The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently locked in a contract stalemate with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield made it clear that he and the team are nowhere close in contract negotiations, and if the team doesn’t get a deal done by training camp, contract talks will be shelved until next offseason.
It’s a sticky situation, because waiting until next offseason means Mayfield will have a chance to hit the open market and hear offers from other teams.
As a high-end veteran quarterback, there would certainly be a strong market for his services if the nightmare scenario becomes reality, and the Bucs could find themselves in a bidding war.
3 teams who could sign Baker Mayfield in 2027 free agency
Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers has announced that the upcoming season will be his final year before retirement. That could leave the Steelers in the quarterback market next offseason.
In addition to longtime backup Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh does have some intriguing young options waiting in the wings between Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar, but neither have had the chance to prove themselves at the NFL level.
If the Steelers view themselves as a win-now team next offseason, they may opt to pursue a proven veteran rather than rolling the dice on an unproven commodity in either Howard or Allar.
Mayfield has experience playing in the AFC North, and could be an intriguing option for a potentially quarterback-needy Steelers team.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings recently signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, and they have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in the QB room as well. The two are currently battling it out for the starting job in 2026.
But if both quarterbacks fail to deliver this upcoming season, Minnesota could be forced to take drastic measures. It’s a roster that’s ready to contend, headlined by one of the best receivers in the NFL, Justin Jefferson.
In a competitive NFC North that features Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff, the Vikings won't be able to compete without top-notch quarterback play.
Another disappointing season for Minnesota from the quarterback spot could make a player like Mayfield an appealing option going forward.
New York Jets
The Jets’ current starting quarterback for 2026 is Geno Smith, with fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik and Brady Cook filling the backup spots.
The jury is still out on Klubnik, but on paper, this is one of the NFL’s weakest quarterback rooms by a wide margin.
It’s certainly possible that someone steps up, but all signs point to the Jets being in the quarterback market once again next offseason.
If they don’t address the quarterback spot through the draft and choose to pursue a veteran instead, Mayfield could be the exact leader they need to inspire a much-needed culture change and provide reliable QB play.
Based on their history, New York may not feel like a very attractive landing spot for any quarterback, but the Jets are quietly building a quality offensive roster with pieces like Garrett Wilson, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper, and Breece Hall. Plus, they have the money to entice Mayfield with the lucrative offer he’s seeking.
Add us as a preferred source on Google