Baker Mayfield enters the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason finale with his contract situation unresolved.
The starting quarterback is entering the final season of his three-year contract. He signed that deal with Tampa Bay in March 2024.
Meanwhile, former Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden returned to the broadcast booth for Tampa Bay’s Aug. 22 preseason matchup. The Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 16-15 in that contest.
Gruden later appeared on 95.7 FM WDAE in Tampa Bay. During Monday’s appearance, he was asked about Mayfield’s contract situation.
Specifically, Gruden was asked whether Mayfield and the Buccaneers could reach an extension before the regular-season opener. Tampa Bay begins its season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13.
Jon Gruden Has “Promise” About Baker Mayfield Contract Talks
Gruden stopped short of claiming any inside knowledge about the negotiations. However, he offered an encouraging outlook for Buccaneers fans.
“I can’t speak like I have any inside scoop, but I will promise you this: they are not very far away,” Gruden said, via JoeBucsFan website. “And I would assure Buccaneers fans this is no distraction for Baker Mayfield whatsoever. This guy is on the rock, man. He is on the bullseye. This guy is really focused, dead set on winning here with Tampa Bay. But I do have a lot of confidence in (general manager) Jason Licht, (team ownership) the Glazers. I think everybody, every party included, wants to get this done.”
A recent update indicated that Mayfield could be willing to sign a two-year extension. That would depend on the two sides reaching an agreement on total money and guarantees.
JoeBucsFan also noted that Gruden and Licht have a strong relationship. He spent time with Licht, head coach Todd Bowles and others while preparing for the Chiefs broadcast.
Gruden Expects Buccaneers, Mayfield to Reach Agreement
Gruden offered another encouraging prediction when discussing the status of the negotiations.
“I think they’re a lot closer than people realize,” Gruden added about contract talks between the Buccaneers and Mayfield. “But I would expect it to get done, indeed.”
Jason Licht has also suggested he remains hopeful about reaching an agreement. The Buccaneers would presumably prefer having the situation resolved before facing Cincinnati.
For now, Mayfield remains on his current contract. Tampa Bay’s preseason finale against Jacksonville could provide another opportunity for the situation to develop.
The Buccaneers face the Jaguars on Aug. 28. Perhaps Tampa Bay will have more clarity on Mayfield’s future before then.
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