Baker Mayfield’s Contract Outlook with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield entered the 2026 season on a three-year, $100 million contract that expires after this year. The quarterback has expressed feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued” by the Buccaneers’ initial offseason offers and has said he will not resume negotiations until after the season, preferring to focus on football. The team’s offense also contends with injuries to wide receivers Emeka Egbuka (toe sprain) and Jalen McMillan (knee injury), both of which the front office hopes to have healthy for Week 1. The Buccaneers lost franchise scorer Mike Evans in free agency, increasing the importance of Mayfield’s play and the receiver group’s health.

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General manager Jason Licht told a WFLA broadcast that he is “very optimistic” about Mayfield remaining in Tampa Bay beyond the 2026 season. Licht noted that Mayfield “wants to play” and “prove” himself as the franchise quarterback the organization identified. He added that the Buccaneers could use the franchise tag on Mayfield, an option the quarterback is reportedly open to, though it would limit contract flexibility. Licht also emphasized confidence that the injured receivers will be ready for the regular-season opener, describing the team’s approach to their recoveries as “cautious and smart.”

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Baker Mayfield reiterated his desire to stay in Tampa Bay but stressed that any new deal must meet his salary expectations. He indicated his agent will not approach him unless an offer falls within his desired range, and he will not engage in further talks until after the season.

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• Current contract: three-year, $100 million (reported).

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• Injuries: Emeka Egbuka – toe sprain; Jalen McMillan – knee injury, both expected back Week 1.

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• Franchise tag: available as a contractual tool for the 2027 season.

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• “Well, the injuries that we've had like with Meca and J-Mac, we're just being very cautious and smart about it and not rushing them back out here for this preseason,” — Jason Licht, general manager

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These statements capture the Buccaneers’ cautious optimism and the health status of key offensive players as the team approaches the regular season.

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