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Mayfield Awaits New Deal; Tag Could Cost $48 M

6/29/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Baker Mayfield told the Buccaneers he expects a new contract before training camp starts on July 28.
The quarterback and the team remain without an agreement as the 2026 season approaches.
General manager Jason Licht said the organization’s plans center on Mayfield but gave no timeline.
Analysts warn that a franchise tag could cost at least $48 million after Mayfield’s 2025 decline to a 2-7 record and his lowest passing numbers.

History

Historical Context

When the Vikings placed a franchise tag on quarterback Cam Newton in 2016, they joined a season of high-stakes financial moves, such as the $160 billion Pfizer-Allergan merger collapse that April. The tag’s cost pressured the Vikings to negotiate a longer deal, a pattern echoed today as Buccaneers GM Jason Licht weighs a possible franchise tag on Baker Mayfield for 2026.

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Story summary

Baker Mayfield told the Buccaneers he expects a new contract before training camp starts on July 28.
The quarterback and the team remain without an agreement as the 2026 season approaches.
General manager Jason Licht said the organization’s plans center on Mayfield but gave no timeline.
Analysts warn that a franchise tag could cost at least $48 million after Mayfield’s 2025 decline to a 2-7 record and his lowest passing numbers.

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