The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ ongoing contract negotiations with Baker Mayfield have been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
The Bucs want Mayfield as their long-term quarterback, and Mayfield wants to remain in Tampa Bay, but the two sides have yet to agree on a contract extension that satisfies both sides.
If Mayfield is forced to play out his contract year, there is no guarantee he returns in 2027. Other suitors could emerge and spark a bidding war that prices Tampa Bay out of the market, while an injury or a down year would also complicate long-term decisions.
While an extension remains the most likely outcome, the Buccaneers still need to do their due diligence on potential contingency plans in case things fall through.
With a new wild card entering the list of quarterback options, the Bucs suddenly have a new option worth monitoring.
Buccaneers are a potential suitor for Brendan Sorsby in supplement draft
Brendan Sorsby is a quarterback widely regarded as a first-round talent, but off-field concerns have made him a polarizing prospect.
Sorsby was declared ineligible by the NCAA after admitting to placing thousands of bets, including bets involving his own team in 2022. He entered a gambling addiction program, and after extensive legal battles, a court overruled the NCAA and gave him the opportunity to play for Texas Tech next season, but he decided on entering the NFL supplemental draft instead.
The supplemental draft takes place in July, with teams able to bid a 2027 NFL Draft pick to select players who lost NCAA eligibility or qualify under rare circumstances, such as Sorsby.
Sorsby has prototypical size at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds. He has a strong arm and also has intriguing mobility.
“Sorsby has the talent to be a starting-caliber signal-caller early in his career. He has the kind of arm power, accuracy and mobility -- he also ran for 616 yards and nine scores last season -- that is highly intriguing for pro teams,” wrote NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid.
With Mayfield entering a contract year and expected to command north of $50 million annually on his next deal, the Buccaneers would be wise to explore every possible option.
For that reason, Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo actually listed the Buccaneers as one of his five teams to watch for Sorsby.
“If the Buccaneers are actually thinking about moving on from Mayfield at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, it would benefit them to have an in-house succession plan. Spending a mid-round supplemental pick on Sorsby could be the solution," wrote Melo.
General manager Jason Licht has historically been cautious about bringing in players with character concerns, let alone at the quarterback position. That alone makes Tampa Bay an unlikely destination.
Even if the Buccaneers are interested, reports suggest there are teams willing to spend a second-round pick on Sorsby, a price Tampa Bay is very unlikely to match.
But Sorsby’s talent is undeniable, and with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of the position, the Buccaneers will likely do their homework before the supplemental draft arrives. It's a story that won't go away until Tampa Bay finally inks Baker Mayfield to a long-term contract extension.
Add us as a preferred source on Google