Rumors Surface Of Potential Baker Mayfield Contract Numbers

March 1st, 2024

Jackpot?

The way Joe looks at it, unless the Bucs really, really, really want Kirk Cousins, pending free agent Baker Mayfield has the Bucs over a barrel.

The Bucs very likely were too good last year to be in position to draft a franchise quarterback. Thus, the Bucs won’t be able to squeeze Mayfield. In fact, Mayfield may be doing the squeezing.

Long-time NFL scribe Tony Pauline, who covered the Giants and Eagles for years before he worked at Sports Illustrated, claims his sources have told him what Mayfield may sign for with the Bucs in the coming weeks.

How does $40 million a season grab you?

League sources believe Baker Mayfield will sign a contract in the area of $40 million annually, though no official offers have been made right now.

Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa, and Brock Purdy will eventually sign deals over the next 12-15 months that will make Mayfield’s contract “look like a bargain.”

Joe doesn’t get all that bent about salaries so long as the player earns his keep. What may seem like overpaying a player one year is a bargain the next year.

Unless there is another pandemic — heaven help us — the salary cap never goes down. And since the salary cap goes up each year, so do salaries.

Besides, there is ample evidence that spending (or not spending) cash doesn’t dictate how a team plays. When the amount of money a team spends on salaries begins directly determining how many wins a team gets in a season, then Joe will start wringing his hands over the salary cap.

138 Responses to “Rumors Surface Of Potential Baker Mayfield Contract Numbers”

  1. ocala Says:

    Bucs need him.

  2. snookman9 Says:

    thats too much. He is good and did a good job but hes not worth that much money and a contract like that is too risky. 30-34 maybe but 40 mill is too much for him. Hes not Josh Allen, Hes not Joe Burrow, Hes not Matt Stafford, Hes not even Tua.

    the Saints overpaid for Derek Carr, Vikings overpaid for Cousins, Giants overpaid for Daniel jones.

    At some point we have to be realistic and understand that Baker is good but not a difference maker. He is not going to will this team to a superbowl. This team neads to improve all around and not become top heavy in the qb position. I understand market rate but its too risky with him. 2 out of 5 good seasons should not be enough to warranty that kind of money.

    Tag him.

  3. QueGB5 Says:

    Please don’t exceed $30MM annually

  4. Nacho Daddy Says:

    Good lord daza lotsa money

  5. elite bucs Says:

    Baker is about to become the first true Franchise QB this team has had in VERY long time. Hes young and playing his best football right now. He could play another ten years. Lets sign him and get solid, on going, continuity at the most important position in all of sports.

  6. The Truth be Told Says:

    Aint my Money. And Yeah whatever it takes.

  7. gofortheface30 Says:

    What about Trask? We need to give him a 5yr 300 million dollar deal, fully guaranteed a la Deshaun Watson, but more. Trust me bro, I read about the 2 practices where he actually practiced better than Baker. This means he would have lead the bucs further than the divisional round and would have thrown for 6 thousand yards. – Kyle Trask fan probably.

  8. JimBobBuc Says:

    I value Spotrac’s market value, $27.1, over some unknown ‘league sources’ from a national media guy. Add some inflation, so about 30. Since contracts reflect estimated future performance, I like the idea of heavy incentives for Baker (and ME too).

  9. Kgh4life Says:

    This reminds me of Daniel Jones all over again.

  10. Marine Buc Says:

    Well the salary cap increased so of course Baker’s new contract has also increased.

    I’m sure our GM will get the details all worked out – I just hope the Bucs will have the ability to move on from Baker after two seasons if things don’t go well.

    I don’t want another situation where we are paying a player $35M for not playing…

  11. Bucfan1988 Says:

    That would be sooooo moronic to sign him for $40 mill a year 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

    3 year extension for $81 mill….
    $54 mill guaranteed…..

  12. zzbuc Says:

    I think is a lot……But on the other hand there are no many other options, In case this gossip is true, I hope he comes with ME13 , because if not, tons of fans, including me will be really pissed

  13. TomBucsFan Says:

    Go Bucs

  14. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Could be worse… Cowboys are/will be paying Dak Prescott $60 million and Giants have a $47 million Daniel Jones cap hit this year

  15. mike n Says:

    40 is fine just don’t garuntee anything after year 2

  16. Marky Mark Says:

    In general, people now use measurables and statistics instead of making actual decisions. They want something to blame other than them se!ves if things go bad they blame the stats. Quarterback is way more complicated then height, weight, 40 speed etc. It is a thinking and leadership position. jF was thrown in a tough position but he has failed. He might have the speed and such but the intangibles are not there. Conversely, B might have worse measurables but he inherited a worse 1-31 situation. He set a rookie record and improved the team to 6-7 wins after 0 and 1. By season 3 he was 11 wins and trouncing a hated rival in the p!ayoffs. Considering JF is a bad idea.

  17. Boss Says:

    It’s a Bucs life…..lol

    I thought licht was a good gm…….this team will be hamstringed for years….but we still have Todd. Might be time for a long vacation again from the Bucs. Ah well.

  18. Rover Says:

    They say a broke clock is right twice a day. And true Buc fans know that the couple of times Mayfield looked like a franchise QB this past season was surely a timepiece without a battery. If we contract 40m/year we are going into another lost decade. I dont have the solution, but this aint it. Go Bucs!

  19. Marky Mark Says:

    Bucs have the luxury of averaging in his high performance super low paid season into the number of years the next contract is.

  20. MadMax Says:

    4 yrs 120 is the rumor i heard…which good for both sides.

