Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are working through contract talks, with hopes of coming to a long-term extension before the start of the 2026 season.
Those negotiations seemingly have hit a bit of an impasse, with Mayfield setting a deadline for the team to extend him before he pauses talks until next offseason.
The NFL is a business at the end of the day, and contract negotiations can create tension for all involved. But despite their inability to reach an agreement to this point, Mayfield and the Bucs are on the same page about the most important detail: both sides want to get a long-term deal done.
Baker Mayfield wants to stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield spoke to SoonerScoop during his annual youth football camp in Norman, Oklahoma.
Naturally, he was asked about his ongoing contract negotiations with the Buccaneers.
Baker Mayfield just gave Bucs fans a glimmer of hope amid his ongoing contract negotiations.
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) June 28, 2026
“I would love to be there. I think both sides want to get it done. Now it’s a matter of finding that middle ground and what makes both sides happy”
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“I would love to be there. I think both sides want to get it done. Now it’s a matter of finding that middle ground and what makes both sides happy,” said Mayfield.
“I want to be there long term. They’ve treated me right and it’s the first place I’ve gotten to that feels like Oklahoma when it comes down to football is football. How can they put you in the best position to have success on the field and how can they give their resources to help you out, so it’s a great place.”
Mayfield’s response is that of a player that wants to stay home in Tampa Bay.
The acknowledgement of reaching a middle ground that makes both sides happy is an encouraging sign amid contract talks. Mayfield realizes the team might not be able to meet all of his demands, but he appears willing to accept a fair offer that gives him the pay raise he deserves without sacrificing the organization’s ability to build a competitive roster around him.
The front office only has about a month until Mayfield’s self-imposed deadline of training camp arrives in late July. While this contract saga hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, Mayfield’s comments have restored hope that both sides are willing to work with each other to reach a deal.
If that happens, Tampa Bay will be thrilled to lock down its franchise quarterback for years to come and avoid the nightmare scenario of prolonging negotiations into next offseason.
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