Full Breakdown
Baker Mayfield Secures Three-Year, $165 Million Extension with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9/9/2026, 2:21:53 AM
The Deal Reached
On September 8, 2026, the Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield agreed to a three-year extension worth $165 million, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season. The deal averages $55 million per year, tying Mayfield for the third-highest annual salary among NFL quarterbacks.
Background to the Negotiations
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, joined Tampa Bay in 2023 on a one-year “prove-it” contract. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and led the team to consecutive NFC South titles (2023, 2024) and a playoff victory in 2023.
Before the 2026 season, Mayfield was in the final year of a three-year, $100 million extension signed before the 2024 campaign. He publicly set a training-camp deadline for a new deal, stating he would not discuss contracts after camp began.
He later described the missed deadline as “disrespectful” and “undervalued.”
Contract Terms and Financial Context
- The $165 million total places Mayfield in a tie for the third-highest-paid quarterback, alongside Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence and Matthew Stafford.
- It surpasses the franchise’s prior quarterback record; Tom Brady’s two-year, $50 million deal averaged $25 million per year.
- Mayfield’s Buccaneers career totals 12,237 passing yards, 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions. In the 2024 season he completed 63.2 % of his passes for 3,693 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Jason Licht, general manager, described Mayfield as “the heartbeat of this team” and highlighted his “leadership … every day.”
- Todd Bowles, head coach, called Mayfield “the ultimate competitor” whose “energy, confidence and toughness” set the tone for the locker room.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Disappointing in that regard to feel disrespected a little bit,” — Baker Mayfield, the deal official
- “His competitive spirit, resilience and commitment to winning embody everything we want in our players,” — Joel Glazer
- “I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline is as soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any contract stuff,” — Baker Mayfield, the deal official
- “We built roots here in Tampa,” — Baker Mayfield, the deal official
- “ESPN sources: two-time Pro-Bowl selection Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers reached agreement today on a three-year contract extension that will prevent the quarterback from becoming a free agent after this season,” — ESPN’s Adam Schefter
- “While Mayfield would prefer a long-term deal, he’s not afraid of the franchise tag, which would cost Tampa Bay at least $47M in 2027,” — ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler
What’s Next
The Buccaneers open the 2026 regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13, 2026. The extension guarantees Mayfield will remain the franchise quarterback for the next three seasons, unless future renegotiations or a franchise tag in 2027 alter the arrangement.