  21. Mort Says:

    Elite Bucs seems to forget that franchise QB we just had that won a Super Bowl just three years ago. Tom Brady. Heard of him?

  22. Marky Mark Says:

    Every QB gets injured. Kyler Murray lost a bunch of games, Depervert Watson has hardly played. One thing you can say about Baker he will try to play no matter what. Then it is up to the coach to over rule him. I suspect fully guaranteed Depervert Watson uses every excuse to not play and schedule appointments with a massage therapist. It is easier to hold a stallion back then kick an old mare in the a$$

  23. Jeagan1999 Says:

    After the Bucs beat Minnesota in week 1, I came on JBF to suggest the Bucs sign Baker to a 6-year, $200 million contract ($33million per year). Some Bucs fans said I was crazy!

    Pay the man!

    GO BAKER!! GO BUCS!!

  24. BA’s Red Pen Says:

    Breaking News….. Starting quarterbacks make a lot of money.

  25. RustyRhinos Says:

    IMO when any QB makes anything over 24% of the available salary cap the entire team has to make adjustments as to the depth talent and first-string talent available in FA or trades, this can be lessened with very good or better Draft choices. Yes a QB is the most important player of the Offense, yet without any available cash capital there are no quality FA Oline, Dline, S, LB, DB, WR, RB TE available with our cash on hand. The QB and other valuable team “Leaders” should not break the team bank leaving no room to add additional quality players. I get it the players want to be paid for their services, yet how many would take a little less to work as a team to be an annual Playoff contender and Division Champions?

    I just hope our GM and his staff can make it all work for the short and long-term success of our Buccaneers.

    GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!

  26. BakerFan Says:

    Most of you losers are clueless on how they arrange a contract. You are so clueless that trying to explain his contract would be like pissing in the wind. They are arranging it so they can sign the other big 4 and still have Mayfield. And yes 40M in 18 months will look like a bargain.

  27. Allbuccedup Says:

    Hopefully its not more than 3 years in case he goes back to his old self.

  28. NutterBuccer Says:

    Go look at the average annual qb contracts. Baker fits right in at the 40 a year mark. Hopefully more like 35 to help the bucs out but he’s right there. Worth the money

  29. D-Rome Says:

    Baker Mayfield has better numbers in the playoffs than Dak Prescott.

  30. DBS Says:

    At least we will know who the fake fans are once again. And get ready for the we can’t afford it we are broke no money experts who have never worked in the NFL to start why they are smarter than Licht .

  31. Bucben61 Says:

    I think $40 million a year is about right on a long term contract…sounds very team friendly..

    Bye bye Boss .. Don’t forget to write…lmao

  32. Conner50 Says:

    I love football but this world we live in that these guys get paid that much annually is flat out ridiculous. Essential workers, people fighting for the country should be getting more money. These guys just play with a ball and keep in shape and get way over paid. Just saying. Anyhow if baker gets 40 million annually from the Bucs than he will be getting off really good considering he’s not worth it

  33. Bucben61 Says:

    Go bucs….Go Baker !!!!!

  34. Upstate NY BUC Says:

    As a fan, I good give a crap how much he makes!!! Just win Baby!! This is getting ridiculous pay the man!! and lets concentrate on other issues.. Go Bucs

  35. Steven007 Says:

    So many unemployed cap guys here, it’s almost amusing. Almost. Listen, first off it’s not our money. Second, we’re not employed by the team, so our conjecture means absolutely zero. The brain trust we’ve had in place for a while has done a very good job managing the cap. I will trust them here. Yes, the salaries seem obscene because they are obscene. But it is what it is. And yes, today’s over expenditure could be tomorrow’s bargain. Just the way it is in the NFL.

  36. SB~LV Says:

    Not that I know anything special but I have been saying 40 million because it’s the market for QB’s that fit his profile

  37. Frank Pillow Says:

    League sources= Baker’s agent 😉

  38. DBS Says:

    Essential people fighting for our country know what they are signing up for Just like I did I became a firefighter so don’t go there. So do police , border patrol etc…

  39. Defense Rules Says:

    Mort … ‘Elite Bucs seems to forget that franchise QB we just had that won a Super Bowl just three years ago. Tom Brady. Heard of him?’

    And just 2 years after that Super Bowl victory, the Bucs went 8-9 with the same Franchise QB at the helm. Was that Brady’s fault? Ya partially. Was it the change in talent level that Brady had around him? Ya partially. Was it the change in coaching? Ya partially. Football is still a TEAM sport, and building that TEAM takes money.

    Spend too much on 1 player & that’s that much less to procure the necessary talent to support that 1 player & win football games. We’ve already seen that act played out in spades within our own NFC South. Carolina’s a good example. New Orleans is a good example. Atlanta is a good example. We didn’t win the NFC South in 2022 with a 8-9 record because we were great; we won it because the rest of the NFC South really sucked.

    Don’t count on that happening again this year. Atlanta will be our primary competition; chances are they’ll end up with a 11-6 or 10-7 record IF they get a quality starting QB. Bucs need to structure to do just as well (preferably better). We only currently have $43.9 mil of CAP space with 50 players under contract, and my guess is that 18 of those WON’T make our final 53-man roster.

    Not hard to do the math on that one. Spend $40 mil on Mayfield, then another $25 mil or so on Evans, another $20 mil on Winfield, plus say $10 mil on LVD and $5 mil on McLaughlin and that $100 mil seems like it becomes more than the $43.9 mil we’ve got to play with. Creative financing is wonderful (ask the Saints), but it ultimately means you’re pushing more & more of today’s expenses into the future.

