Albert Breer: No Reason For Baker Mayfield Not To Get $50 Million+ Annually
June 15th, 2026
Ready for a new payday.
So the game of chicken has begun. Who wins? Does Baker Mayfield cave or does Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht capitulate?
That’s unclear. But Albert Breer of SI.com believes Mayfield’s accountant will win in the end.
Breer is not saying Mayfield will break Team Glazer’s vault. But Breer mentioned a few quarterbacks one can fairly compare with Mayfield earning a nice piece of change.
And if those quarterbacks can get paid, Breer points out in a video mailbag, Mayfield should as well.
“I think looking at this going forward, you have to start to look at some of the [player] comps,” Breer said. “I think Jared Goff’s a fair comp. I think Tua Tagovailoa is a good comp. I think Brock Purdy is a good comp.
“Baker Mayfield is firmly in that category of quarterbacks. He’s as good as those guys. I’d say better than Tua, right around the same range as a Jared Goff, right around the same range as the Brock Purdy, based on their production over the last couple of years.”
Joe thinks Breer is fair comparing Mayfield to Jared Goff and Brock Purdy. At least Purdy has taken his team to a Super Bowl.
Goff and Purdy average $53 million a season. Tua makes about a tricked out Ford F-150 from Bill Currie Ford more than Goff and Purdy, per Spotrac.com.
“So there’s really not a lot of reasons for the Buccaneers not to go to that [Goff/Purdy/Tua] level,” Breer said. “On top of that, the projection for the franchise tag [for quarterbacks] in 2027 is over $50 million.
“So it’s hard to see a scenario where Baker Mayfield is going to accept less than that. And as difficult as it can be [for the Bucs] to come to the realization now that the three-year discount that they’ve gotten on Mayfield has expired, that’s really where we’re at.”
Joe agrees. It’s difficult to believe Mayfield would settle for less than $50 million a year.
And Joe is completely confident Mayfield will still be barking signals for the Bucs when the 2027 season arrives.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Baker would already be signed had he not choked in DEC lol
he’ll play out his contract in 2026…if he chokes again in DEC he’ll be someone back up
GO BUCS!!!!
June 15th, 2026 at 9:06 am
I am sure our Bucs will make the right decision.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:12 am
you only need 11 more articles today about Baker Mayfield to mee the Q
June 15th, 2026 at 9:12 am
What does Albert Breer think Trask is worth?
June 15th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Those comps seem about right. Get the comps figured out and then the dollar range gets sorted out. The main sticking point could be guaranteed money.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Yes, because the re signing of the quarterback is not a big deal NerdsAreDumb.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:17 am
IF – the Bucs are healthy this year;
IF – the Bucs can move down the field rushing on 60% of the plays, moving defenders so that gain early separation and quick passes;
IF – in that favorable environment, Baker unnecessarily holds the ball to long leading to sacks and forcing the ball leading to turnovers;
Then, save $20M to $30M by replacing Baker with a game manager and spend the savings on building an even stronger team to support the new guy.
But, like last year, Bucs receivers will not gain separation and the quick passing game will not work if the Bucs do not have an effective run game that they use predominantly on all three downs – which will break the passing game wide open if they randomize it and disguise it so that other teams don’t tee off on it.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:31 am
Agreed, Bucs should extend Baker now if he is willing to accept a contract in the $50-55 million range.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:36 am
I can’t see the $$$ being much of a negotiating angle as the market is set. From Baker’s youth football interview comments about wanting to be around for a long time, indicates the sticking point may be more likely about the duration?
June 15th, 2026 at 9:43 am
After last season, Light should be asking Baker for money back. He’s overpaid now. Lots of quarterbacks could have taken the Bucs to that 2-7 finish, for a lot less money. $55million a year is simply stupid.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:46 am
A little over $50M a year sounds fair to me.
Toss in bonus/incentive money if he hits certain numbers and for playoffs.
