Quarterback Baker Mayfield plans on making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remorse not extending him once they had the possibility.
On Thursday, the 2018 No. 1 total choose spoke with reporters at Buccaneers coaching camp after contract talks with the entrance workplace stalled earlier within the week and repeatedly expressed his “disappointment” to be enjoying on an expiring
contract in 2026.
“I am on the level in my profession … I do know what I’ve dropped at this franchise,” Mayfield, coming into his fourth season as Bucs beginning quarterback, mentioned, including negotiations left him feeling “disrespected” and “undervalued.”
“I feel I am a franchise quarterback. I have been advised I am a franchise quarterback. It has been mentioned from possession on down,” he added.
“It is disappointing whenever you suppose you are a cornerstone of the franchise to be handled like that.”
Baker Mayfield fired up after failed contract negotiations
Mayfield’s pointed feedback might be an on-field blessing for the Bucs, who’ve a significantly better probability of returning to the highest of the NFC South with their quarterback having one thing to show. He had a disappointing end to 2025, averaging 197.1 passing yards per recreation with 14 complete touchdowns (13 passing, one dashing) and 11 turnovers (9 interceptions, two fumbles misplaced) over the ultimate 9 video games of the common season. Tampa Bay went 2-7 to overlook out on a fifth consecutive division title.
In 2024, Mayfield posted career-highs in completion share (71.4 %), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41). Wholesome after enjoying banged up for almost all of 2025, he might be able to put up comparable numbers this fall.
“I am excited,” Mayfield advised reporters, including he is “in the very best form I’ve ever been in. We’re gonna have a extremely good staff.”
With an enormous 2026, Mayfield, enjoying on the ultimate 12 months of a three-year, $100M contract, will simply surpass $50M per 12 months on his subsequent contract and should even method changing into the third quarterback to earn no less than $60M yearly, becoming a member of Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.
The entrance workplace may need it had finalized a less expensive deal this offseason if that is the place issues head.
“Should you’ve waited this lengthy to maintain your franchise quarterback,” Mayfield mentioned, “that is too unhealthy. ‘Trigger it is solely gonna worsen from right here.”
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