  40. Capt.Tim Says:

    O for Fs sake
    Once again, all the mega contract law Accounts/ Fast food employees are all gonna start weighing in on how many millions is to much for Baker Mayfield.
    Lmao

    Ive said all along, that Mayfield will get 40 million a year. Ive never changed that number, because that is the market Value.

    This is the FIRST TIME IN BUC HISTORY, that we have a young, Probowl, Franchise QB. Weve been searching for one since the first day the team took the
    Field back in the 70ties.
    Doug Willuams was good, but he didnt start in DC until Joe Theisman got hurt.
    Steve Young was bad here. He didnt develop until he spent half a decade on the bench, watching Joe Montana.
    Tom was incredible. A Franchise QB, but at the end of his career.

    So now we have Mayfield. Hes won Playoff games with different teams.
    Hes been to the Probowl. Just won the accuracy Contest for Qbs.
    May have the strongest Arm in the league. I think he does. He holds the record for longest throw in League History.
    Hes 28. Top of his game. Number 1 pick.

    Teams ( including the Bucs until Baker) have searched for 50 years and not found that QB.
    Pay him the money. That was never in doubt. Ive said since the Season ended.
    200 million for 5 years. Frankly, I hope they sign him 7 years.
    You will not sign him cheaper, than the price you can get him for today.

    Just do it Mr.Licht. Just do it!

  41. Let em bake Says:

    Carr type deal. Heavy bonus. 1-2 mill. Salary . We said it back in October . Stevie wonder could see it. 100 mil. Gauranteed. Market determines value. Period.

  42. Chief Says:

    It has been confirmed that the Falcons want him too.
    A year from now, the QB market will be reset to somewhere north of $60 million a year for the top guys. $40-$45 million a year for Baker will be in the midrange. Baker is a really good QB who showed what he can do with a stable organization.

    4 years at $175 million w/$110 million guaranteed will be team friendly with a rising cap and still keep him from going to our rival.

  43. dbbuc711 Says:

    In that case it sounds like he’s not interested in keeping Evans since I doubt they’ll be able to do both.

  44. Popcorn Mike Says:

    If $40 mil is what the Bucs, Mayfield and the average for a starting QB is agreeable for both sides, then let’s sign him and get it out of the way. I mean I am not the guy that’s issuing out the millions, so I am just speaking from a fans point a view. I mean since entering the the league, Mayfield may not have been in the top 5 of QBs in the league but he sure has been in the top 10

  45. Capt.Tim Says:

    Marky Mark
    Who the hell are you talking about???
    Boss
    They dont know you’re here, they wont know you’ve left.
    Bye bah

  46. bucsnboltsnmanu Says:

    The tag is $36 mill and change

    Why would he take anything less than that?

    He took $4 mill last year, so he was grossly underpaid.

    He delivered. Now we pay up or go with another retread and hope we get lucky.

  47. Dave Pear Says:

    Hmm I thought I’d read at multiple sources 4years for $120million because Baker knows the need Mike and want to keep Mike (and others).

  48. doolnutts Says:

    Do the bucs have a choice? A lot of people saying he’s not worth what the market says he’s worth so what do we do? Clearly bucs don’t think Trask is it and we arent in position to draft a guy so what do we do? If Cousins will want more and some of you didn’t like him does this make Baker the best option even at 40 mil?

  49. Jack Clark Says:

    $40 million a year is just 15% of our salary cap, so we still have enough cash to build a good team around Baker Mayfield sorry as

  50. IvanT Says:

    “Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa, and Brock Purdy will eventually sign deals over the next 12-15 months that will make Mayfield’s contract look like a bargain.”

    It won’t be a bargain because all three of those other quarterbacks are far superior to Mayfield. Apples and a lemon.

  51. zzbuc Says:

    @IvanT

    Brock Purdy IMO is superior than BM, but Jordan Love and Tua…mmmmmmm I don’t think so…..

  52. BakerFan Says:

    Let em bake Says:
    March 1st, 2024 at 10:51 am
    Carr type deal. Heavy bonus. 1-2 mill. Salary

    ………..
    EXACTLY…. These fools can not even grip that his $40M will only hit the Bucs for 2M this year making it possible to sign the other Big 4. They say Franchise him. it will only cost 36M, but all that 36M happens this year and all the cap space gets eaten up. I swear, if Licht read this board he would quit, because he would not want to be surrounded by so many idiots.

  53. Rob Says:

    All these salaries tell me is that sports agents and sports leagues are the ones telling us the truth about the true rate of inflation. I wish my salary went up the same % as the sports world.

  54. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    You could franchise him two years in a row for less…..

  55. MP Says:

    @zzbuc

    What exactly has mayfield done to make you think Love isn’t the better investment? Love is younger, in his only season proved he has potential. Baker was run out of cleveland, be it fair or unfair. Benched and cut in Carolina, was ok-ish in LA. Take away the miracle comeback game, he was average at best. Last year he was average at best with 2 superstar receivers and no run game. He is not and will never be a top 10 qb. Overpaying for mediocrity is a death knell.

  56. Slacker Says:

    QB market is a frickin joke. Makes the elite guys worth 75 mil a year. Mediocrity gets you 40-45 now. Dumb. Salary numbers are as ridiculous as the national debt. Then you still have dumb shits that end up broke. All this for a sport that is on its way to flag football.

