It’s seemingly a foregone conclusion that former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield will re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of NFL free agency opening next month.
After what was a brilliant first season in Tampa Bay, Mayfield was caught on a hot mic telling an NFL legend that he plans on re-signing with the Buccaneers. This followed weeks of speculation that a return to Tampa was in the cards.
The marriage seems to be perfect. Mayfield, 28, led Tampa Bay to the NFC South title and a wildcard win over the then-defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. He was among the most-productive quarterbacks in the NFL after major struggles over the previous two seasons.
- Baker Mayfield stats (2023): 64.3% completion, 4,044 yards, 28 TD, 10 INT
Without a ton of options out there as it relates to quarterbacks, the Buccaneers would be foolish not to re-sign Mayfield.
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Next Baker Mayfield contract should net QB a lot of cash
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Mayfield is looking at a deal similar to what Geno Smith is playing under with the Seattle Seahawks.
“It’s possible, if not likely, the Buccaneers would value Mayfield more than any other NFL team. But that doesn’t mean they can lowball him and run the risk of disrespecting the quarterback. A reasonable starting point, according to league sources, would be a tick above Geno Smith’s three-year, $75 million deal with Seattle last year that allowed for a Seahawks out after one season.”
Report on Baker Mayfield contract with Buccaneers
Mayfield’s situation is similar to what we saw from Smith when he signed his deal in Seattle following the 2022 season. A journeyman at the time, Smith was coming off a season in which he won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Mayfield was a finalist for said award this past season before it surprisingly went to Joe Flacco.
A report back in January indicated that the Buccaneers would have to dole out $36 million annually to Mayfield. That number seemed a bit excessive. A total of $25-$28 million per season with $50 million (two years) guaranteed seems to be market value.
We will find out soon enough.