Quarterback Baker Mayfield plans on making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remorse not extending him once they had the possibility.
On Thursday, the 2018 No. 1 general decide spoke with reporters at Buccaneers coaching camp after contract talks with the entrance workplace stalled earlier within the week and repeatedly expressed his “disappointment” to be enjoying on an expiring
contract in 2026.
“I am on the level in my profession … I do know what I’ve dropped at this franchise,” Mayfield, getting into his fourth season as Bucs beginning quarterback, mentioned, including negotiations left him feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued.”
“I believe I am a franchise quarterback. I have been advised I am a franchise quarterback. It has been mentioned from possession on down,” he added.
“It is disappointing while you suppose you are a cornerstone of the franchise to be handled like that.”
Baker Mayfield fired up after failed contract negotiations
Mayfield’s pointed feedback could possibly be an on-field blessing for the Bucs, who’ve a significantly better probability of returning to the highest of the NFC South with their quarterback having one thing to show. He had a disappointing end to 2025, averaging 197.1 passing yards per sport with 14 whole touchdowns (13 passing, one dashing) and 11 turnovers (9 interceptions, two fumbles misplaced) over the ultimate 9 video games of the common season. Tampa Bay went 2-7 to overlook out on a fifth consecutive division title.
In 2024, Mayfield posted career-highs in completion proportion (71.4 p.c), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41). Wholesome after enjoying banged up for almost all of 2025, he might be able to put up related numbers this fall.
“I am excited,” Mayfield advised reporters, including he is “in the most effective form I’ve ever been in. We’re gonna have a extremely good group.”
With an enormous 2026, Mayfield, enjoying on the ultimate yr of a three-year, $100M contract, will simply surpass $50M per yr on his subsequent contract and should even method turning into the third quarterback to earn at the least $60M yearly, becoming a member of Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.
The entrance workplace might need it had finalized a less expensive deal this offseason if that is the place issues head.
“For those who’ve waited this lengthy to handle your franchise quarterback,” Mayfield mentioned, “that is too unhealthy. ‘Trigger it is solely gonna worsen from right here.”
