Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has built a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NFL. Recently, Bleacher Report’s Doric Sam revealed that Mayfield played through a sprained MCL and PCL suffered in Week 2 of the 2025 season. He also battled a bruised bicep and a shoulder injury later in the year, yet still managed to start all 17 games.
The report serves as another reminder of both Mayfield's toughness and importance to Tampa Bay's success.
Both Mayfield and the Buccaneers have expressed interest in a contract extension, but the report also raises an interesting question: what would happen if Mayfield were to miss most of the 2026 season with an injury?
The answer could have a significant impact on his future in Tampa Bay.
A high draft pick could change everything
If the Buccaneers were to win five or fewer games without Mayfield, contract negotiations would become much more complicated. Tampa Bay would likely find itself selecting near the top of the 2027 NFL Draft, which many analysts believe could feature one of the strongest quarterback classes in recent years.
Rather than committing significant money and years to a veteran quarterback coming off an injury-shortened season, general manager Jason Licht may be tempted to reset the position with a rookie quarterback.
That scenario wouldn't diminish what Mayfield has accomplished in Tampa Bay. It would simply present the Buccaneers with a rare opportunity to draft their quarterback of the future.
The danger of quarterback limbo
© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
If Tampa Bay finishes with seven or eight wins, however, the situation becomes much more complicated.
The Buccaneers wouldn't be bad enough to land one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, but they also wouldn't have enough evidence to confidently move forward without Mayfield. Without another bona fide starting quarterback currently on the roster, Tampa Bay could be left with very few attractive options at the game's most important position.
Being mediocre can often be more difficult than being terrible in the NFL. A seven or eight-win season would likely leave the Buccaneers with more questions than answers heading into contract negotiations.
But if injuries were to derail Mayfield's season, the outcome could determine not only his next contract, but the Buccaneers' long-term plans at quarterback.
