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Mayfield Snubs Buccaneers Deal, Steelers Consider Him for 2027

7/31/2026

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Summary

Mayfield Demands Extension

Baker Mayfield says he feels disrespected because the Buccaneers offered only a two-year extension far below the $50 million-plus average annual value he seeks.
He notes his deal runs through 2026 at $33 million per year and says he will not speak with the team or his agent until after the 2026 season.
He calls himself a franchise quarterback, referencing ownership and his leadership in the Buccaneers’ NFC South titles in 2023 and 2024.

Summary

Mayfield Targeted

The Steelers consider Baker Mayfield their top choice to replace retiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2027.
GM Art Rooney II prefers a proven veteran over a rookie.
Mayfield’s $50 million-plus request, between Daniel Jones’s $44 million deal and the $55 million contracts of Jordan Love and Trevor Lawrence, could be met if the NFL salary cap rises next spring, potentially shaping veteran-quarterback contracts league-wide.

History

Historical Context

On July 6 2020 the Kansas City Chiefs signed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a ten-year, $477 million extension (totaling $503 million with bonuses), making it the largest contract in professional sports and surpassing Mike Trout’s $426.5 million deal. The unprecedented size sparked league-wide debate over quarterback valuation and forced NFL teams to reassess roster budgeting.

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Mayfield Demands Extension

Baker Mayfield says he feels disrespected because the Buccaneers offered only a two-year extension far below the $50 million-plus average annual value he seeks.
He notes his deal runs through 2026 at $33 million per year and says he will not speak with the team or his agent until after the 2026 season.
He calls himself a franchise quarterback, referencing ownership and his leadership in the Buccaneers’ NFC South titles in 2023 and 2024.

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