Baker Mayfield Contract Talks, QB's Future With Bucs amid NFL Rumors Discussed by HC Todd Bowles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles intends for Baker Mayfield to be the team's starting quarterback well beyond the 2026 season.

Speaking to reporters after Thursday's OTA practice, Bowles said there is "absolutely no question" he wants Mayfield to be the Bucs' long-term starter.

Even though Mayfield is currently set to play out the final year of his current contract, Bowles noted there has been no indication from the two-time Pro Bowler that he's letting the situation impact his preparation for the upcoming season:

"Baker's all business. He's all about business. The contract stuff takes care of itself. That's the business side of it that you don't see, that everybody has to deal with, and I'm sure he'll take care of it, but it doesn't affect his play. ... Baker's a true pro. I don't think there's any disappointment whatsoever. I mean, he loves it here. We love him here. The contract stuff takes care of itself, whether it's the quarterback or any other position that comes up — those things get worked out over time. You just concentrate on what we got to concentrate on, on the field, and he's been great right there."

Despite the two sides discussing about a new deal, there is no indication an agreement is close. Mayfield, who has set the start of training camp as the deadline for talks, told reporters on June 5 they are far apart with the Bucs right now.

"I think first and foremost, regardless — we've built roots here in Tampa," Mayfield said. "We love the community. We love to be here. They've embraced us, and we enjoy being here and obviously going to raise kids here. But yeah, contract stuff — it's happening, it's starting, the talks and whatnot, but not anywhere close to what we were thinking."

It's unclear how much Mayfield is seeking, though it would be safe to assume he wants a raise from his current average annual salary. He signed a three-year, $100 million deal with Tampa Bay in March 2024.

The $33.3 million average annual salary for Mayfield ranks 16th among all quarterbacks. He is sandwiched between Sam Darnold ($33.5 million) and Aaron Rodgers ($22.5 million).

Rodgers, Malik Willis, Jacoby Brissett and Kyler Murray are the only projected starters not on a rookie contract who make less per season than Mayfield.

Murray's situation is unique because even though he signed a minimum contract worth $1.3 million with the Minnesota Vikings, the Arizona Cardinals are still paying him $36 million this season after releasing him in March.

Mayfield has resurrected his career over the past three seasons with the Bucs. He has averaged 4,079 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and a 66.3 completion percentage in 51 starts since the 2023 season.

The Buccaneers made the playoffs in each of the first two years with Mayfield as the starting quarterback, but they missed the postseason in 2025 with an 8-9 record after losing seven of their final nine games.