  57. Gene Says:

    The salary cap jump means that agents are negotiating over the life of the deal. Owners drove the system by combining salary cap and free agency. Here’s what they ordered, your package has arrived. 😎

  58. sdm5821 Says:

    The salary cap this year is $255.4 million. Historically, the cap increases about 12 million a year, so let’s say 15 million to be safe. Sign Baker at 15% of the cap for 4 years with 100 million guaranteed. Not 100% sure how the guarantee will affect the yearly cap hit if it is paid up front as a bonus, but I believe it can be can be spread out over the 4 years. Baker’s yearly salary at 15% of the cap, figuring in the $15 million cap increase a year looks something like this.

    1st year salary – $38.31 million
    2nd year salary – $40.56 million
    3rd year salary – $42.81 million
    4th year salary – $45.06 million

    Take it a step further and sign Mike Evans to %10 of the cap with $45 million guaranteed for a three year deal. That looks something like this.

    1st year salary – $25.54 million
    2nd year salary – $27.04 million
    3rd year salary – $28.54 million

    How about Winfield at 7% of the cap for 4 years with $40 million guaranteed. That looks something like this.

    1st year salary – $17.88 million
    2nd year salary – $18.93 million
    3rd year salary – $19.98 million
    4th year salary – $21.03 million

    I’m not a capologist, but those seem like reasonable yearly numbers that the Bucs should be able to live with.

  59. Bobby M. Says:

    That might be the avg with the last yr ballooning to an amount that forces the Bucs to do an extension or release him. The real number is the guaranteed cash….im predicting around $90 million in guarantees, the rest is fluff that likely never happens

  60. Student of the Game Says:

    IvanT and ZZBuc, you are delusional. None of the QBs you mention would start at TB in a competition with Mayfield. He is a better leader, more accurate passer and stronger arm. Your perception of their talent is tainted by the team that surrounds them where they are currently. 49ers win Super Bowl this year with Baker instead of Purdy. Ravens trade Lamar like he wants, get draft picks and/or offensive line upgrades and pluck Mayfield they are in the Super Bowl next year. Atlanta wins the division if they grab Mayfield from the Bucs.

  61. zzbuc Says:

    @Student of the Game

    Did you read my post?

    I said Purdy is better than BM, but NOT Love and Tua…..

  62. Student of the Game Says:

    Would love to keep Evans, but draft a wide receiver as high as possible in round 1 and he’s not a rookie after 4-5 games. Draft a QB in the same scenario and he is a rookie for 2-3 years. That’s why good QBs make more.

  63. heyjude Says:

    $40 million annually is good. Sign him.

  64. Student of the Game Says:

    zzbuc, yes I read it. Lumped you with Ivan for it. Perception of Purdy is tainted by his surrounding cast on offense and great defense IMO, which is arguably the best in NFL.

  65. UKBuccaneer Says:

    Sign him. QB’s don’t come cheap – it is what it is.

  66. Pickgrin Says:

    So much for “sacrifices will be made”……

    If $40M per is the final “sacrifice” # – I’d sure hate to know what Baker THINKS his REAL market value is…..

    In my mind – “sacrifices will be made” means Mayfield accepting $90-$100M for 3 years so we can afford to pay Mike Evans the $25M per that creates the package deal they both want…..

  67. Bucs Reality Show Says:

    It’s amazing how people on this board, including Joe, put a priority in signing Mike Evans over Baker. I’m sure they would rather give him 40M and let Baker walk away. Good or even great WR’s don’t bring you Super Bowls. They’re just another cog in the machine, replaceable. Tampa Bay, in the six years before Brady, went 34-62. Basically a laughingstock. Yet Evans had 1,000+ years in all of them. How much did it help? Obviously not at all.

  68. Conner50 Says:

    @DBS
    Football players crying about getting hurt or scared of getting injured know what there signing up for as well… not sure your comment has a point exactly? Just be a they know what there signing up for means they should be getting lower paid? You don’t think you should’ve been paid more being that you’re actually serving a purpose? I’m just saying all sports athletes are over paid.

  69. Chief Says:

    If we lowball him and he takes it personally, he’ll end up at Atlanta, Pittsburg, Minnesota, or Denver making $50 million/year or more.
    You guys that think he doesn’t have any other suitors are dead wrong. It’s already been confirmed ATL wants him. If The Vikings don’t sign Cousins they want him.

    Taking $40-$45 million over the next 4-5 years is a “team friendly” deal.
    A young, pro bowl, playoff winning QB is valuable. He’s better than Love, Tua, and Purdy. All of those guys will be making $50-$60 million a year soon after Dak resets the market.

  70. T. McGee Says:

    How on earth does a journeyman QB have the Bucs over a barrel? You could sign a half a dozen guys with the same potential Baker came in with. Evans and Godwin could make a lot of guys look like 2023 Baker.

  71. Jeffs grandpa Says:

    Love how some of the experts here hear rumors haha you mean you read on the internet somewhere

  72. ^^mtn^^ Says:

    “Nacho Daddy Says:Good lord daza lotsa money”

    OK, here’s the plan:

    Drive Baker’s price up so ATL will pay him 10 yrs @50mil per, then start Trask like some actually wanted to do last year

    Seriously tho, some who thought Trask outplayed Bake in camp/ preseason will like this video youtu.be UDDFd87wQms of SF owner explaining that 3rd string Purdy outplayed all QBs in camp

    ^^mtn^^
    since ’76

  73. ^^mtn^^ Says:

    “Nacho Daddy Says:Good lord daza lotsa money”

    OK, here’s the plan:

    Drive Baker’s price up so ATL will pay him 10 yrs @50mil per, then start Trask like some actually wanted to do last year

    Seriously tho, some who thought Trask outplayed Bake in camp/ preseason will like the video of SF owner explaining that 3rd string Purdy outplayed all QBs in camp

    ^^mtn^^
    since ’76

  74. D Cone Says:

    Twice in his career Mayfield was demoted to back up. Both times he asked to be traded or released. Once a player becomes a Back Up it’s hard to get a new starting gig. Mayfield took a job at a low salary just to not be labeled or have to become a Back Up. Geno Smith blazed a new trail for back ups and got a decent contract because he had a good year. I can see something like that more than a deal similar to Daniel Jones’.

