Last season, Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a remarkable victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round, earning himself substantial incentives in the process. However, the Buccaneers’ postseason journey was cut short by the Detroit Lions in the following round, dashing their hopes of securing a championship ring.
Following the conclusion of the season, Baker Mayfield wasted no time in initiating contract extension discussions with the Buccaneers. As the free agency period approaches, reports indicate a promising development in the relationship between the parties.
Will Baker Mayfield extend his Bucs contract?
The plot thickens in Tampa Bay as contract negotiations take center stage between the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield. Both sides have expressed their desire to continue their partnership, evident in public comments and statements. NFL Insider Dianna Russini sheds light on the ongoing discussions, emphasizing that the Buccaneers are now redirecting their efforts towards securing a contract extension with Mayfield.
Despite the mutual interest, it appears that the vet quarterback is not inclined to accept a hometown discount. General manager Jason Licht, acknowledging his exceptional performance last season, expressed optimism about retaining him in the Buccaneers’ lineup.
Licht praised the team’s starter’s unique talent, describing him as an “unprecedented player” and expressing the organization’s commitment to working towards a long-term deal. However, he acknowledged that negotiations take time and require cooperation from both sides.
“He had a hell of a year, and I am happy for him. He bet on himself too. He is an unprecedented player, and we want him to be a Buc for life and we are working towards that. Obviously, it takes two sides—I know he wants to be a Buc…A good deal, it takes some time for both sides,” he said, per Bleacher Report.
After starting with bold proclamation, Mayfield’s remarkable 2023 season saw him achieve career-highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28). He played a pivotal role in leading the Bucs to their third consecutive NFC South title and securing a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Buccaneers face the complexities of contract negotiations, the contract extensions of key players—Mike Evans, Mayfield, and Antoine Winfield Jr.—become a major headache for the team’s front office. With Evans already securing his position in Tampa Bay with a lucrative two-year, $52 million deal, the attention now shifts to ensuring Mayfield’s continued presence in the team’s lineup.Â
Several NFL teams interested for Baker Mayfield
As the countdown to free agency ticks away, all eyes in the NFL are on Baker Mayfield. The seasoned quarterback is poised to explore the open market for the first time in his career, sparking interest from numerous teams across the league. With just under 10 days remaining until he becomes a free agent, speculation is rife about his potential landing spots.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently hinted at the Atlanta Falcons as a potential destination for Mayfield. The Falcons, along with other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, are closely monitoring Mayfield’s situation, eager to bolster their quarterback lineup. The Vikings, in particular, are eyeing options in free agency as their starter, Kirk Cousins, recovers from a season-ending injury and edges towards free agency himself. Meanwhile, Cousin himself has become the target of several teams, including Las Vegas Raiders.
Among the suitors vying for Mayfield’s services is his former team, the Los Angeles Rams. Mayfield stepped up admirably for the Rams 2022 season amid an injury crisis that sidelined their franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford. In five starts, he racked up 850 yards, throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions while guiding the Rams through a critical stretch of the season.
As free agency looms, the competition to secure Mayfield’s signature is heating up, with multiple franchises eager to capitalize on his potential and experience.
