Despite all the free agency speculation swirling around him, Baker Mayfield might never hit the open market. A new report indicates the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, days removed from re-signing receiver Mike Evans, are making progress on bringing back the quarterback who led them to the NFL playoffs in 2023.
Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers Talking About New Contract
Mayfield, coming off a career-best season, will be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks if he hits free agency. But the Bucs intend to not let that happen, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
“When I last checked in with sources, Mayfield and the Bucs were working hard to strike a deal, especially after they locked up WR Mike Evans,” Russini wrote in a piece published Wednesday.
Russini reported something similar Monday after Tampa and Evans reached an agreement on a new deal.
“What’s next for Tampa? Trying to sign Baker Mayfield,” she wrote on X. “The Bucs have started negotiations to keep him and making every effort to get it done. Sources have shared the QB will not take a hometown discount to stay.”
NFL free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET next Wednesday, with the legal tampering period beginning 52 hours earlier at noon on Monday. So, the Buccaneers only have a few days left until Mayfield can negotiate with other teams.
What If Mayfield Doesn’t Re-Sign With Tampa Bay?
The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons reportedly will be among the teams most aggressive in pursuing Mayfield.
“Atlanta and Minnesota are watching,” Russini wrote in one of her X posts.
Other reports tie Mayfield to the Vikings and Falcons. Earlier this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN said Atlanta will “have interest” in Mayfield if it misses out on free agent Kirk Cousins. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer added people around the NFL consider the Falcons the favorites to land Mayfield.
The New England Patriots reportedly also have Mayfield on their list — but the feeling might not be mutual.
“Early indications are that Mayfield plans to consider other options — likely the Buccaneers, Vikings, and Falcons — before the Patriots could become serious contenders for his services,” Graff wrote in a story published Tuesday.
“He could command more than $30 million per year, according to a league source. In short, despite the Patriots’ connections to Mayfield, New England is not expected to be at the top of his wish list.”
KEEP READING: Top Free Agent Quarterbacks 2024
Given the money he could land in free agency, Mayfield probably would be wise to test the open market. But the Buccaneers might make it worth his while to pass on free agency altogether and stay in Tampa.
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