Baker Mayfield’s future beyond 2026 has remained one of the biggest questions surrounding the Buccaneers throughout the offseason.
The Buccaneers and Mayfield ultimately did not reach an extension before the season. Instead, the quarterback is entering the final year of his contract with something significant to prove.
That could turn out to be a costly decision for Tampa Bay.
If Mayfield delivers another strong season, the Buccaneers could find themselves paying considerably more to keep their quarterback.
Mayfield Has Something to Prove
Mayfield probably didn’t need additional motivation entering the season.
Then ESPN released its ranking of the NFL’s top 100 players, and Mayfield was nowhere to be found.
The Buccaneers quarterback was instead named among the biggest omissions from the list. That should provide another source of motivation for a player entering a pivotal season.
“When he’s healthy, he’s a top-10 quarterback,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “I don’t think he was healthy last year. He should have a big season.”
ESPN also noted that Mayfield is positioned for another strong season. A productive 2026 campaign could significantly improve his standing.
It could also dramatically improve his next contract.
Tampa Bay Could Regret Waiting
Mayfield didn’t finish last season looking like the quarterback he had been earlier in his Tampa Bay tenure.
He and the Buccaneers’ offense struggled down the stretch. Tampa Bay ultimately missed the playoffs for the first time since Mayfield arrived.
That disappointing finish undoubtedly created questions about his long-term value.
But the Buccaneers still decided against extending him. Now, Mayfield has an opportunity to answer those questions on the field.
If he returns to his better form, Tampa Bay’s decision becomes much more complicated. The team could face a quarterback who has strengthened his negotiating position while playing on an expiring contract.
That’s a dangerous combination for the Buccaneers.
Mayfield Has Less Margin for Error
There is also a significant change around Mayfield entering this season.
Mike Evans is no longer in Tampa Bay after signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Losing Evans removes one of Mayfield’s most established weapons from the offense.
The Buccaneers will need other players to compensate for that loss.
Emeka Egbuka could be one of those players.
After an impressive rookie campaign, Egbuka enters Year 2 with expectations to take another significant step. Chris Godwin also remains an important piece of Tampa Bay’s passing attack.
Mayfield therefore has enough talent around him to make another strong case.
The Pressure Is On
The Buccaneers could have made this situation much easier by getting Mayfield’s next contract done earlier.
Instead, the quarterback enters 2026 with his future uncertain and millions potentially riding on his performance.
That’s exactly the type of situation that can produce a monster season.
Mayfield has already proven he can succeed in Tampa Bay. Now, he has an opportunity to prove that last year’s late-season struggles were not representative of his true level.
If he does that, the Buccaneers may wish they had been more willing to play ball before the season began.
Because every touchdown, victory, and strong performance could make Mayfield significantly more expensive to retain.
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