The guy got us into the playoffs his first year and that was on a $4M prove-it deal. He deserves to be paid.
He does, unfortunately, choke sometimes at critical moments. If not for that, I’d be fine with going a little higher than Goff/Purdy money.
June 15th, 2026 at 9:58 am
You know stupid!
June 15th, 2026 at 10:17 am
Baker has as much of a chance as getting 60 million as Joe Buc fans have of getting a job and life
June 15th, 2026 at 10:41 am
More like will the Glazers capitulate, because they’re the ones signing the checks.
June 15th, 2026 at 10:41 am
LETS SAY HE HOLDS OUT
Is another team going to give him $50m for 3-4 years?
He’s been fired by 3-4 teams.
He’s little.
He’s 32.
He’s not a winner.
I say No.
WHY NOT FRANCHISE HIM NEXT YEAR?
$50m. He turns 33. No one will give him a LT deal next year.
June 15th, 2026 at 10:44 am
I think Goff and Purdy are good comps.
Baker is more ‘talented’ than either of them – yet both of those QBs have played ‘consistently good’ more often than Mayfield has….
Purdy is more fragile than Baker – or at least has missed quite a few more games than Baker – so that’s one feather in his hat that Baker has over Purdy (even though he shouldn’t ALWAYS wear that hat – as we saw last year…)
I could see a 3 year extension for $160M ($53.3M per) with $90-100M guaranteed + some incentives being the final # Mayfield and the Buccaneers come to agreement on….
Including the $40M Baker is already guaranteed this year – that’s an average of $50M per over the next 4 years with about 70% of that $200M guaranteed.
Sounds crazy to me to pay that much to one player – but unfortunately – that’s today’s market value for ‘good’ QBs…. And the Bucs believe as do I that Baker Mayfield is a “good” QB.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:10 am
BE THE GM
1. He’s under contract this year
2. The franchise tag is $50m next year
3. He’ll be a 33 years old after next season.
No way a 33 year old, journeyman QB, with no post season success can negotiate a big multi-year deal.
There’s no reason to sign him deal more than $50 for 3. Licht holds all the cards UNLESS Baker has a big year.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:21 am
“Joe thinks Breer is fair comparing Mayfield to Jared Goff and Brock Purdy. At least Purdy has taken his team to a Super Bowl.”
In this case he’s comparing Mayfield to Goff and Purdy, because those 2 have gotten their big pay days as players. Both play a more consistent and smarter brand of ball than Baker.
So the question is, should Baker be extended what would Licht and the front office getting for their money? Consistency? High levels of execution?
It may be door #2 season some time between now and ’27
June 15th, 2026 at 11:22 am
Well, as much as I love Baker for the Bucs, the guy has to get Tampa back to the playoffs, and win a game or two in the tournament.
Tom Brady proved that passing accuracy, and the ability to get first downs consistently was the difference from QBs with arm talent alone.
Baker needs to sustain drives so the defense can stay off the field and the team has every chance to score.
Too many erratic throws and punting situations is the reason Mike Evans bolted.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:25 am
No way is Baker better than or on par with Brock Purdy or Jared Goff. Those 2 have gotten big paydays already, and accomplished more relative to Mayfield.
The fact Mayfields’ reps would have to cite a deal for a guy selected dead last in his draft class to negotiate for a former 1st overall pick, sounds as wild as it read typing it just now.
Door no.2 szn might be upon us sooner than we all think(and some of you might not like it at all)
June 15th, 2026 at 11:25 am
There’s no rush. Let him play out the season and see how he does and if he adjusts his reckless style.
He’ll be 32 next April and thats getting up there for a QB who tends to sacrifice his body unnecessarily.
Tag him for ’27 thats what its there for.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:26 am
NerdsAreCool…you’re here all the time now. What’s your job?
