NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield's Bucs Contract Could Be 'a Tick Above' 3 Years, $75M

A "reasonable starting point" on a contract for impending free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield would be "a tick above" three years and $75 million.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports provided the report on Mayfield, who just led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an NFC South title and a playoff win after tossing 28 touchdown passes.

"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.

"Either juicing up the average-annual-value or the guaranteed money would help position the deal as a win for Mayfield, who is coming off a playoff victory for Tampa Bay."

Mayfield, 28, signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Tampa Bay last offseason.

Mayfield was a big reason why the Buccaneers were able to win the division despite losing seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady to retirement. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft enjoyed a resurgent year with good health, and he showcased what he's able to do at his best.

Obviously, the Bucs should be interested in bringing Mayfield back on a multi-year deal. It's clear that Mayfield is interested in coming back, based on the love he showed the organization in an interview with ESPN's Kevin Clark:

He also expressed similar sentiments to Jim Rome (h/t David Harrison of FanNation) but said the ball's in the Bucs' court.

"There's a little give and take, but I love it there. Going into free agency last year I had the mentality I'm gonna pick somewhere organizationally - top down - they do it well (and) they're about winning. (Because) at that point in my career, that's all I wanted to do was have a chance to win, and be in a good spot, and enjoy it again. So I'll have that mentality but obviously, I've seen what Tampa does firsthand. The ball's in their court right now, but yeah we would love to be back there."

The Bucs also have the option of using the franchise tag if they can't reach an agreement with Mayfield, but ultimately, it behooves the team to keep the good vibes going from 2023 and bringing him back in some fashion.