Quarterback Baker Mayfield plans on making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remorse not extending him once they had the prospect.
On Thursday, the 2018 No. 1 total decide 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 taking part in 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, getting 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 if 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 a lot better likelihood 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 whole 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 proportion (71.4 p.c), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41). Wholesome after taking part in banged up for almost all of 2025, he might be able to put up related 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 very good workforce.”
With a giant 2026, Mayfield, taking part in on the ultimate yr of a three-year, $100M contract, will simply surpass $50M per yr on his subsequent contract and should even method changing into the third quarterback to earn a minimum of $60M yearly, becoming a member of Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.
The entrance workplace might need it had finalized a less expensive deal this offseason if that is the place issues head.
“In the event you’ve waited this lengthy to handle your franchise quarterback,” Mayfield mentioned, “that is too unhealthy. ‘Trigger it is solely gonna worsen from right here.”
