The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be pleased with the return on their investment in Baker Mayfield.
The Buccaneers and Mayfield have restructured his contract to guarantee $30 million that previously wasn’t guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Mayfield, 30, is approaching the second year of a three-year, $100 million contract that runs through the 2026 season. He’s scheduled to make $40 million in 2026, none of which was previously guaranteed. Per the report, the $30 million in additional guarantees are now part of that final year of his contract.
Will Bucs extend Mayfield?
The restructure does not extend Mayfield’s contract. He’s still slated to become a free agent following the 2026 season barring a contract extension. Per Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, an extension is the ultimate goal.
“I love Baker,” Licht told The Athletic last week. “I love everything he’s done for us. “The goal for us is for Baker to continue to be the player that he is, and at some point, we reach an extension when the time is right and he continues to be our quarterback for a long time. That’s the goal.”
Mayfield’s career resurgence in Tampa
A former No. 1 overall pick who failed to live up to his draft slot with the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield has revived his career since joining the Buccaneers in 2023. His improved play has translated into success for the Buccaneers.
In two seasons in Tampa, Mayfield has completed 67.9% of his passes for 7.5 yards per attempt with season-long averages of 4,272 passing yards, 34.5 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He completed 71.4% of his passes for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns in 2024, setting career highs in each category for the second time in his two seasons in Tampa.
The performances have resulted in the first two Pro Bowl selections of Mayfield’s career.
Can Mayfield maintain success with Liam Coen gone?
The Buccaneers have posted winning records (9-8, 10-7) and made the playoffs after each of Mayfield’s season at quarterback, extending the team success from the Tom Brady era. Tampa Bay will be seeking its sixth straight playoff berth and fifth consecutive NFC South title in 2025.
They’ll do so without former offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who oversaw Mayfield’s resurgence and left this offseason to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Mayfield can maintain his success with Coen gone, an extension could be in the works for next offseason, if not sooner.
