Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht made it clear the organization still views Baker Mayfield as its franchise quarterback despite ongoing contract negotiations.
“We think he is,” Licht said via Fox Sports Greg Auman when asked whether Mayfield is a franchise quarterback. “We love Baker. Our feelings for Baker haven’t changed.”
Buccaneers Remain Committed to Mayfield
Licht’s comments reinforce the team’s confidence in Mayfield as he enters the final year of his current contract. While negotiations on a long-term extension continue, Tampa Bay has not wavered in its belief that Mayfield is the right quarterback to lead the franchise.
The general manager also addressed the possibility of using the franchise tag after the 2026 season if a new deal is not reached.
Long-Term Extension Still the Priority
Licht acknowledged the franchise tag remains an available option in 2027. However, he emphasized it is not the route the Buccaneers want to take.
Instead, Tampa Bay’s priority remains reaching a long-term agreement with Mayfield before that decision becomes necessary.
Reality CheckÂ
So to be clear, they like Mayfield, they want him back, and they think he’s a franchise quarterback. Ok, then pay the man. The lo ger this goes on, the worse it’ll get both monetarily and emotionally.
If the team ends up franchise tagging him next year, that price is also $50 million dollars and you start the negotiations all over again. By that time the quarterback market price will have gone up, as will Mayfield’s.
Mayfield is looking for security. So a four year deal with a 5th year option seems to be the time-frame he’s looking for. And with reports of a $50 million dollar yearly asking price i think there’s some wiggle room here.
My suggestion would be a four-year $180 million dollar deal with a 5th year option and $110 million guaranteed. Try that.
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