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Baker Mayfield’s Contract Talks Enter Final Stretch Ahead of 2026 Training Camp

7/31/2026, 12:24:39 AM

Core Event

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, currently in the last year of the three-year, $100 million extension he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, is negotiating a new long-term deal to stay with the team. Mayfield indicated that negotiations will cease once the Buccaneers’ training camp begins, creating a clear deadline for reaching an agreement before the season starts.

Background & Context

Mayfield’s 2025 season was his first without longtime target Mike Evans and followed the departure of former offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The Buccaneers entered the 2025 campaign with a revamped offensive scheme, and Mayfield’s performance reflected the adjustments. Two seasons earlier, in 2024, he posted a career-high 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, milestones that have shaped expectations for his contract value.

Data & Statistics

  • 2025 regular-season totals: 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions over 17 games.
  • 2024 peak season: 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns (career best).
  • Current contract: three-year, $100 million extension signed in 2024, now entering its final year.

Official Statements & Responses

Mayfield told reporters on Friday that while discussions are ongoing, he will stop negotiating once training camp opens, effectively setting a deadline for a new agreement. No official comment from Buccaneers management was included in the report.

What’s Next

If a new contract is not secured before camp, Mayfield would play the 2026 season on the existing deal, positioning himself for a contract-year performance that could influence his market value in the following offseason. The Buccaneers have not disclosed any timeline for a decision, leaving the outcome uncertain as the preseason approaches.