Charismatic quarterback Baker Mayfield will play the 2026 season on an expiring deal after failing to agree to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield is entering the final year of a contract extension signed in March 2024, and the quarterback revealed during June’s OTAs that he would not negotiate once training camp kicked off.
Baker Mayfield Reveals True Feelings After Stalled Contract Talks
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mayfield was blunt in his assessment of his contract situation with the Buccaneers. The outspoken quarterback revealed his fondness for Tampa, but slammed the Bucs’ unwillingness to offer him a deal before his deadline expired.
“It’s been home for our family, we’re raising kids here, we love it here. I wanted a deal done, set the deadline, and told them it’s gonna be all ball after that, and I did mean that,” Mayfield said. “I don’t know if they thought I was just gonna take some of the offers that they gave. I’m at the point in my career, and understanding what I’ve brought to this franchise… leadership-wise and even play-wise.
“It’s been some of the best years of my career, and it’s only gonna trend upwards. Just being comfortable and feeling that, so disappointing in that regard, to not have, you know, to feel disrespected a little bit, and that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after, you know, thinking you’ve earned it… I can sit here and look at other QBs and peers and evaluate myself based on that and put myself in categories that I deserve to get compensated for that.”
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Mayfield revealed to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that “the Bucs offered him a two-year deal, which was ‘probably the most disappointing’ part,” as he “wanted long-term commitment.” Moreover, the Buccaneers were “pretty far’ from offering a deal which would have given his desired salary of over $50 million.
Video: Baker Mayfield says it’s “very disappointing” not to have a new contract, feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued” but now focusing on the team and the season ahead. pic.twitter.com/or5VbQ9uGO
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 30, 2026
According to PewterReport, Mayfield also called out the Buccaneers’ “shady” tactics, but he dismissed concerns about potential locker-room turmoil.
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Mayfield has been a stabilizing influence on the Bucs’ offense since joining the team in 2023, and the quarterback had the best season of his career in 2024, registering 4,500 passing yards on 71.4% completion, 41 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, while adding 378 rushing yards and 3 scores.
Mayfield had the worst statistical season of his Bucs career last year, tallying 3,693 passing yards on 63.2% completion, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, earning a PFN QB Impact score of 74.4, ranking him at No. 22 in the league.
Mayfield further revealed that despite his stalled contract talks, he had addressed the team about his situation and switched his focus to winning with his teammates next season.
“I think I’m a franchise QB. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback,” Mayfield said. “It’s been said publicly from the ownership down here. So, to not have a deal done is very disappointing. But I said the deadline is the deadline and I addressed the team to let them know it’s all ball. I’m with these guys. It’s all team.”
Mayfield’s numerous injuries from last season, including a sprained MCL and PCL, a left shoulder injury, and a biceps contusion, were revealed during an episode of the “Quarterback” show on Netflix. The quarterback has led the Bucs to one playoff win during his stint in Tampa and has yet to lead them to an NFC championship game.