June 15th, 2026 at 11:33 am
Too many erratic throws and punting situations is the reason Mike Evans bolted……Fat Hat
Oh, come off it! There is enough dopey talk from 813 and a few others, now this. If Evans bolted for the door for any reason evolving the Bucs we all know what it was- -3rd and 28! He frigen said it!!
I, a 49 lifetime fan, have said that Baker is better than Purdy. Several others today have said the same. Evans left because the Bucs seem to be stuck in reverse mode or stalled at the gate defensively.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:44 am
I’m not sure how much flexibility teams/players have on creative contract terms, but pinning a chunk of $ to avoiding injury might be in everyone’s best interest.
June 15th, 2026 at 11:44 am
it doesn’t make any sense to extend Baker now with the option of a franchise tag next year – but because Licht is a bobblehead he will do something stupid – again
June 15th, 2026 at 11:52 am
$50M+/yr is fair for 6-2 MVP-favorite Baker Mayfield that we got early last year.
It’s way too much for the Mayfield we got in the second half last year. And I think that’s what’s tripping up negotiations. I imagine the Glazers will sign off on a big contract yet tell the coaching staff to make Baker protect himself.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Tune in to tomorrow’s article about Mayfield’s contract.
AND the same commenters saying the same ol shyte.
Let him play out the season blah blah blah…
June 15th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
NO. You don’t have the DISTRACTIONS and baggage with Goff or Purdy. No way even, has Baker proven to be a better Quarterback. Those guys are LEADERS, who just go about THEIR BUSINESS “leasing” their teams. They let THEIR PLAY speak for itself. Outside of that ONE season under COEN, Baker has NOT looked good, or played very well at ALL. You could say maybe for most of the 2nd-Half’s of those first 6-games last season, BUT he wouldn’t have HAD TO play like that, had HE just been better during the 1st-Half of those games. Though, that’s just typical Baker.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
@ Buc1987 – Exactly. Just let him play-it out, and be done with it. Pretty Simple. The Bucs have absolutely NOTHING to lose by waiting. You have EVERYTHING to lose by extending HIM longterm.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Are there people who really think the Bucs are going to get him below 50/yr?
June 15th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Baker hasn’t missed a game for us but he’s been injured in almost half of the games he’s played. When he plays injured he hurts the team and he refuses not to play, selfishly, because he’s job scared. He should be held accountable for those games where he played injured and horrendous.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:19 pm
Dang it, Licht missed his window – now it’s going to cost $75M a year to sign him… GET IT DONE LICHT BEFORE THE PRICE GOES UP YET AGAIN! 5-years, 7-years, lifetime contract, whatever it takes! We can’t miss this chance to lock-up a young stud QB! WE CAN’T WAIT! WE MUST DO IT NOW!!! NOW!!! NOW!!!!!
June 15th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Pay him. Dont want to get a rookie and put his feet to the fire.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
If in fact a QB is hurt and his watered down play is hurting the team , then only a very weak HC would not just take him out.
That being said if the coach has a backup QB that is sooo bad that he cannot take out the injured starter, that is on the GM.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
CAP SPACE!!!
Something that everyone seems to be purposing ignoring.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Fun fact. Only 3 QBs in NFL history have thrown for 3500 or more yards in their first 3 seasons while having 75 or more TD passes in those 3 years. Mayfield did it with the second worst team in NFL history. Fun fact. The last 3 years Mayfield has thrown for over 12,000 yards and 95 TD passes. And ran the football like the dickens. And did it with the worst team in NFL history. Interesting.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:33 pm
its hard for me to envision glazers dropping that kind of money unless the team is close which it isnt
June 15th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
The more I read from the Anti-Baker Boi(s) the more I want Baker to run away from Tampa as quickly as possible. But then I realize that those guys represent a VERY small sampling of people from the fanbase. Baker: 54M, 4 years. Home discount again.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Where’s that BIG “DISCOUNT” everyone was talking about!? Lmaoooo. And, what have “I” SAID, all along!? Yep. Once again, that’s what I thought. Everyone wants to throw around all of these ‘numbers’ withOUT disclosing the actual number of YEARS. The Jones new contract was for only 2-YEARS, with only $50-MIL that is fully guaranteed. And, HE is younger. AND, he had ALL the leverage against the Colts. PLUS, he was NOT currently signed and under CONTRACT for this upcoming season (cause believe me, the Colts would NOT had given him that ‘extension’ had he been). There’s a whoooole LOT MORE to it than just these entirely irrelevant ‘numbers’ that you people with Tourette’s, continue to throw out there.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:48 pm
There is zero reason to sign him now. Make him prove it first. He won’t.
