The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have Baker Mayfield for one more season, but will he get the contract extension he deserves? That's a question Jason Licht danced around recently.
Mayfield may not be the best QB in the NFL, but with the right supporting cast staying healthy, he can deliver the leadership and consistency to be the team's franchise quarterback. The hold-up on his extension comes from within the building.
Jason Licht recently spoke on the JP Peterson Show podcast and was asked about the quarterback's situation. The Buccaneers GM was pointed but guarded about his QB's future.
Jason Licht is keeping Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield plans under wraps
Mayfield's current contract ends after the 2026 season. There are plenty of quarterback-needy NFL teams keeping a close eye on what the Buccaneers do with him. If he hits free agency next year, he will be one of the most sought-after QBs, guaranteed to land a starting job.
The Buccaneers have him in the building, but will they keep him? Licht was noncommittal about Mayfield's future, but he did say, "Nobody wants to see Baker go anywhere else." That's a good indication of how they feel about him, but it isn't a guarantee they are going to reach a deal.
"We’ve had some discussions and we’ll continue to have internal discussions and try to bring this to closure, one way or another. No one wants to see Baker go anywhere. No one is worried about how Baker’s mindset is going to be. I’ve had conversations with him about that and he’s all about wanting to win. He’s in a good place"Jason Licht
On the surface, no one should be surprised, upset, or even worried about his comments, but nothing suggests he is the top priority he should be. Having "internal" discussions could mean that not everyone is ready to hand a huge contract to him.
Licht also admitted that the two sides have not actually had firm discussions about a new deal. That too could be viewed as concerning.
"At some point – I don’t have a timetable – I’m sure we’ll be having those discussions."Jason Licht
There is no better time than the present. The team won't be back on the field until late July, when training camp starts. It would be a good move to have a deal in place for Mayfield when they report.
The Buccaneers want to keep Mayfield, and that isn't in question; what is, however, is how much they are willing to pay him to keep him in Tampa Bay. No GM is going to show their cards in the open, not with negotiations on the horizon.
After three seasons with the team, Mayfield has proven his worth, but that has not advanced the contract talks, just yet. Chances are, a deal will get done, but, as Licht said, there is no timetable, and until there is, Mayfield's future will most certainly remain a question.
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