Baker Mayfield‘s journey in Tampa Bay has been nothing in need of incredible.
He significantly outplayed his first two contracts with the Buccaneers, earning his first Pro Bowl after an initial $4MM deal in 2023 and searching like an MVP candidate after a three-year, $100MM extension in 2024. Mayfield’s awards candidacy last yr was only held back by a league-leading 16 interceptions; otherwise, he ranked among the many NFL’s top three quarterbacks in completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.
This season, he has again looked like one in all the league’s best passers, averaging 256.5 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and just one interception. He has also taken just 10 sacks despite various offensive line injuries, and star skill players Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Emeka Egbuka have all missed time as well. Mayfield has also led fourth quarter comebacks in 4 of the Buccaneers’ five wins this yr. Tampa Bay is 5-1, and their quarterback is among the many early favorites to win the Most Worthwhile Player award at the top of the season.
The Buccaneers have made it clear that they envision keeping Mayfield past the top of his current contract, which expires after the 2026 season. Nonetheless, extension talks won’t happen until the offseason, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, allowing either side to see how this yr plays out.
Mayfield should already be in line for a solid raise based on his performance in 2024, and his value could proceed to go up, especially if this season ends with individual recognition and/or team success within the playoffs. He could push well above $50MM per yr on his next contract, but his obvious appreciation for the Buccaneers organization could incentivize him to take a team-friendly deal.