Baker Mayfield Rumors: QB Has 'Support' within Patriots Amid Bucs Contract Buzz

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers try to sign Baker Mayfield to a new deal before the start of free agency, they could have some competition for his services from an AFC club if he gets to the open market.

Per Mark Daniels, Chris Mason and Karen Guregian of MassLive.com, there is support from the New England Patriots for the veteran quarterback because of his relationship to several key people within the organization.

"That makes sense considering the quarterback has connections with people in the front office—Eliot Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith—as well as new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt," Daniels, Mason and Guregian wrote.

There are a few complicating factors that might sway the Patriots away from going on a full-court press to sign Mayfield. The report noted his potential $40 million per year salary would make it a "shock" if they aggressively pursued him.

While it would seem strange for the Patriots to pursue an established quarterback in free agency when they are widely believed to be targeting someone with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, it's part of an apparent plan the organization has in place.

Daniels, Mason and Guregian reported last week New England's three-step quarterback process involves drafting someone with the third selection, signing a veteran capable of starting if the coaching staff doesn't feel the rookie is ready and moving on from Mac Jones either via trade or releasing him.

Mayfield's strong rebound season in 2023 almost certainly gives him the leverage to seek a starting a job. His camp has been in negotiations with the Bucs about a new deal.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Monday the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons are among teams keeping an eye on Mayfield's situation as they look for a quarterback going into 2024.

Mayfield took a one-year, $4 million contract from the Buccaneers last offseason. His performance far exceeded that deal with 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns in 17 starts.