Baker Mayfield addressed the media and expressed frustration with his contract negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He reportedly received a two-year offer, but it was well below the $50 million per season he seeks.
Mayfield emphasized that he felt disrespected, especially as he believes he is a franchise quarterback. He wanted to finalize a deal before training camp, but nothing was completed. He now just wants to focus on playing.
“I really know what I brought to this franchise, leadership-wise and even play-wise,” Mayfield said. “It's been some of the best years of my career, and I think it's only going to trend upwards, just being comfortable and feeling that.
"So, disappointing in that regard is to feel disrespected a little bit. And that's really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you earned it.”
The former Heisman Trophy winner joined Tampa Bay in 2023 after spending the previous season with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. He has since led the Buccaneers to two playoff appearances but missed the postseason last year with an 8-9 record.
Mayfield completed 343-of-543 passes for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2025. He added 55 rushing attempts for 382 yards and one score.
Mayfield is entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract that he signed in 2024. The disappointment could fuel him to record career-best numbers in the upcoming season and prove that he’s a top 10 quarterback. If the 31-year-old can lead his team to a deep playoff run, he'll likely secure a lucrative deal, potentially more than he is asking for.