And if they let him go and it costs them $30 mil in dead cap money, so be it.
Way better than flushing $200+ million down the drain on a scrub.
He’s simply not good enough to overcome the Bowles effect.
But neither was Brady to be fair. Only Todd provided the Goats only losing season.
He’s a guru!!!
June 15th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Everyone wants to throw around all of these ‘numbers’ withOUT disclosing the actual number of YEARS (cause that has a lot more to do with it than just the dollar amount alone). Oh, and where is that BIG “DISCOUNT” LoL. It’s an adult “Baker-Bucs Fantasyland.” D the Jones new contract was for only 2-YEARS, with only $50-MIL that is fully guaranteed. And, HE is younger. AND, he had ALL the leverage against the Colts. PLUS, he was NOT currently signed and under CONTRACT for this upcoming season (cause believe me, the Colts would NOT had given him that ‘extension’ had he been). There’s a whoooole LOT MORE to it.
June 15th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Talent and “Better” are two entirely different discussions, and things. It is what is ‘between the ears’ that has a lot more to do with playing the Quarterback position in THE NFL, than anything else. And, Baker is just NOT on the same level as Brock or Jared. Then, you throw in the age, style of play, inconsistency, AND DISTRACTIONS that Baker brings to the table. It’s really not even close. It’s just NOT. And, the BUCS have all the leverage.
June 15th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
4 years, 52….i called the last one at 3 years 99.9999999, and the first one when i said go after him for 5-6 with incentives….
Lets get it done Jason and Baker….or, let this year play out and he might get 60 from us or someone or have a bad year and settle for 45…who knows
June 15th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Man, I hate statements like “Purdy took his team to a Superbowl.”
It’s a team game. It would be just as, if not more accurate to say that the 49ers took Purdy to a Superbowl.
June 15th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Sure it’s a “team game.” Good luck trying to be successful without a decent quarterback.
“Team game” screams 1970s high school coach running a veer-option.
Quarterbacks, especially in the NFL, lead. For better or for worse.
Please let Joe know the last time a guard led a team to a Super Bowl.
June 15th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
“SlyPirate Says:
June 15th, 2026 at 11:10 am
BE THE GM
1. He’s under contract this year
2. The franchise tag is $50m next year
3. He’ll be a 33 years old after next season.
No way a 33 year old, journeyman QB, with no post season success can negotiate a big multi-year deal.
There’s no reason to sign him deal more than $50 for 3. Licht holds all the cards UNLESS Baker has a big year.”
He’s 2 and 3 on the post-season, and has the HIGHEST playoff passer rating of ANY active QB
June 15th, 2026 at 1:41 pm
Rather than simply react without being informed (some of you clearly are), I went and looked the numbers up. Yes, I used AI, but I asked several of them and averaged results to try and minimize the AI slop coefficient. Here’s what I found out:
The average contract for a top 7-15 quarterback (that’s Baker) typically falls around $52 to $53 million over four or five years. Average that number and you’re looking at $52.5 million over 4.5 years. Broken down to the year, it comes up to $11.667 mil per year.
He’s not wrong if he’s looking for a five year deal. It’s a little rich for four years, but not crazy unreasonable. In short, he’s ballpark right.
