Every week the Buccaneers wait to extend Baker Mayfield's contract, they run the risk of making the deal even more expensive.
In today's NFL, teams almost always need above-average quarterback play to contend for a championship.
Baker Mayfield may not belong in the same tier as Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, but he has been one of the NFL's most productive quarterbacks since arriving in Tampa Bay, throwing for nearly 100 touchdowns while posting a 97.4 passer rating.
Hold-up on extension between Bucs, Mayfield surprising
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That's why the current state of contract negotiations is so surprising. As reported by Mike Florio in Pro Football Talk, both the team and Mayfield appear to be far apart in negotiations. Florio reported that the Bucs are in “no rush” to extend the quarterback’s contract which expires after the 2026 season.
Mayfield has publicly stated that he would love to continue playing here and is looking forward to a new deal before training camp starts on July 28th.
Mayfield made his position clear last month when he stated, "Obviously, yes, I'd love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline," Mayfield said. "As soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any contract stuff. It's all ball. It's not up to me when that gets done by. Hopefully before that. If not, we'll still have a good year."
Based on the current quarterback market, Mayfield appears to hold considerable leverage. Though he may not be an elite-level quarterback, he has shown that he can definitely put up big numbers and take the team into the playoffs.
If not Mayfield, who would the Bucs get?
Recent NFL history shows that quality starting quarterbacks almost never become less expensive. If Mayfield follows another playoff season with another strong statistical campaign, Tampa Bay could find itself paying significantly more next offseason or facing the prospect of replacing a proven starter. That's a gamble every front office has to weigh.
There is no obvious successor on the current roster who has shown he can play at Mayfield's level. Also, the Bucs with Mayfield are still a competitive team, which makes the odds of landing an Arch Manning type of QB in the next draft unlikely.
The Buccaneers don't have to make Baker Mayfield one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. But if they already believe he's their franchise quarterback, waiting may not strengthen their negotiating position. It may simply make the next contract even more expensive.