    Bowles has three more years left on his contract and he certainly is not the odds on favorite to make it to the end of it. He was lucky to make it thru last season.

    If Mayfield can pull that 40 mil rabbit out of the hat anything more than two years guaranteed would be unwise. Broncos have a new coach and they are eating a bunch of money for Wilson. Arizona’s coach is stuck with Murray because no team is going to trade for him.

    For every comparison that can be made to Jones @ 40 per one can be made to Minshew @ 2 years for 15 (projected contract in 24). Both good years. Both 9 wins. Minshew was one dropped pass from eliminating Texans and taking the Colt to the playoffs. Minshew was also selected to the 2024 Pro Bowl.

    One thing for sure that even with Mayfield now playing his career best a lot more will have to come from the offense to stay competitive in a Division where 9-8 won’t cut it next season.

  75. tgoodwin Says:

    YAY YAY THX JOE GLAD 2 C THAT ITS FINALLY SOUNDING LIKE BAKER WILL GET $40MIL + AND IM SURE THEN THAT EVANS WILL GET 30MIL ABOUT OR+; n UR ARTICLE HAD LOTS N LOTS OF SUPER GR8 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  76. Since76 Says:

    If licht gets bent over the barrel by Mayfield he will deserve what comes his way. Won’t be pretty.

  77. DBS Says:

    Conner50. Only certain players make it to the NFL level. That is where the money is. They expect to be paid for their talent. I never expected to make that kind of money because I knew the market did not pay that and never would. It was my choice as is the people that sign the bottom line. The players have a short life time to play and sports is not the federal or local government paid by taxes. The average raise is 3% for government employees. If they expect to get rich it will not happen unless you get into real estate on the side or something like that believe me.

  78. Hodad Says:

    Speaking of barrels, Baker reminds me of one with little arms, and legs.

  79. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Mind boggling numbers for a player who last year everyone thought he was hopeless and out of the NFL soon.

    Good for you Baker……get your money!!!!! 💰

  80. J Says:

    Conner50 was 100% right, DBS.

    You getting your panties in a wad for not comprehending what he said, and then trying (LMAO) to man-splain your point…well your explanation was pretty embarrassing, and quite honestly made no sense compared to the original statement you’re weighing it against.

  81. Lol Says:

    LOL

  82. Rod Munch Says:

    $40-million on a multi-year deal for a middlingly QB who was 18th in QBR and 20th in scoring in a career year?

    Good luck bro … in another city.

    Seeya.

    The Bucs can just get Gardner Minshew for $10m to put up the same numbers.

  83. MikeRalstott Says:

    “Money Talks”
    – AC/DC

  84. Rod Munch Says:

    The Bucs need to trade for Justin Fields and his $6m salary, that frees up a lot of space to sign Evans, Winfield and David – plus sign a top FA center, a third WR and another TE.

    And on top of all of that, they also upgrade at QB – and the cost would probably be a 3rd rounder.

  85. Tony Marks Says:

    “League sources believe Baker Mayfield will sign a contract in the area of $40 million annually,”

    league sources – not even Buc sources

    and believe sounds like a guess – so the amount may not even from the Bucs or Baker.

    not much to be getting worked up over.

  86. ExBrownsFan Says:

    I keep saying it 4 years 160 million 100 million guaranteed. The guaranteed money shows that big time QB respect, but it’s only a 3-year commitment at 33.3. You then restructure or let him go in year four. That put you in the top 15 along with Dac, Jones, Carr, Goff. That’s the market.

  87. ghost Says:

    i enjoyed baker last year, and i know its not my cash, but 40mil a year is laughable and about 10mil over what he should earn. If evans bolts, let baker go somewhere else and pick up someone elses castoff or trade a 5th for justin fields

  88. Legendary Scout Says:

    *Barf*

    No thank you. 3 years, $75m or let him walk.

  89. BakerFan Says:

    Who was the D!ck on another thread that told me there was no way Baker would get $40M contract. Fess up, it was maybe D Cone, Marine Buc or Boss.

    I will wait until he signs then rub your nose in it. I predicted 35 to 38M with no competition and 40 to 45M with competition.

  90. Daniel Hammond Says:

    Mark my words bad idea I’ll eat crow if I’m wrong but I definitely do not think that he’s worth 40 million

  91. BUCman Says:

    I know 40 million per year is a lot of coin but can you imagine being a Cleveland Brown’s fan. They wish they could have Baker back for only 40 million per year. Instead they are stuck with a QB making north of 50 million per year who won’t play if he has a hangnail. Baker played nearly an entire season with a busted shoulder and will run through a wall for you.

  92. Buc1987 Says:

    tgoodwin …no need for all them caps, calm down.

  93. Oneilbuc Says:

    Get your money Baker if this GM is dumb enough to pay you that when you are average at best then get your paper ain’t mad at ya at all!! Lol 😂😂

  94. BakerFan Says:

    OK…. lets take a look at QB’s

    Is Baker better than Dak…. Hell yes, I watch that fool every week and he comes up snake eyes in every pressure game.

