Baker Mayfield is betting on himself.
The Buccaneers quarterback turned down a two-year, $100 million deal to play out the final year of his current contract at $40 million–$10 million in base salary and a $30 million bonus. He wanted the Bucs to commit to him for at least four years to give him security, but they declined probably because he suffered injuries last year and his play fell off.
Mayfield said in advance he would only negotiate until training camp started. When they didn’t reach a deal before camp opened, he said he felt “disrespected” and wouldn’t talk contract with the Bucs or with reporters until the season ended.
So now his future depends on how he plays this year. If Mayfield plays well, he will have leverage for the kind of contract he wants because he will be a free agent and can test the market. He said he feels like he is a franchise quarterback.
The Bucs are the fourth team Mayfield has played for. After being the first pick of the draft by the Browns in 2018, he spent four years there but didn’t live up to expectations. After the Browns made the ill-fated trade for Deshaun Watson, he was traded to Carolina, where he went 1-5 before being put on waivers. When Matthew Stafford was injured, the Rams then claimed him, and Mayfield went 1-3 as a starter.
The Bucs then needed a starter because Tom Brady retired in 2023 and signed him to a one year “prove it” deal. He played well enough to get a three-year, $100 million deal. He played ever better in 2024, but then struggled last year and Tampa Bay decided not to give him the long-term deal he wanted. The Bucs haven’t commented but ESPN reported they are unhappy he turned down their offer.
So everything is on the line for Mayfield this year.
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