The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have several key players set to become free agents following the 2026 season.
Baker Mayfield headlines the list, but defensive tackle Vita Vea, right guard Cody Mauch, edge rusher Yaya Diaby, and kicker Chase McLaughlin are also due for new contracts.
The Buccaneers must also decide whether or not to exercise Chris Godwin Jr.'s team option., or he’ll also become a free agent.
It’ll be a difficult task for the Buccaneers to decide which players to prioritize, as keeping everyone will be nearly impossible. But Diaby isn’t too concerned about his own extension, and would rather the team focus on re-signing Mayfield.
Yaya Diaby wants Buccaneers to take care of Baker Mayfield’s contract before training camp
Diaby appeared on the Pewter Report Podcast, and was asked if there’s been any progress in negotiations as he enters a contract year.
“For me, man, I just want them to get Baker’s deal done,” said Diaby. “He deserves every penny that he gets, man… They gotta get my dog Baker right and make everybody happy going into training camp.”
That’s a selfless perspective from Diaby to put his own contract on the back burner in favor of Mayfield’s. It also makes sense from a business perspective.
Diaby is in position for a career year in 2026. He’s already led the Bucs in sacks in two of his three NFL seasons, but he has yet to record double-digit sacks.
Tampa Bay bolstered the supporting cast around him this offseason, by drafting Rueben Bain Jr. and signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and A’Shawn Robinson.
Playing along the best defensive front of his career, Diaby could finally take the leap into the NFL’s elite tier, and his value could skyrocket.
It makes perfect sense why Diaby would rather bet on himself in a contract year with the opportunity to significantly raise his price tag.
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