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Quarterback Baker Mayfield plans on making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers regret not extending him when they had the chance.
On Thursday, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick spoke with reporters at Buccaneers training camp after contract talks with the front office stalled earlier in the week and repeatedly expressed his “disappointment” to be playing on an expiring
contract in 2026.
“I’m at the point in my career … I know what I’ve brought to this franchise,” Mayfield, entering his fourth season as Bucs starting quarterback, said, adding negotiations left him feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued.”
“I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said from ownership on down,” he added.
“It’s disappointing when you think you’re a cornerstone of the franchise to be treated like that.”
Baker Mayfield fired up after failed contract negotiations
Mayfield’s pointed comments could be an on-field blessing for the Bucs, who have a much better chance of returning to the top of the NFC South with their quarterback having something to prove. He had a disappointing finish to 2025, averaging 197.1 passing yards per game with 14 total touchdowns (13 passing, one rushing) and 11 turnovers (nine interceptions, two fumbles lost) over the final nine games of the regular season. Tampa Bay went 2-7 to miss out on a fifth consecutive division title.
In 2024, Mayfield posted career-highs in completion percentage (71.4 percent), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41). Healthy after playing banged up for the majority of 2025, he may be able to put up similar numbers this fall.
“I’m excited,” Mayfield told reporters, adding he’s “in the best shape I’ve ever been in. We’re gonna have a really good team.”
With a big 2026, Mayfield, playing on the final year of a three-year, $100M contract, will easily surpass $50M per year on his next contract and may even approach becoming the third quarterback to earn at least $60M annually, joining Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.
The front office may wish it had finalized a cheaper deal this offseason if that’s where things head.
“If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback,” Mayfield said, “that’s too bad. ‘Cause it’s only gonna get worse from here.”
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