New NFL Rumors on Bucs' Unhappiness With Baker Mayfield's Comments on Failed Contract Talks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly didn't react positively to quarterback Baker Mayfield's comments about the organization on Thursday after the two sides failed to come to terms on a contract extension.

During an appearance Friday on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said, "It almost feels like it's Baker vs. the team. Baker's not happy with them, they're not happy with the way he spoke about the organization."

Speaking to reporters at Bucs training camp on Thursday, Mayfield talked openly about his frustration over not being able to get a new deal done.

"That's really the disappointing part—to feel undervalued after thinking you've earned it," Mayfield said.

Mayfield also told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t ESPN's Jenna Laine) that the Bucs only offered him a two-year deal and what he felt were low numbers in terms of guaranteed money.

The 31-year-old Mayfield has spent the past three seasons in Tampa after stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

He has enjoyed the most successful run of his career by far as a member of the Bucs, going 27-24 with two NFC South titles and two playoff appearances, while completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns and 37 interceptions.

Mayfield earned the first two Pro Bowl selections of his career in 2023 and 2024, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2023, and 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024.

Last season, Mayfield threw for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and the Buccaneers narrowly missed out on the playoffs with an 8-9 record.

After initially signing a one-year, prove-it deal with the Bucs in 2023, Mayfield three-year, $100 million extension in 2024.

While that represented a significant step up, he is only 16th among NFL quarterbacks with an average annual salary of $33.33 million, per Fowler and Laine.

Despite his desire for a new contract and one that is more in line with his production, Mayfield reported to Bucs training camp and is not holding in or holding out.

On Thursday, Mayfield told reporters that he is not going to hold contract negotiations during training camp or during the 2026 season so as not to create distractions.

That means Mayfield could become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2026 season, although Tampa could always place the franchise tag on him if it is unable to reach a long-term deal before free agency.