Offer Baker 4 years, $47 million or 5 years, $48 million and call it a deal. Maybe see if he’s be willing to take more of a team friendly deal to account for no income taxes so the team can reinvest that money into bringing FA in here that are upgrades to our current weakest links.
June 15th, 2026 at 1:45 pm
The Bucs defense was horrible. And now has lost Lavonte David and Jameel Dean.
Mike Evans is gone. Chris Godwin has Chronic injuries.
Our WR room is 1sr year and a rookie
Our window has slammed shut on our fingers.
Money may sway him, but I think that Mayfield plays it out this year- and leaves for a contender.
I hope we can get Trask back . . . As I predicted- I hear he’s selling insurance somewhere.
June 15th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Imo, it all boils down to the fact that the new coach in 2027 may want to bring in his own guy. So, I read it like this… Jason is impotent to lay down any big longterm contracts. Glazers are giving Todd (and potentially JL) 1 last lap around the track and they best win one of the triple crowns (division and a playoff game, wildcard and 2 playoff games, or SB), otherwise Todd is gone, baker becomes a rebuild anchor,, and JL will prove that the lightning in a bottle simply fell into his lap in 2020. So, no, team Glazer are saving their shekels for a new face on a new stadium (possibly in a new town), baker be d@mned. Baker is just a pawn in this game, the kings are playing the long game
June 15th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Joe has Stalin like abilities to stifle dissenting opinions.
June 15th, 2026 at 2:07 pm
Can’t even get a normal 15 word sentence to go through.
June 15th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
As crazy as it sounds, $50 million a year seems to be the going rate for a good NFL QB. And that means a good solid QB, not great like Mahomes, who seems to be in the $60 million range
June 15th, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Really just want to hold my breath and get through this story. They’re obviously going to sign him
June 15th, 2026 at 4:11 pm
Falling on his face week after week the last 8 or 9 games shows he’s not a franchise QB
Make him play it out, then franchise him. Guy is too experienced to keep making critical mistakes late in games weekly
June 15th, 2026 at 4:27 pm
This stat is primarily for Defense Rules:
Since Baker Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, he has thrown more passing touchdowns per game than Patrick Mahomes. Over this span (2023–2025 regular seasons), Mayfield has averaged 1.82 touchdown passes per game, while Mahomes has averaged 1.48.
Apparently, Baker has been doing his job.
June 15th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
Same numbers as Goff the last few seasons including playoffs. Yeah Purdy went to a SB based on a great defense , but hes alot softer.Damn if you do Damn if you dont.. UGH!
June 15th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
That’s how stupid 813 is. Calling what happen to Baker choking when his own retired teammate Lavonte David said he was hurt so much that he had no business suiting up and playing. Dumber than dumb
June 15th, 2026 at 5:38 pm
Hey DR I forgot to specify per game played but Mayfield **STILL LEADS** 1.86 to 1.71! So it’s not the QB that is the issue here. Mayfield is outperforming Mahomes. Given that stat alone we should immediately sign him long term. Clearly he gives us a far better chance to win than he gets credit for doing!
June 15th, 2026 at 5:44 pm
Been saying all along 3 years @$50 million. He is definitely worth that and they will pay that. Baker will be here at least till 2029. 😂 Remember when Baker was healthy he beat the superbowl champs. And that was with a less than healthy team. Give him a healthy team and keep him healthy and we will be in any game, any game.
June 15th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
Oh that one hurt the haters Stpetematt. Thrown more TD’s than Mahomes ROFLMAO
June 15th, 2026 at 6:03 pm
He is a Franchise QB that landed in our laps. Pay the man!
June 15th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
2-11 in primetime and playoff games.
