The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield have reached a standstill as they look to reach agreement on a long-term contract extension.
Mayfield made it clear that he and the team are currently nowhere close on a deal, and even gave the team a deadline of next week’s training camp before talks are shelved until next offseason.
Things have gotten tense, as is the nature of the business, but head coach Todd Bowles is all-in on Mayfield, and voiced his public support for the quarterback amid contract negotiations.
Todd Bowles wants the Buccaneers to re-sign Baker Mayfield to a long-term contract extension
After the team’s final OTA session Thursday, Bowles was asked about Mayfield’s contract situation, and if there’s any disappointment due to the stalemate.
“Baker is a true pro. I don’t think there’s any disappointment whatsoever. I mean he loves it here. We love him here. The contract stuff takes care of itself,” said Bowles.
He followed that up by saying there’s absolutely no question he wants Mayfield to stick around as the team’s long-term quarterback.
Having the head coach, one of the most influential voices in roster decisions, voice public support for getting an extension done is certainly beneficial to Mayfield and his representation during negotiations.
Jason Licht similarly expressed his desire to get a deal done earlier this offseason, and even team ownership made it clear they want to pay Mayfield.
A deal is going to get done, it’s just a matter of when. Mayfield’s asking price is currently too high for the team to stomach, and they need to reach a happy medium that satisfies the quarterback without sacrificing the financial flexibility needed to build a competitive team around him.
Time is ticking as Mayfield’s deadline approaches, and this could be a lingering storyline if Mayfield is forced to play out his contract year. But both Mayfield and the Buccaneers clearly want a deal to get done — so there’s no need to panic.
In all likelihood, whether it gets done this offseason or next, Baker Mayfield will be the face of the Buccaneers for years to come.