    Better than Jones…. LOL, they are not even in the same conversation
    Better than Hurts…. Baker outplayed him in the playoffs
    Better than Carr… Baker team beat the Saints in NFC South
    Better than Murray…. Yep
    Better than Wilson…. Wilson can’t hold onto a job now.

    Am I a homer for Baker…. YOU DAMN RIGHT

  95. Bucsmarley Says:

    Rod munch👍🏿👍🏿
    Finally someone that’s not blowing baker. Why pay a .500 qb 40 million that’s just absurd

  96. BakerFan Says:

    Bucsmarley Says:
    March 1st, 2024 at 4:34 pm
    Rod munch👍🏿👍🏿
    Finally someone that’s not blowing baker. Why pay a .500 qb 40 million that’s just absurd

    Because both of you are clueless on what players make in todays market…. now go cry.

  97. Oneilbuc Says:

    Rob munch I agree with you bro I’ve been saying Baker Mayfield is Garden Michew 2.0 . Baker is just more popular than Michew but they are the same player .

  98. mark2001 Says:

    Joe. .you likely know this, but the Packers are basically working on a new contract for Love as we speak. They don’t want him going into Free Agency at all.

  99. Davyboy Says:

    Hey onei & Munch, I agree Baker is an A+ quarterback and has earned that $40 mil!!!

  100. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Way too much. They would surely regret it later.

  101. infomeplease Says:

    It is what the drying ink on the contract says it is!!! Until that happens, it’s only speculation!! There was a published report yesterday saying 4 years 120 with 53 guaranteed. Once again it is what it is when it is!

  102. ATLBuc Says:

    12M tops!!!

  103. Usfbuc Says:

    His real compensation will be the guaranteed money. They will have money to sign ME too. The Bucs aren’t done releasing, trading, and restructuring deals yet. I trust the management to get things done.

    To all the people attacking and being hateful. Just stop. If you don’t like people playing pretend GM and pretend cap guru go someplace else or just don’t post. It’s people like you who ruin the world for the rest of us.

  104. RGA Says:

    Ridiculous numbers for a career 42-47 average QB

  105. RGA Says:

    If the Bucs sign him to a high dollar contract they better have language in that contract to get out of the deal just in case.

  106. RGA Says:

    I agree with Munch, Fields on a cheap contract and a real competitive QB competition with Trask.

  107. Allbuccedup Says:

    sdm5821 those numbers are all in for superbowl run which is not going to happen as long as Bowles is here so back to salary cap hell.

  108. Marky Mark Says:

    Lets say it is 120 m 4 years add 6.85 from this year and divide by 5 That is 25.37 m per year which is a bargain. Also that 130 m is not fully guaranteed and they can cut him if he sucks like Depervert Watson does now..

  109. Critmark Says:

    I understand that the word ‘fan’ is short for fanatic. Lots of those here on both sides of this question. I try to be objective but readily admit, I too have my opinions. All that said, let me explain something first that has little to do with the name of the QB, but more the nature of the business.

    Having spent over 2 decades as a CFO , my position was always, always, always…you give me a number and let me see if I can live with it, as long as I GET TO STRUCTURE it.

    The CAP rules let you do all sorts of things to ‘fit under the cap’ even if they don’t make any sense some times (see the Brady cap hit this past year). Or maybe that was an acceptable price to pay for the SB win? No my decision to make.

    This GM is smart enough to get to a number, even $40MM/year or more, properly structured to sign everyone the Bucs want to sign. If it is $40MM/year, that does not mean it is $40MM against the cap this year. As has been stated, I believe 3 things are true.

    1. The CAP will continue to rise, so structuring a deal where the salary rises in out years, for ANY player, will make sense.
    2. QB salaries will also continue to rise, so $40MM/year will seem cheap three years from now.
    3. There are not enough quality QBs to fill the needs of 32 NFL teams, as evidenced by the fact that every year up to a quarter of the teams would get a new QB if they could. If you think Baker is the guy, pay him. If you are convinced he is not, why resign him at all, at any price?

    But be careful what you wish for, six teams have had 12 starting QBs or more in the past 10 years.

  110. Marky Mark Says:

    Munch my Rod you have an agenda that does not include winning games. Justin Fields is 11-29 in his career….pleeeeze go away.

  111. Jake been there since the beginning Says:

    What did they pay Brady for a Superbowl, a pretty good season, and a shit season.

  112. Gene Says:

    Hey Joe, how’d you get all five of the guys that don’t like Baker on your website at the same time? Did you run an add that said “If you know Jack about QBS, you have a stupid opinion, hate Baker while knowing nothing, and call yourself a BUCS fan , post your comments below.” If so, you nailed it! I bet the ” ooh, Baker’s going to be paid too much” chimps are the same ones slinging crap at work and whining they need a raise too.

  113. ExBrownsFan Says:

    QB Franchise tag is $38 million. Cant use that on QB or you lose cap space.
    You cant ignore it or you disrespect your QB who took you to the playoffs, and won a playoff game. He’s done this before in his career. Many of the other QBs in the league haven’t or are 1 hit wonders.
    Your QB wants to rewrite his narrative and wants to be wanted after being dumped by a team he played hurt for and then shuffled around the league.
    He played hurt for you too.
    4 year 160 million is 40 million per year “on paper” the market price that other QBs with less accomplishments and pedigree are signed for.
    100 million guaranteed is a 3 year commitment at at 33.3 in a great tax environment “on paper”. Signing bonuses and creativity spreads all of that out keeping the cap healthy. Year 4 you can move on or restructure. Fair for the QB fair for the team.
    Just sign the man and move on to the real issues, O-line, run game, and defense.

