Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Baker Mayfield Reports to Bucs Camp, Open to Tag

7/28/2026

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

QB Baker Mayfield reported to Tampa Bay camp on July 29, 2026 without a new contract.
He entered the final year of his $100 million deal, earning $33.33 million this season.
Mayfield set a deadline to finish negotiations before camp and will not discuss after it starts.
He is willing to play under a franchise tag of $43.895 million for 2026 or $50 million in 2027, with the Buccaneers to apply the tag or extend.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s franchise tag, created in the 1993 collective-bargaining agreement negotiated by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the NFL Players Association, set the first quarterback tag at $5.5 million. The rule lets a team bind a pending free agent to a one-year, guaranteed salary—now $43.895 million for Baker Mayfield in 2026—while the Buccaneers weigh the tag to keep him.

1 of 2

Story summary

QB Baker Mayfield reported to Tampa Bay camp on July 29, 2026 without a new contract.
He entered the final year of his $100 million deal, earning $33.33 million this season.
Mayfield set a deadline to finish negotiations before camp and will not discuss after it starts.
He is willing to play under a franchise tag of $43.895 million for 2026 or $50 million in 2027, with the Buccaneers to apply the tag or extend.

1 / 2