Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to reach a contract extension after the organization was reportedly unwilling to offer the Pro Bowl quarterback a long-term, lucrative deal.
With training camp now underway, Mayfield shared his brutally honest thoughts on the situation, sparking backlash from the NFL community.
Baker Mayfield Faces Backlash From Fans After Harsh Words
After Thursday’s practice, Mayfield was asked if the stalled contract negotiations could affect Tampa Bay’s locker room. According to PewterReport, Mayfield said there will be no turmoil in the locker room despite the team’s “shady” dealings.
Buccaneers fans, in particular, were left questioning what Mayfield meant by “shady.”
“Calling the organization ‘shady’ doesn’t create turmoil?” a fan asked.
Calling the organization “shady” doesn’t create turmoil?
— Pat Mantell (@mantellp) July 30, 2026
“This is NOT a good look for the team,” another fan shared.
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“I’m all for paying Baker but he’s gotta stop acting like he’s Tom [expletive] Brady,” the backlash continued. “Does he not realize his play fell off as the season progressed? I know he was dealing with injuries but come the [expletive] on man.”
Another fan added, “It’s not shady bro. You were 2-7 down the stretch because you were too stupid to protect your body. I’m a big fan, but shit up and go earn it.”
It’s not shady bro . You were 2-7 down the stretch because you were too stupid to protect your body.
I’m a big fan, but shit up and go earn it .
— BucJason (@BucJason) July 30, 2026
“Baker Mayfield is hurting the team. He is such a big baby,” added another fan on X.
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One person even went as far as to propose the Buccaneers do a full reset, including parting ways with Mayfield entirely.
The account wrote, “Yea, it might be time to go into full-on rebuild mode. Get a new HC and staff, get a new QB, invest in the O-Line and DBs, and start over. We still have so much young talent.”
Yea, it might be time to go into full-on rebuild mode. Get a new HC and staff, get a new QB, invest in the O-Line and DBs, and start over. We still have so much young talent. https://t.co/h6LroK6K0W
— CFBKnights (@CFBKnights) July 30, 2026
Mayfield’s best season as a Buccaneer came in 2024, when he threw for 4,500 yards with a 71.4% completion rate and accounted for 44 total touchdowns. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection, led Tampa Bay to an NFC South title, and ranked fourth among quarterbacks with an 86.1 QB Impact score, according to PFN’s metrics.
However, he took a significant step back in 2025. Across 17 games, Mayfield threw for just 3,693 yards with a 63.2% completion rate and 27 total touchdowns. He finished with a 74.4 QB Impact score, ranking 22nd among qualifying quarterbacks.
Entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract extension, Mayfield said he was seeking a long-term deal worth more than $50 million annually. Though, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Buccaneers only offered him a two-year extension, which Mayfield called “disappointing.”
Mayfield revealed that he is no longer negotiating with Tampa Bay but still plans to play out the season. The Buccaneers are expected to contend for another NFC South title in 2026, but if they hope to make a deep playoff run and if Mayfield wants to earn a long-term contract extension, he’ll likely need to return to the level of play he displayed in 2024.
