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Baker Mayfield could leave Buccaneers for surprising Cardinals landing spot in 2027

If Baker Mayfield ultimately reaches free agency after his contract year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Arizona Cardinals make sense as a potential suitor.
ByJosh Crysler|
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The Arizona Cardinals make a lot of sense as a suitor for Baker Mayfield if he reaches free agency next offseason.
The Arizona Cardinals make a lot of sense as a suitor for Baker Mayfield if he reaches free agency next offseason. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before training camp, and Mayfield is now expected to play out the final season of his contract in 2026.

The expectation remains that the two sides will eventually reach an agreement. But if Tampa Bay doesn’t re-sign or franchise tag Mayfield by the time the free agency bell rings next March, he’ll become the top quarterback available on the market and draw plenty of interest from quarterback-needy teams.

One franchise in particular stands out as an intriguing landing spot for Mayfield if he and the Buccaneers ultimately part ways. 

Arizona Cardinals could be a perfect landing spot for Baker Mahyfield 

The Arizona Cardinals desperately need to find their long-term answer at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett will be the starter in 2026, but he’s playing on a one-year deal. Unless he puts together an outstanding season, Arizona will likely be back in the quarterback market next offseason. 

At first glance, the Cardinals may not seem like an attractive landing spot for Mayfield after a 3-14 season in 2025 and three straight seasons without a playoff appearance. But their roster is far more talented than their recent lack of success would let on. 

Mayfield would join a stacked offense that features running back Jeremiyah Love, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and one of the NFL’s best tight ends in Trey McBride. 

He’d also be protected by a promising young offensive line headlined by left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and right guard Chase Bisontis. 

Calling the plays is offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur. After serving as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2023-25, LaFleur is expected to incorporate some of the same concepts found in Sean McVay’s offense, with similarities to the system Liam Coen ran in Tampa Bay. 

That West Coast scheme has already proven to fit Mayfield like a glove, as he’s played some of the best football of his career operating within that style of offense.  

Between his natural fit in Arizona’s scheme, the top-shelf weapons that would be at his disposal, and Arizona’s pressing need for a quarterback, the Cardinals could quietly become one of the most attractive landing spots for Mayfield if he and the Buccaneers are unable to reach a long-term agreement. 

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