Following lackluster stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams, Baker Mayfield finally found his stride with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stepping into the shoes of Tom Brady. His inaugural season in Tampa Bay saw him guide the team to a playoff berth, fueled by a commanding victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, which also reaped lucrative rewards for him.
Despite a setback against the Detroit Lions, his prowess earned accolades from WWE star Ric Flair. Now, reports suggest the Buccaneers are keen on extending their partnership with Mayfield.
Bucs expected to extend Baker Mayfield’s contract
After inking a one-year deal with the Buccaneers, the team is set to delve into talks with Baker Mayfield about a potential return. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, although an immediate extension isn’t on the horizon, initial talks are in progress.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is set to meet with Mayfield’s agent, Tom Mills, during the NFL Scouting Combine, signaling a pivotal phase in the negotiation process.
“Although nothing is imminent, the Bucs and Mayfield have had some preliminary talks about a new contract. Licht is expected to meet with Mayfield’s agent, Tom Mills, next week. Both sides have expressed an interest in reaching an agreement for Mayfield to return to Tampa Bay,” the report read.
The quarterback himself acknowledged the preliminary talks during the Pro Bowl while mentioning the importance of determining the offensive coordinator before finalizing any deal.
“My agent and them, I think they engaged a little bit. and [I’m] happy for him as well, getting the head coaching job; he deserves that — but when they started the OC search, I think they [knew] that we gotta know who’s calling plays before anything’s done.”
Retaining the 28-year-old quarterback could prove instrumental for the Buccaneers, which boast three consecutive division titles and four straight playoff appearances.
Baker Mayfield performance in NFL 2022–23
Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers to a better record than Tom Brady’s last season during his 2023 revival, which included his first Pro Bowl selection. His best season as a quarterback came in his sixth year with the NFL, when he threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions.
While his tenure with the Rams hinted at potential, Mayfield’s stint with the Buccaneers solidified his NFL journey. In a pivotal playoff showdown against the Eagles, his stellar performance, comprising 337 passing yards and three touchdowns, etched his name in Buccaneers history as the first quarterback to achieve such feats in a playoff game.
Although a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year, the former Browns’ player was edged out by his former team’s current starter, Joe Flacco, for the accolade.
With Mayfield potentially securing his spot as the Buccaneers’ quarterback for 2024 and beyond, the team’s focus can now shift towards maintaining roster cohesion.
