Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team remain far apart on a new contract as a self-imposed deadline nears. Mayfield set the start of training camp on July 28 as the cutoff for negotiations. The sides have not reached agreement on terms despite both expressing interest in a deal.
Mayfield entered the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract signed in March 2024. He is set to earn $40 million in 2026, including a $30 million roster bonus already paid in June. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported on July 6 that the Buccaneers are not rushing to complete an extension.
Mayfield has stated a desire to remain with Tampa Bay. He suggested during a recent interview that both sides want an agreement but need to find middle ground on value. His 2025 season included career lows in several categories after an early strong start, finishing with an 8-9 record.
Comparisons to other quarterback contracts show Mayfield currently ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks at an average of $33.3 million per year. Recent deals for players such as Brock Purdy and Patrick Mahomes have raised the market. Analysts note a potential range of $47.5 million to $51.75 million annually could bridge the gap, though no agreement has been reached.
