The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield have begun discussing a new contract, but a deal does not appear imminent.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, several prominent agents believe Mayfield’s next contract should be worth at least $50 million per year.
“There is very little argument Baker is worth less than 50 over the first three,” said one agent. “If I’m Baker, I’m asking for 60,” said another.
Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Tampa Bay before the 2024 season. The deal pays him $33.3 million per season and expires after the 2026 season.
While negotiations are underway, Mayfield recently indicated that both sides still have work to do before reaching an agreement.
“Contract stuff is starting; it’s happening. Not anywhere close to what we’re thinking, but I’d love to be here long-term, and as of right now, that’s not the case. But I’m under contract for 2026, and the guys in that locker room and the staff know that I’m still going to be me,” Mayfield said via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
There is no indication that Mayfield plans to hold out during negotiations. The discussions remain ongoing as both sides work toward a potential long-term agreement.
The BR Rub
I know what a good portion of you reading this are thinking, “no way in hell I’m paying Baker Mayfield that much”. You’re right, YOU aren’t, well at least not directly if we’re going to get technical.
The reality is, Mayfield’s play over the last three seasons puts his “market value” at that level. As mentioned earlier in the article, agents would likely ask the Buccaneers for $60 million per year. But that’s the agents, what would teams value Mayfield at in the open market? I would imagine it’s south of $50 million. I would speculate that the open market would be in the $40 million dollar area.
Now we wait to see who blinks first.
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