Baker Mayfield sent shockwaves across the NFL when he shredded the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for failing to re-sign him to a long-term contract extension.
His frustration with how things played out was on full display during his press conference Thursday, as Mayfield openly admitted he felt disrespected by the team.
The Bucs fan base is split in their reaction to Mayfield’s brutally honest comments, and franchise legend Gerald McCoy voiced his opinion on negotiations falling through.
Gerald McCoy wants Buccaneers to commit to Baker Mayfield as the franchise quarterback
McCoy played in Tampa Bay from 2010 to 2018, where he had a front-row seat for the team’s struggles to find a franchise quarterback.
Tampa Bay shuffled through several starting quarterbacks during McCoy’s tenure, including Josh Freeman, Mike Glennon, Josh McCown, and Jameis Winston.
It’s not easy to find a franchise quarterback that can consistently give your team a chance to win. That’s why McCoy is so passionate in support of the team making a long-term commitment to Mayfield.
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— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) July 30, 2026
"The Bucs ain’t had no bunch of franchise quarterbacks. In fact, it’s hard to find a franchise quarterback in any franchise… Baker Mayfield is a franchise quarterback and he should be the Bucs’ long-term franchise quarterback… Baker Mayfield will lead this team, and he will lead it in a great way."Gerald McCoy
McCoy makes a strong argument. Mayfield’s leadership and production are that of a franchise quarterback, and several franchises would kill to have him leading their team.
Mayfield has led the Buccaneers to a 27-24 regular-season record and two division titles in three seasons. His 95 touchdown passes since arriving in Tampa Bay rank second-most in the NFL over that span.
McCoy feels the same way as many Bucs fans: Mayfield has already shown enough over his three seasons to be rewarded with a long-term deal to stay in Tampa Bay.
But with no agreement reached, Mayfield and the Bucs have decided to let the chips fall where they may. A strong season will likely result in a long-term commitment, or at the very least, the franchise tag. Another disappointing season could force the Bucs to consider moving on and pressing the reset button.
The 2026 season is Tampa Bay’s most pivotal in years, and the way things play out will determine the direction of the franchise going forward.
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