Baker Mayfield’s journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been one of the best redemption arcs in recent NFL history. The former No. 1 overall pick signed a $4 million prove-it deal in 2023, threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, then parlayed that into a three-year, $100 million contract.
He followed it up with a career-best 2024 campaign, throwing for 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and completed 71.4% of his throws. But a frustrating 2025 season marred by injuries has stalled extension negotiations, and Mayfield will now enter 2026 playing on the final year of his deal without long-term security.
Baker Mayfield’s Injury-Plagued 2025 Complicates His Contract Outlook
Mayfield began last season as an MVP candidate, leading the Bucs to a 6-2 start before the bye week. Then the injuries started piling up. Lavonte David revealed that Mayfield played through oblique, shoulder, and knee issues that significantly affected his performance down the stretch.
An AC joint sprain in Week 12 was the most visible setback, and Mayfield’s ability to throw the ball was visibly affected. Tampa Bay lost seven of its last nine games of the season to finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs entirely.
Mayfield’s 2025 numbers reflected the decline, as he completed 63.2% of his passes for 3,693 yards, both his lowest marks in three seasons as a Buccaneer. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 73.4, ranking 24th in the league, a significant drop from the 85.0 score he posted in 2024, when he was ranked seventh in the league.
Mayfield recently talked about his contract situation, and his update was not promising. “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,” he said. “I’m under contract for 2026. The guy’s in the locker room and the staff know that I’m still going to be me. I’m going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl.”
Mayfield also revealed that his deadline is the start of training camp, and if no agreement is reached by then, the negotiations will likely stall till the end of the season.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on a potential contract extension with Tampa Bay:
“The contract stuff – it’s happening it’s starting. 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.
“I’m under contract for… pic.twitter.com/uFHXkfK2DF
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) June 5, 2026
The NFL world had varying reactions to the star quarterback’s comments, with one analyst even believing Mayfield could become an option for an AFC team.
“Interesting situation,” NFL insider Albert Breer said. “Baker Mayfield headed into a contract year.”
Contract year Baker will be a fun ride! https://t.co/KIbQljU5CT
— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) June 5, 2026
“Baker Mayfield likely to play on expiring contract,” Hayden Winks wrote on X. “Lot to prove after up-and-down 2025 with a new staff.”
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“Don’t sign until after the season Baker! Just in case some team wants to trade their struggling QB and picks for you! Then you will get PAID” Houston Texans analyst Cody Stoots wrote, in relation to the possibility of the Texans potentially pursuing Mayfield if C.J. Stroud continues to struggle.
lol the story of his career. Keep in mind, he wanted top 5 money in Cleveland. But that narrative never gets told. https://t.co/U5lVqEgtYv
— Fantastic Mr. Fox (@kingF0X23) June 5, 2026
Not getting an extension before the season isn’t necessarily bad for Mayfield. If the 31-year-old quarterback returns to the form he showed in 2024, he would enter 2027 free agency as one of the most attractive quarterback options available.
Mayfield has already shown he can perform at an elite level when healthy. The pressure of a contract year is real, but so is the opportunity, and few quarterbacks in the league have proven more adept at thriving with their backs against the wall than him.
