After a rocky start to his NFL career that saw him bounce between the Browns, Panthers and Rams, quarterback Baker Mayfield has finally found a home in Tampa Bay
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht made it clear he intends to sign Mayfield to a long-term deal that will keep him in Tampa Bay for years to come.
“I love Baker. I love everything he’s done for us,” Licht said, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. “The goal for us is for Baker to continue to be the player that he is, and at some point, we reach an extension when the time is right and he continues to be our quarterback for a long time. That’s the goal.”
Following Tom Brady’s retirement after the 2022 season, the Buccaneers took a gamble on Mayfield, signing him to a one-year, $4 million deal. The contract proved to be one of the biggest bargains in recent memory, as Mayfield exceeded expectations and led Tampa Bay to a 9-8 record, a division title, and a playoff win in his first season with the team.
His performance in 2023 prompted the front office to reward him with a three-year extension worth up to $100 million. His $33.3 million average annual salary ranks 19th among NFL quarterbacks, according to Over the Cap. And with Mayfield recently ranked by executives, coaches and scouts as the No. 9 quarterback in the league, he continues to be an exceptional value for the Buccaneers.
Now is a perfect time for the Buccaneers to extend Baker Mayfield
Mayfield is coming off by far the best season of his career in 2024, setting career highs in completions (407), completion percentage (71.4%), passer rating (106.8), passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41). He led the Buccaneers to a 10–7 season and another division title, with the offense finishing as a top-five unit in the NFL.
Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Mayfield has thrown 69 touchdown passes over the past two seasons, more than any other quarterback in the NFL during that span.
As the quarterback market continues to explode, and with elite production and back-to-back playoff berths, Mayfield would be well within his right to seek another new contract. One that not only gives him a raise, but pays him like the top-10 quarterback he’s proven to be.
Mayfield will be happy to know that his general manager values him accordingly and hopes to make another major investment in his quarterback.
“We’re all ecstatic he’s our quarterback,” Licht said. “It’s an amazing story. What he’s been through with his career and his personal life, to come out of it the way he is, the future is bright for him.”
Mayfield was put through the wringer early in his NFL career, but to say his resilience paid off would be an understatement. Watching him revive his career in Tampa Bay and blossom into a truly elite quarterback has become one of the league’s best stories in recent years.
After years of instability and bouncing between teams, it’s a safe bet the Buccaneers will do everything in their power to ensure Mayfield stays in Tampa for the rest of his career.
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