A new report on the successful union between Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 reveals the likely discount rate he could take to return to the team for 2024.
After five years in the league, it seemed like Mayfield was never going to reach the potential many saw in him when he was the first overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. While he had his moments in Cleveland and had a late-season surge with the Rams in 2022, it was no surprise that he was only able to land $4 million prove-it deal from the Buccaneers before this past season.
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However, to the surprise of many — including Tampa Bay fans — the one-time Heisman Trophy winner had a career year for the Buccaneers in 2023. After 18 weeks, the 28-year-old finished in the top 10 of the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, while also tossing just 10 interceptions under the guidance of offensive coordinator Dave Canales. He also led them to a shocking Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
This season was the career resurgence he desperately needed and gave the Buccaneers real hope for life after Tom Brady. However, in taking that $4 million deal, Mayfield gave himself a chance to rebuild his reputation and make another jump back into NFL free agency in March.
- Baker Mayfield stats (2023-24): 4,044 passing yards, 28 TD, 10 INT, 94.6 rating
It now puts the organization in a difficult position where they will have to give the quarterback a huge pay increase in the same offseason when team great Mike Evans will also hit the open market.
Baker Mayfield could take two-year, $40 million deal from Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport suggested the team might have to use the franchise tag to hold on to Mayfield, which would bring with it a hefty cost of over $36 million next season. However, on Wednesday, The Athletic’s NFL reporter Mike Jones claimed that there is a belief that Baker Mayfield may be willing to settle for a “two-year, $40 million deal” from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Such a deal would be far more beneficial for the Bucs and would place him toward the back of the top 20 in annual pay for NFL quarterbacks. The reason why he would be open to accepting a price lower than he could get elsewhere is because Mayfield has grown a deep appreciation for the organization and how they have helped him off the field this season.
“Through all the s*** that I’ve been through, I leaned on a lot of people here,” Mayfield told The Athletic. “I learned I could do that. I’ve had a lot of people that helped me out throughout the year and just made it special. So, you go through stuff — where I was at in my life, not just football — and this place helped me out, so I’m thankful.”