Baker Mayfield Issues Ultimatum as Bucs Contract Talks Collapse
· Yahoo Sports
Baker Mayfield had an inconsistent season with the Bucs due to injury and overall performance issues. His performance and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season fate were closely tied together.
As their star QB couldn’t stay consistent, the Bucs suffered. Now the QB is left in limbo over his extension talks with the Bucs, but he has made his stance on a new contract clear and has set an ultimatum to prevent further delay.
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Baker Mayfield Not Keen to Handle Contract Talks After Training Camp Starts
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. Even though his contract runs through 2026, Mayfield wants to resolve the contract situation before training camp so he can put his full focus on football.
Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images“As soon as training camp starts we’re not doing any contract stuff,” Mayfield said. “It’s all ball. So it’s not up to me when that gets done by but hopefully before.”
Baker Mayfield and his family love being in Tampa and plan on staying there for a long time, as they have already settled down. “Yeah, I think first and foremost regardless we’ve built roots here in Tampa. We love the community, love being here. They have embraced us, enjoy being here, obviously can raise kids here,” he said.
Mayfield has made it clear that he wants to remain long-term. Despite his interest and desire to stay, the Bucs are moving slowly on contract extension talks, and Mayfield is not happy about it. “Contract stuff it’s happening, starting talks, whatnot. Not anywhere close to what you were thinking,” Mayfield said.
Still, Baker wants the talks wrapped up before training camp so he can focus on football. Regardless of the contract situation, he says his full focus is on winning the Super Bowl with the Bucs. “So going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. And that’s to me that’s the priority. Everything else [will] take care of itself.”
Despite Mayfield’s clear interest, the Bucs appear less confident in him. They likely want more guaranteed consistency and are waiting to evaluate his sharpness in the upcoming training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hesitate on Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has set a firm ultimatum, but the Bucs are hesitating to commit big money given his inconsistent performance in 2025. He had a strong 2024 season but could not replicate that level last season, despite starting strong.
Mayfield began the 2025 season well but struggled from mid-season onward due to injuries, a slump, and a late-season team collapse. He finished with 3,693 passing yards (10th in NFL), 26 TDs (tied-7th), 11 INTs, 6.8 YPA, 543 completions (63.2%), a 90.6 passer rating, and took 36 sacks.
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the season promisingly, going 5-1, but ultimately finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. It appeared that when Mayfield couldn’t perform, the entire team lost its rhythm. That is why, despite his ultimatum, the Bucs want to wait and reevaluate before offering him a larger extension with guaranteed money.
Mayfield’s current contract runs through 2026. His intention is clear — he wants to stay long-term and win a Super Bowl. But if the Bucs wait too long, Mayfield will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
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