  114. Rod Munch Says:

    ExBrownsFan Says:
    March 1st, 2024 at 8:57 pm
    QB Franchise tag is $38 million. Cant use that on QB or you lose cap space.
    You cant ignore it or you disrespect your QB who took you to the playoffs,

    ————

    Baker and his 20th in scoring offense didn’t take the Bucs to the playoffs.
    The 7th in scoring defense took the Bucs to the playoffs.

    Baker choked bigly with two games left, needing to win one, and then he goes out and has his two worst games of the year with everything on the line.

    He had a nice game vs a collapsing Eagles — then goes out and folds under pressure vs the Lions.

    Oh – and all of that is in his career year – and it’s almost certain he’ll never do better – and his best was 18th in QBR and 20th in scoring – in a year where only 9 QBs actually started 17 games, and I believe only 11 started 16 games – meaning his 18th QBR and 20th in scoring stats were only that high because he’s being judged against a bunch of backups. Speaking of which, out of the QBs that did start 17 games, Baker was last in scoring and yards.

    And again… all of that in a career year, that he’s unlikely to repeat, meaningly the most likely scenario is that he slides backwards – which means he’ll then be well into the 20s in QBR.

    $40-million on a multi-year deal for that? LOL!

    No.

    Trade for Fields and his $6m contract, that gets you a better QB for a lot less money, then the Bucs and bring back Evans, Winfield and David – plus sign a center, maybe a 3rd WR and another TE as well.

  115. BakerFan Says:

    Rod Munch you know so much more than owners, management, coaches, other players, coaches and management from other teams. I am just wondering why you don’t own or coach an NFL team

  116. BakerFan Says:

    USFBUC
    To all the people attacking and being hateful. Just stop. If you don’t like people playing pretend GM and pretend cap guru go someplace else or just don’t post. It’s people like you who ruin the world for the rest of us

    You go somewhere else with your nonsense. You guys are clueless

  117. Coggs Says:

    3 years $100M
    anything more give me Michael Penix and more cap room to address a myriad of areas in need of upgrade

  118. Usfbuc Says:

    Sorry Bakerfan I think you have me confused. You are referring to me in the plural but I am a single person. You obviously have me confused with one of the extremists who post here. From your name it suggests you are more a fan of Baker than the Bucs so I have to assume you are wrongly thinking that I have something against BM.

    Sorry I don’t.

    If you want to talk about contracts or something football related we can. Otherwise move along.

  119. ExBrownsFan Says:

    Again, “on paper” 40 million is 4 @ 160. The 100 million guarantee makes the average 33.3 over 3 years or significantly less over four,( depending on how it’s structured) with the option to move on in year four or restructure. It’s a steal at the position, go compare the actual contracts. He may get more due to the current market. None of the quarterbacks play out the entire contracts they sign “on paper”. The only fully guaranteed contract is Watson and that’s was a disgrace. I agree unless you’re getting Mahomes no other QB in the league has proven to be worth 40 million guaranteed per year since you will need a TEAM to get by him.

  120. ExBrownsFan Says:

    Also, everybody chill out…. At the end of the day it won’t matter for any of us anyway…. We’ll all still be poor.

  121. Tony Marks Says:

    BakerFan Says:
    March 1st, 2024 at 9:32 pm
    Rod Munch you know so much more than owners, management, coaches, other players, coaches and management from other teams.

    You don’t need to read him for very long to know he is a David level nitwit. Baker is top 8 in scoring TDs but he has him at 20. How? because he is including NON Qb scoring to other teams QBs like running TDS etc (which of course with our offense we had few)

    So he is trying to assess QB Baker based on RB scoring inclusive stats. Its a clown’s show.

  122. westernbuc Says:

    Everyone saying that it’s too much has no idea how the salary cap works. Players don’t give discounts to billionaires (why should they?) and the going rate for franchise QB is > $40 million. Last season, in my opinion, cemented Baker as a top-10 QB. We’d be dumb not to pay him what he’s worth.

  123. B Says:

    Think we can all agree considering what billionaires should pay millionaires is good for the soul.

  124. CleanHouse Says:

    What did Brady make with us? Baker should make not a penny more. In fact it better be less.

  125. adam from ny Says:

    what if:

    the bucs are patiently going to wait on the russell wilson situation, and baker is actually option #2…

    if denver cuts him, they pay him for the next 4 years and he signs elsewhere for like pennies…

    leaving said team with tons of extra cap room to grab talent and dominate the league…

    i can’t be the only one thinking this…we have a great front office – so obviously it’s been discussed…

    in this scenario, you sign everyone of our guys and more, but no baker, and pay them all very well…and wilson is your qb on say a 4 year 20 mil deal…

    sounds wild – but it’s totally feasible my friends

  126. adam from ny Says:

    but the kicker is…

    will wilson be released…

    and will he want to play in tampa, post brady

  127. ReturnGrudenToRing Says:

    Lest we not forget that the Bucs did in fact have a “franchise” quarterback and we all witnessed how that worked out. Last I heard he’s hanging out in Louisiana somewhere. Baker is priority 1. Lets not make the same mistake that we did with Doug and Steve and watch baker win a SB with another team.

  128. heyjude Says:

    No to Wilson. Sadly I say that because I have always liked him as a player with the Seahawks, and then things seemed to change in Denver. Baker is our guy. He really wants to remain in this area too.

