NFL Insider Reveals Latest on Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Contract Talks

A report earlier this week indicated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield “are not on the same page” during contract extension discussions.

That situation looks unchanged as the last weekend of June approaches.

“No Real Progress” Reported In Negotiations

In an article released Friday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US stated Mayfield and the Buccaneers have made “no real progress” in discussions.

Mayfield is playing on the last year of his current contract. He cautioned earlier this month that his cutoff for talks is when training camp opens in late July.

For a Thursday mailbag, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer suggested Mayfield will “get something close to the top of the quarterback market with Tampa before Week 1” of the season begins.

La Canfora appears doubtful of that outcome.

Questions About Mayfield’s Contract Tier

“Mayfield joining the upper echelon of quarterbacks could prove to be a stretch in Tampa, or elsewhere, with him currently right in the middle of starting quarterback compensation at a little over $30M per year,” La Canfora wrote.

“The team could always look at placing a transition or franchise tag on him in 2027, should it want to continue on a short-term basis with him while trying to identify a quarterback of the future.”

Does Mayfield Lack Leverage?

Notably, an NFL contract negotiator said to La Canfora that Mayfield “doesn’t have as much leverage as he probably thinks he does” this summer.

That view is likely tied to Tampa Bay’s ability to keep Mayfield’s rights for 2027 through the franchise tag or the transition tag.

Earlier this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts placed the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones before the Colts and Jones reached a two-year, $88M deal that could be worth up to $100M.

The BR Rub

Look, Baker Mayfield isn’t Tom Brady. He isn’t Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford,  Lamar Jackson, or even Joe Burrow. But he also isn’t Jacoby Brissett or J.J. McCarthy.

What Mayfield is is a top-15, more like top-12 quarterback with all the tools to become a top-10 QB with a legitimate coaching staff. Because of that he’s more slotted to the Brock Purdy Justin Herbert salary area.

Now obviously Mayfield is a bit older so that has to be factored in. But the honest value for the numbers Mayfield has put up in the last three years is $48 – $52 million AAV. I know, some if you will freak out and toe the typical social media take of “no way am I giving Mayfield that much”. Well you’re right, YOU aren’t. And this is the price of doing business in the NFL. Unless you’re confident in the Buccaneers ability to draft and develop a quarterback. Because that’s gone so well for them.

So quit pocket watching and be outraged by money being spent that has no bearing on your life. Stop being a hater and understand that if you want the Bucs to be relevant, then you need a quarterback that averages 4,000 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

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