The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a decision to make regarding Baker Mayfield’s future. Fortunately, it shouldn’t be a difficult one. If the organization is considering using the franchise tag instead of signing him to a long-term extension, it would be making an expensive mistake.
The reality is simple. Franchise tagging Mayfield doesn’t solve anything. It only delays the inevitable while likely increasing the price.
The Franchise Tag Isn’t Real Leverage
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Mayfield isn’t concerned about the possibility of playing under the franchise tag in 2027.
“As noted here: While Mayfield would prefer a long-term deal, he’s not afraid of the franchise tag, which would cost Tampa Bay at least $47M in 2027.”
That should tell the Buccaneers everything they need to know.
If Mayfield isn’t intimidated by the franchise tag, then it loses much of its value as a negotiating tool. More importantly, Tampa Bay would still be paying him elite quarterback money without gaining the long-term stability that comes with an extension.
The Price Isn’t Going Down
Reports have indicated Mayfield is seeking a contract worth more than $50 million per season.
Why is that surprising?
There are already more than a dozen NFL quarterbacks earning at least that much annually. Every offseason, another wave of extensions pushes the market even higher. Quarterback contracts don’t become cheaper with time. They become more expensive.
Waiting another year almost guarantees Mayfield’s next contract will cost even more than it would today.
What Does Tampa Bay Actually Gain?
That’s the biggest flaw with the franchise tag strategy.
The Buccaneers would pay Mayfield nearly the same amount of money he’s already seeking. Then they’d spend another offseason negotiating another long-term contract while watching the quarterback market continue to climb.
It’s hard to see the benefit.
If Tampa Bay believes Mayfield is its franchise quarterback, extending him now is the smartest financial decision. If the organization doesn’t believe that, then it should move in another direction entirely.
Using the franchise tag simply delays making that decision.
Mayfield Has Earned a Long-Term Commitment
Mayfield enters the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract after reestablishing himself as one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks. Last season, he threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns despite battling multiple injuries throughout the year.
He’s also proven he can thrive in Liam Coen’s offense before successfully transitioning into Josh Grizzard’s system. More importantly, he’s become the unquestioned leader of Tampa Bay’s locker room.
Quarterbacks with that résumé aren’t signing bargain contracts.
Reality CheckÂ
Franchise tagging Baker Mayfield would make little sense for the Buccaneers. The projected cost is already close to the salary he’s reportedly seeking, and quarterback contracts only continue to rise. Rather than delaying the process for another year, Tampa Bay should get a deal done now. Waiting won’t make Baker Mayfield cheaper. It will almost certainly make him more expensive.
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