    I think Brady’s contract was $30 million a year. I could be wrong though. Brady is a great guy, the goat. While at NE and here he always had a medium pay so the cap could be used for other players.

  129. Big Red Says:

    If Jason overpays for Baker and it don’t work out, I expect his tenure with the Bucs to end with it.

    2014
    1 – WR Mike Evans
    2 – TE Austin Sef-Jenkins
    3 – RB Charles Sims
    5 – OL Kareem Edwards
    5 – OT Kevin Pamphile
    6 – WR Robert Herron

    2015
    1 – QB Jameis Winston
    2 – OT Donovan Smith
    2 – OG Ali Marpet
    4 – LB Kwon Alexander
    5 – WR Kenny Bell
    6 – WR Kaelen Clay
    7 – FB Joey Iosefa

    2016 (most GM would lose their job after this)
    1 – CB Vernon Hargreaves
    2 – DE Noah Spence
    2 – K Robert Aguayo
    4 – CB Ryan Smith
    5 – OT Caleb Benenoch
    6 – LB Devante Bond
    6 – FB Danny Vitale

    2017
    1 – TE OJ Howard
    2 – S Justin Evans
    3 – WR Chris Godwin
    3 – LB Kendall Beckwith
    5 – RB Jeremy McNichols
    7 – DT Stevie Tuikolovatu

    2018
    1 – DT Vita Vea
    2 – HB Ronald Jones
    2 – CB MJ Stewart
    2 – CB Carlton Davis
    3 – OL Alex Cappa
    4 – S Jordan Whitehead
    5 – WR Justin Watson
    6 – Jack Cichy

    2019
    1 – LB Devin White
    2 – CB Sean Murphy Bunting
    3 – CB Jamel Dean
    3 – S Mike Edwards
    4 – DE Anthony Nelson
    5 – K Matt Gay
    6 – WR Scotty Miller
    7 – DT Terry Beckner Jr

    2020
    1 – OT Tristan Wirfs
    2 – S Antoine Winfield
    3 – HB Keshawn Vaughn
    5 – WR Tyler Johnson
    6 – DT Khalil Davis
    7 – LB Chapelle Russell
    7 – RB Raymond Calais

    2021
    1 – LB Joe Tryon
    2 – QB Kyle Trask
    3 – OL Robert Hainsey
    4 – WR Jaelon Darden
    5 – LB KJ Britt
    7 – DB Chris Wilcox
    7 – LB Grant Stuard

    2022
    1 – DE Logan Hall
    2 – OL Luke Goedeke
    3 – RB Rachaad White
    4 – TE Cade Otton
    4 – P Jake Camarada
    5 – CB Zyon McCollum
    6 – TE Ko Kieft
    7 – DE Andre Anthony

    2023
    1 – DL Calijah Kancey
    2 – OL Cody Mauch
    3 – DL Yaya Diaby
    5 – LB Sirvocea Davis
    5 – TE Payne Durham
    6 – CB Josh Hayes
    6 – WR Trey Palmer
    6 – DL Jose Ramirez

  130. Conner50 Says:

    I don’t care that there’s only 32 teams and that few players get in the league out of however many there are. They are all over paid is my point. When your getting to play for billionaires though I guess that’s the reward

  131. Oneilbuc Says:

    Big Red . Good research but now I see why Jamies didn’t pan out in Tampa. Having that many blown drafts will destroy any young quarterback. That’s why Brady had to have AB Gronk and Fournett!!

  132. Matt Says:

    We would be better off drafting 7 QBs and picking one….then we can use the $40m in annual savings to get multiple high end players

  133. Keith Henig Says:

    $40 million for a career .500 Quarterback? Aw hell no. Pay Mike Evans and the rest will work itself out.

  134. Itzok Says:

    When Dan Jones and d carr are getting 40 per you should know that’s where baker will fall. Pay him or lose him and Evans. Novody is signing with a team without a qb who can win. If you want a qb for 5 mill resign winston or tannehill. We know how how that ends

  135. Oneilbuc Says:

    Itzok. With Jamies we were ranked top 5 in offense and that’s without a running game and a terrible defense. Jamies has always been more productive than Baker Mayfield. Jamies played in a much harder division than Baker Mayfield. It was Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees at quarterback in the division back then. All three teams played in the super bowl or the NFC championship at the time when Jamies was our quarterback. The defenses in the division was waay better than Baker played against and it still took him all 17 games to win the division or throw for 4,000 yards. Think about this Jamies won 9 games and we didn’t make the playoffs . Baker Mayfield won 9 games and we won the division and if were going to be honest he won 8 and Winfield Jr and our kicker won the week 18 .

  136. Vic Says:

    I told you.. all these 25M a year guys???? Jones making 40M.. Cousin making close to 40M… if we can get him for 35M we will be lucky. hopefully 35M.. not 40M.. but we will see… I just hope they can improve the team.. time to trade Godwin and pay more important people…

  137. Bucsreality Says:

    He “led” them to the 23rd ranked total offense. Way too many balls batted down at the LOS. The bottom line is can this guy lead you to a SB victory. The answer is no. I’d let him take a hike. Notice right now the only other interested seems to be from 2 doormats. Pass.

  138. realToReel Says:

    200 million for 5 years would get it done. In the playoffs only Mahommes threw for as many TD’s (6). Baker got his in 2 games while Mahommes played 4. Baker had the highest yards per game amongst QB’s with at least 2 post season games. 4th best QBR in the post season. Dudes a stud. Definitely a top 10 qb.