Baker Mayfield is set to play the 2026 season on an expiring contract after negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke down on the eve of training camp. During his media availability on Thursday, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback didn’t hold back, saying he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued” by the team’s offers.
Bucs legend Gerald McCoy didn’t take long to come to Mayfield’s defense, declaring the former No. 1 overall pick as the franchise’s quarterback and urging him to “stand on business.”
Gerald McCoy Backs Baker Mayfield in Contract Dispute With Buccaneers
McCoy, who played nine seasons with Tampa Bay, made it clear that he fully supports Mayfield’s position in the dispute. That said, the six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle wants Mayfield to be bolder, telling him to state with certainty that he is the franchise quarterback.
“Baker Reagan Mayfield, my brother. Some things were said today, and I know people are wondering,” McCoy said in a video he posted on X. “Baker said two things that I believe are wrong. He said, ‘I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback.’ No, Baker. Don’t say you think. Say you are. Say you believe. Because you are.”
McCoy argued that franchise quarterbacks are difficult to find across the NFL and believes Mayfield has earned that status through his performances in Tampa Bay.
Mayfield has been a huge influence on the Bucs’ offense since joining the team in 2023. He 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.
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Mayfield, though, had an underwhelming season 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.
https://t.co/vWGMCRkXbj pic.twitter.com/hkMkTskt4k
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) July 30, 2026
“Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback. And he should be the Bucs’ long-term franchise quarterback. That’s not bias talking. That’s consistency since he’s been there talking,” McCoy remarked.
“People ain’t got to tell you nothing. People told you he was a walk-on. People told you you wasn’t going to be the number one pick. Last I checked, not only was you the number one pick, you left with a Heisman Trophy,” he added. “Forget what people say. That includes the owners, [GM] Jason [Licht], whoever. You are a franchise quarterback. So stand on business, my brother.”
McCoy predicted Mayfield would enjoy a great season in 2026 before reiterating his support for the quarterback while saying he thinks the situation “sucks,” but he is “player-first”.
“The second thing that you said that I have a problem with is that you’re going to have a good year. No, you’re going to have a great year because this is who you are,” McCoy stated. “You’re healthy. And every time you’re healthy, y’all see what has happened. Baker Mayfield will lead this team. And he will lead it in a great way.”
The 31-year-old QB is entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract extension he signed in March 2024. He revealed he was looking for a long-term deal worth over $50 million annually, but according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Tampa only offered him a two-year extension, which Mayfield called “disappointing.”
Mayfield has built a reputation for playing with a chip on his shoulder, and the Buccaneers could end up paying the price if he delivers a standout campaign in 2026.
Should the veteran quarterback bounce back to his best and lead Tampa Bay back to the playoffs, the long-term contract he has been seeking would likely become far more expensive for the franchise.