Date | Opponent | When | Result
Sept. 25, 2023 | vs Eagles | MNF | L (0-1)
Oct. 26, 2023 | at Bills | TNF | L (0-2)
Jan. 15, 2024 | vs Eagles | Wild Card playoff, MNF | W (1-2)
Jan. 21, 2024 | at Lions | Divisional playoff | L (1-3)
Oct. 3, 2024 | at Falcons | TNF | L (1-4)
Oct. 21, 2024 | vs Ravens | MNF | L (1-5)
Nov. 4, 2024 | at Chiefs | MNF | L (1-6)
Dec. 22, 2024 | at Cowboys | SNF | L (1-7)
Jan. 12, 2025 | vs Commanders | Wild Card playoff, SNF | L (1-8)
Sept. 15, 2025 | at Texans | MNF | W (2-8)
Oct. 20, 2025 | at Lions | MNF | L (2-9)
Nov. 23, 2025 | at Rams | SNF | L (2-10)
Dec. 11, 2025 | vs Falcons | TNF | L (2-11)
GIVE HIM $75M A YEAR FOR LIFE!
June 15th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
@ Rod Munch – Those are some Andy Dalton numbers there. Putting up a bunch of EMPTY 4th-Quarter stats is meaningless. After having to ‘throw-it’ every down (from being behind), due to your own poor play for throughout the rest of the game. Andy Dalton has had a much better career than Baker, and I bet not a person on here, would be clamoring for and demanding to “PAY HIM” a max-level, LONGTERM deal. The only difference between the two, is that Dalton was more consistent, AND was never a distraction. He just went about his business, of LEADING the team.
June 15th, 2026 at 7:56 pm
Live in the past , that way you have something to wine about.. Jesus life goes on! New season if my football team doesn’t do well im gonna throw a tantrum and say nothing will improve…over and over and over and over and over….
June 15th, 2026 at 8:02 pm
MelvinJunior Says:
June 15th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
@ Rod Munch – Those are some Andy Dalton numbers there.
——–
Oh wow, now that’s a low blow… Here’s Dalton’s playoff QBR…
2011 Wild Card (vs. Houston Texans): 28.3 (Lost 31–10)
2012 Wild Card (vs. Houston Texans): 25.2 QBR (Lost 19–13)
2013 Wild Card (vs. San Diego Chargers): 8.3 QBR (Lost 27–10)
2014 Wild Card (vs. Indianapolis Colts): 39.5 QBR (Lost 26–10)
WOW, I had never looked up this up before, but wow, that has to be the worst collection of playoff performances ever for a playoff QB who started that many games.
He makes Baker’s overall middling playoff QBRs look HOF-caliber.
2023 Wild Card (vs. Philadelphia Eagles): 43.9 QBR (Won 32–9)
2023 Divisional (at Detroit Lions): 55.4 QBR (Lost 31–23)
2024 Wild Card (vs. Washington Commanders): 60.7 QBR (Lost 23–20
June 15th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Baker is a top of the second tier QB. They will be competitive with him. But he won’t carry a team at key moments like a Hall of Famer can. Ten wins and a Division title ain’t bad. Maybe they’ll draft a QB in the 3rd or 4th round and get lucky, have someone with a high ceiling available when Baker’s extension is over.
June 15th, 2026 at 10:50 pm
Floormatt just cemented as the record breaking idjittt.
Baker is better than Mahomes.
And Madeline Albright was prettier than Liz Taylor.
Just incredible.
June 16th, 2026 at 6:44 am
Melvin Jr complained about being censored. The Joes realize that someone who has a conversation with himself needs to have some monitoring. Most people would look at you and decide to medicate or put you in a padded room. As is they give you way to much leeway to spew your drivel
June 16th, 2026 at 8:57 am
The anti Baker crowd doesn’t even like themselves. They recognize that they are all under achievers going nowhere with their small, miserable lives. What about it Munch? How much do you make as an Uber driver? Get so tired of hearing the endless negativity from dopes who think Mayfield had a chance playing behind a junior college O line last year.
2026 Baker will really light it up. When he does the dopes that post here, should be forced to leave permanently.
June 16th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Gipper . If he plays like he did last year will you leave because you ain’t a real bucs fan you a Baker fan boy..