The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield remain engaged in contract discussions, but reports suggest the two sides have yet to reach common ground on a new deal.
Mayfield is reportedly seeking a contract worth $50 million or more annually, some around the league may question whether he belongs in that financial tier. A closer look at his recent production suggests he has a compelling argument.
Quarterback contracts are often based on projection as much as performance. While several passers earn significantly more than Mayfield, not all of them have clearly outperformed the Buccaneers quarterback in recent seasons.
Here are five quarterbacks Mayfield has a legitimate case for being compared against entering the 2026 season.
Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence remains one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, but the former No. 1 overall pick has yet to consistently deliver elite results.
Lawrence is among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks at $55 million per year. Despite his physical gifts, he has not separated himself from Mayfield statistically or in terms of team success.
Mayfield has helped stabilize the Buccaneers while producing at a level comparable to Lawrence over the last several seasons.
Jordan Love
Jordan Love’s upside is undeniable, but his contract places him among the NFL’s highest-paid players.
Love earns $55 million annually, tying him with several established stars.
While Love has shown flashes of brilliance, Mayfield has demonstrated a level of consistency that deserves recognition. The gap between the two quarterbacks is far smaller than the difference in their contracts.
Jared Goff
Jared Goff has played a major role in Detroit’s rise, but he also benefits from one of the league’s strongest supporting casts.
Goff is earning approximately $53 million per season, placing him near the top of the quarterback market.
Mayfield has continued to produce despite significant roster changes around him. There is a strong argument that he has provided similar value at a much lower cost.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert possesses elite arm talent and remains one of the NFL’s most gifted passers.
He is also among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks at $52.5 million annually.
While Herbert’s talent is unquestioned, team success has often been elusive. Meanwhile, Mayfield has repeatedly exceeded expectations while helping keep Tampa Bay competitive.
Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy signed a contract that places him among the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
Purdy’s deal averages $53 million per season.
There is no denying Purdy’s success, but he has also played within one of football’s most quarterback-friendly systems. Mayfield has produced impressive numbers in a far less stable environment and deserves to be part of the same conversation.
The ComparisonÂ
When comparing Mayfield to some of the league’s biggest quarterback contracts, the gap in production often doesn’t match the gap in salary.
Trevor Lawrence currently earns elite quarterback money despite posting numbers that are remarkably similar to Mayfield’s. While Lawrence entered the league with just as much hype Mayfield, the on-field production has been comparable.
The same can be said for Jordan Love. The Green Bay Packers quarterback received a massive extension after showing promise, but his overall production is similar to Mayfield’s. In fact, there is an argument that Mayfield has held a slight edge in recent seasons while earning considerably less.
Jared Goff is one quarterback who clearly has the statistical advantage. The Detroit Lions signal-caller has posted better numbers than Mayfield and has helped lead one of the NFC’s top teams. However, Goff’s contract shows just how expensive quality quarterback play has become in today’s NFL.
Justin Herbert is another quarterback earning near top-of-the-market money. While Herbert possesses elite physical tools, his production remains similar to Mayfield’s in many categories. The difference in compensation between the two quarterbacks is difficult to ignore.
Brock Purdy presents a unique case. His statistics do not necessarily stack up favorably against Mayfield’s, but Purdy has enjoyed greater team success, including deep playoff runs. Even so, Purdy’s contract demonstrates what teams are willing to pay quarterbacks they view as long-term answers.
The quarterback market is driven by more than just statistics. Age, potential, team success, and timing all play major roles in negotiations. Still, when compared to several quarterbacks earning more than $50 million annually, Mayfield has built a strong case that he deserves to be paid in the same neighborhood.
Whether an extension is finalized before training camp or not, Mayfield’s performance over the past several seasons has made it increasingly difficult to argue that he belongs outside the NFL’s top tier of quarterback contracts.
Baker Mayfield’s Value Continues To Rise
For the Buccaneers, the question is simple. If Mayfield continues to perform at his current level, waiting to complete an extension may only make the eventual price tag even higher.
Whether a new deal arrives before training camp or not, Mayfield’s case for a significant raise is valid.
Harsh Reality
Just pay the man. This organization has struggled drafting a franchise quarterback. This isn’t some new revelation. There’s not going to be another Tom Brady available in free agency. The upcoming draft classes don’t have anybody that really stands out.
Mayfield has integrated well in the locker room and community. He definitely earned the players respect after playing through those injuries last year. The reported ones, and the not reported ones.
He’s a leader, he produces, and he lays it on the line every play.
Just pay the man!
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