended, noting that he had set a deadline for the deal to be completed before training camp. I wanted the deal done… set the deadline and told them it was going to be all ball after that, and I (meant) that,
Mayfield said.
Financial Disconnect and Market Value
Mayfield expressed disappointment over the breakdown in talks, stating he feels undervalued
and disrespected
given his contributions to the franchise. He currently earns an average annual value of $33.33 million, which ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks. This places him behind Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold ($33.5 million) and Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones ($44 million).
The quarterback’s camp has pointed to other signal-callers earning over $50 million in average per year (APY), such as Jordan Love ($55 million), Trevor Lawrence ($55 million), and Brock Purdy ($53 million). Mayfield has indicated a desire to enter this $50 million-per-year club, which currently consists of 12 players, topped by Patrick Mahomes at $64 million per year and Jalen Hurts at $51 million per year. Mayfield told NFL.com that when a player is not presented with an appealing offer, it’s easy to turn the page.
On-Field Performance and Recent Struggles
Mayfield holds a 27-24 record with the Buccaneers and led the team to the playoffs as NFC South champions in both 2023 and 2024, earning Pro Bowl selections in both seasons. His 2024 campaign was the best of his career, as he completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards, eventually finishing 11th in MVP voting.
However, 2025 was a more volatile season. Despite an early start that placed him in MVP conversations, the Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time during his tenure after losing five of their final six games. During that late-season slide, Mayfield threw six interceptions against seven touchdowns and was sacked six times. Mayfield revealed on the Netflix series “Quarterback” that he played through multiple injuries, including a biceps contusion, a shoulder injury in Week 12, and a sprained PCL and MCL suffered in Week 2.
The 2027 Free Agency Outlook
Because no extension was reached, Mayfield could become a free agent in 2027. The Buccaneers maintain exclusive negotiating rights until the window opens in March of that year. If the team chooses to use the franchise tag, the financial implications are significant. According to Spotrac, Mayfield has a $30.15 million dead-money charge for 2027; combining this with a projected 2027 tag of $47.7 million would result in a total cap hit of $77.85 million.
Other estimates regarding the tag vary. Over The Cap projects the quarterback franchise tag at approximately $50.3 million, while a transition tag would be around $43.9 million. If the Buccaneers allow Mayfield to walk, they would need to find a new starter from a roster that currently includes Connor Bazelak, Jalon Daniels, and Jake Browning.
Potential External Landing Spots
Should Mayfield enter the open market in 2027, several teams are viewed as potential suitors:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The team may seek a successor for Aaron Rodgers to maintain playoff contention under head coach Mike McCarthy.
- New York Jets: With 35-year-old Geno Smith on a one-year deal, the Jets may seek a long-term answer to pair with a young offensive line featuring Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.
- Houston Texans: If C.J. Stroud does not bounce back from a period where he threw 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in his third season, Houston could target Mayfield to keep their Super Bowl contender status.
Related reading
