The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally found stability at quarterback with Baker Mayfield, but now comes the harder question: how long do you commit to it?
Many Bucs fans are torn when it comes to the future of the quarterback position for the team they love. Mayfield brought stability to the position that had previously been vacated by Tom Brady himself, but Mayfield's contract has recently been viewed as expensive when compared to his production. He's entering a contract year, and his next deal will almost certainly come in between $50-$60 million annually, which could be a tough pill to swallow for some.
Brady's final season was in 2022, and Mayfield took the starting role on a prove-it contract for the 2023 season. Mayfield led the Bucs to their third straight NFC South title after a narrow week 18 victory over the Panthers, and though the season ended at the hands of the Lions, Baker earned his contract extension. The deal is worth up to $100 million, half of which fully guaranteed. A contract of this magnitude typically comes with a certain amount of expectations. It's not the kind of money you throw around to just keep a body at the position, and not if the team plans to move on.
Baker Mayfield’s contract reflects the reality of the quarterback market
In the last few years, the quarterback contract market has advanced at an alarming rate. Dak Prescott currently stands as the highest paid quarterback in the game, having signed an outrageous four year $240 million contract. In comparison to that, Baker's contract doesn't seem too steep. The reality we face now is that these athletes are being paid a delirious amount of money. Mayfield ranks 16th overall when it comes to quarterback contracts in terms of value, exactly middle of the table for starters.
Mayfield earned his place, and if there's anything to be learned from looking at his history, it's that you need to let this guy cook. Mayfield has shown flashes of greatness, even when playing among some of the worst teams in football, something that has followed him to his time in Tampa Bay. He's not just a bridge player to get the team to the next draft pick, he's someone that can be relied upon, in the least for the near future.
Baker Mayfield may not be perfect, but he’s proven to be exactly what Tampa Bay needs right now. In a quarterback market that punishes uncertainty, the smartest move is to trust the one you already have and sign him to a contract extension when the time comes.