Baker Mayfield says Buccaneers contract talks stalled

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has publicly stated that contract extension talks with the team are not progressing, setting a firm deadline for a new deal before training camp begins in late July. Speaking to reporters at his youth football camp on Friday, Mayfield expressed his desire to remain with the Buccaneers long-term but acknowledged a significant gap in negotiations.

"Not anywhere close to what we were thinking," Mayfield said regarding the early discussions. "Would love to be here long term but as of right now that's not exactly the case." He emphasized that his focus remains on the upcoming season, stating he will not engage in contract talks once camp starts. "As soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any of that contract stuff," Mayfield said. "It's all ball."

Mayfield, 31, is entering the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract he signed with Tampa Bay in March 2024. The team added $30 million in guarantees to his 2026 salary last July, bringing his cap hit for the coming season to just under $40 million. His current average annual salary of $33 million ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks, a position he and his camp likely seek to...