Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield desires to play for and with the Bucs, however apparently contract extension negotiations aren’t precisely to his liking proper now.
Mayfield held his youth soccer camp on Friday morning on the Bucs’ indoor facility the place he fielded questions from native media for the primary time this offseason. When his contract 12 months was introduced up, Mayfield didn’t mince phrases about how far the hole is with the crew when it comes to total discussions.
Baker Mayfield And Bucs Are Nowhere Shut In Negotiations
“The contract stuff – it’s happening, it’s starting – talks and whatnot,” Baker Mayfield started. “Not anywhere close to what we were thinking. Would love to be here long term, but as of right now that’s not exactly the case. But I’m under contract for 2026. The guys in that locker room and the staff know that I’m still going to be me. I’m still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. To me, that’s the priority. Everything else will take care of itself.”
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: USA In the present day
Mayfield is getting into his fourth season with the Bucs. On the time when he first signed in Tampa Bay, both sides was in a distinct place. Mayfield was seeking to revive his profession whereas Tampa Bay was searching for a successor to Tom Brady that may preserve this ship afloat. Each Mayfield and the crew completed their targets as and mixed for 2 division titles and a playoff win, which got here in 2023, which was Mayfield’s first 12 months in pink and pewter.
His first contract again in 2023 was a one-year, prove-it deal value $4 million, which turned the discount of all bargains. After reaching the second spherical of the postseason, Mayfield was given a profitable, three-year $100 million contract extension with $50 million assured. The Bucs even went so far as to ensure all of his cash for the 2026 season as a present of excellent religion.
And that leads us all to the scenario all people is in at present. That is the least 12 months of Mayfield’s contract, and the Bucs are too good to begin throughout at quarterback. Mayfield can simply get at worst $50 million per season on the open market, however Tampa Bay doesn’t additionally need to fall right into a spot like different groups have, such because the Cowboys giving $60 million per 12 months to Dak Prescott and never even reaching the postseason.
The perimeters are far aside, however Mayfield doesn’t have any bitterness to the Bucs’ entrance workplace. He continued to indicate appreciation for them and town whereas additionally additionally standing his floor.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
“We’ve built roots here in Tampa,” Mayfield stated. “We love the community, we love being here. They’ve embraced us, we enjoy being here and obviously going to raise kids here. They know who I am. They know it doesn’t matter what the contract is, that’s not going to change my work ethic, the leadership aspect of it, what I try to bring to the guys, trying to elevate everybody.”
Mayfield additionally made positive to specify that whereas he feels he deserves the large cash, it received’t change who he’s as an individual or a frontrunner. It’s the intangibles of Baker which have made Bucs followers love him a lot.
“Yes, there’s helpful things when it comes to negotiating, but at the same time it really comes down to you’re worried about giving somebody that much money that it’s going to change them, it’s going to change how they show up every day in the building,” Mayfield stated. “And for me, that’s not the case. They helped me out, however I feel I did the identical (for them) as nicely. So it’s time to get one thing executed long run, I might like to get to be right here long run,
Baker Mayfield Units Contract Extension Deadline For Bucs
The opposite massive reveal from Baker Mayfield is that he has set a deadline for when extension negotiations will finish. The Bucs have up till coaching camp to get a deal executed earlier than he main focus shifts to the 2026 season.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on a possible contract extension with Tampa Bay:
“The contract stuff – it’s taking place it’s beginning. Not wherever near what we had been pondering. Would like to be right here long run, however as of proper now that’s not precisely the case.
“I’m beneath contract for… pic.twitter.com/uFHXkfK2DF
“Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline,” Mayfield stated. As quickly as coaching camp begins, we’re not doing any contract stuff. It’s all ball. It’s less than me when that will get executed by. Hopefully earlier than that, but when not – nonetheless going to have a very good 12 months.”
