Following Tom Brady’s departure from the New England Patriots, the team struggled to achieve a winning season, highlighting the void left by the NFL legend. A similar scenario was anticipated when Brady bid farewell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, announcing his retirement. However, the Buccaneers not only clinched a playoff berth but also progressed further in the postseason due to Baker Mayfield’s remarkable performance.
Mayfield’s tenure as the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback goes beyond on-field achievements, featuring a distinctive contract that enhances his financial rewards with each playoff victory.
How much incentive will Baker Mayfield earn following an Eagles win?
Baker Mayfield, with his performance-based contract, stands to reap substantial rewards as the Buccaneers advance through the postseason. His incentive-laden contract structure let him bag a handsome $250,000 bonus triggered by the Buccaneers’ triumphant playoff wild card round victory against the Eagles.
With tonight’s playoff win Baker Mayfield earns another $250,000 in incentives.
— Travis J Davidson (@TravisSkol) January 16, 2024
He earns that bonus for every playoff game he plays in this season.
Prove it year? Proven. Pay him.
Mayfield’s journey in the NFL has been marked by transitions. Initially drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft, he led the team to a 29-30 record over four seasons. After a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2022, Mayfield found himself with the Los Angeles Rams for a short period before finally securing a starting position with the Buccaneers.
Despite low expectations following Tom Brady’s retirement, Mayfield emerged as a focal point for the Buccaneers, contributing significantly to their unexpected success in clinching the NFC South title.
The postseason has been a platform for Mayfield to showcase his prowess, improving to a 2-1 record in three playoff starts. His previous playoff appearance came in 2020, when he guided the Browns to the postseason. His impressive statistics for the season include 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Baker Mayfield contract breakdown
Baker Mayfield, who threw a subtle dig on MLB sign stealing, inked a one-year prove-it deal with the Bucs acknowledging the need to validate his performance on the field. The contract, valued at $4 million guaranteed, featured a substantial $2,875,000 signing bonus, per Sportac. It set the stage for a season filled with financial incentives.
Mini-thread on the $4.5 million in incentives on Baker Mayfield's one-year deal with the Bucs, which potentially could double his 2023 earnings. Starts with playing time — $250k each for hitting 55/65/75/85 percent of offensive snaps, and those double if Bucs make the playoffs.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 23, 2023
The ins and outs of Mayfield’s contract reveal a tiered incentive structure aimed at rewarding specific achievements throughout the season. According to the contract, he stands to gain $600,000 for securing a position in the top 10 in the NFL or the top five in the NFC for passing touchdowns and yards.
Additionally, a playoff-centric incentive structure is in place which offers Mayfield a $250,000 bonus for each playoff game. Nevertheless, he can get this only if he reaches the 75 percent threshold in a playoff win.
Mayfield also has the opportunity to garner $300,000 for each category in which he finishes in the top 10 in the NFL or top five in the NFC, encompassing passer rating, pass touchdowns, passing yards, completion percentage, and yards per pass. This comprehensive incentive plan presents Mayfield with the prospect of an additional $1.5 million based on his overall season performance.
Meanwhile, following the Bucs’ win over the Eagles, they are set to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
