Brad Johnson Talks Baker Mayfield Contract Stress
June 5th, 2026
“You think they want me back in Cleveland, Mike?”
Yes, the Buccaneers want Baker Mayfield to be their quarterback of the future. They’re just not ready to pay him enough for Mayfield to sign a contract.
The two sides on opposite sides of the table and Mayfield has set a start-of-training camp deadline for a new deal. Joe loves the drama and, of course, Mayfield’s deadline is subject to change. (Isn’t everything?)
The OG Bucs Super Bowl winning quarterback, Brad Johnson, weighed in on Mayfield this afternoon with Rock Riley on 95.7 FM, WDAE, where the JoeBucsFan Show airs tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Johnson told Riley that contract negotiations can take a toll on the player and those around him. Johnson referenced how the Redskins traded for him in 1999 and he gave them a deadline for a new contract. They didn’t meet it and he moved on to Tampa Bay.
“Baker, I’m sure he’s talking to his agent probably every day about [contract] kinds of things,” Johnson said. “It can become a distraction for the player whether he admits it or not, It can become a distraction for the team.”
Johnson is a Mayfield fan and believes it’ll all work out in the end.
“You got really good people there, obviously Baker and Jason [Licht], they’ll come to the right sense of mind in the end and hopefully do what’s best for the Buccaneers and for Baker.”
Joe was intrigued by Johnson noting how a QB contract negotation can distract an entire team. Given how close Mayfield is with his teammates, Joe absolutely could envision that unfolding in Tampa.
June 5th, 2026 at 6:57 pm
The Bucs want Baker really bad just not bad enough to pay him. That makes sense. Lol. The Bucs obviously refuse to bid against themselves. If Baker was good they would’ve extended him a long time ago. They see Baker every practice, every game and they’ve let it go this far. He’s not the guy.
June 5th, 2026 at 7:03 pm
That scares me too. No distractions!!
June 5th, 2026 at 7:16 pm
The Bucs really want Baker but they just don’t want to pay him. That makes sense. Lol. Its very easy to see the Bucs don’t want him. He’ll finish his last season this year and move on. The Bucs are bidding against themselves. There have been ZERO reports of other teams interested in Baker. Hes not the guy.
The Bucs need a new direction at GM, HC and QB. This team needs fresh, young energy. The whole organization is stale and mediocre at best. No excitement, no buzz, nothing.
June 5th, 2026 at 7:27 pm
Let’s get this over and get “Born Again” Baker signed to a long term Franchise QB contract because he deserves it. anybody that doesn’t think we are lucky to have them is a ‘Football Fool’. Get him signed Jason and the Glazers NOW!! Don’t let this drag out. Go BUCS!!
June 5th, 2026 at 7:29 pm
why is Bee on this site? Buzzkill Bucs Fan!
June 5th, 2026 at 7:42 pm
It took darnold a Super Bowl…. Baker should get to work if he wants an extension
June 5th, 2026 at 7:48 pm
The elephant in the room is Bowles. He’s a Loser. Has been . Will be. Baker would be gone now if his contract didn’t run one more year, not that anyone would really want him. He showed his true self during 2-7 but at least has a head coach who couldn’t win with the 1985 Bears roster.
June 5th, 2026 at 8:04 pm
Hey make no mistake this will be a huge distraction for the team, especially the offense. The distraction started today with Baker basically telling everyone he is unhappy. In my opinion Baker tends to wear his emotions on his sleeve. Their is no way Baker is not taking this personally . He may actually play better however, he may press to hard and play worse. The team is already dealing with ME who left and was also unhappy it appears. The new players may begin to wonder why an Organization is not taking care of business. MD then Baker. We all know the press will be asking questions to the players about Baker, which will wear on the players. Yes the Bucs Organization better get a handle on this before it spirals. I agree about the years. Licht does not like long deals. I mean he could gave signed ME long term but chose the short deal and Mike walked. Licht seems to like the 1 to 2 year deal. My guess Baker views that as a snub!!!
June 5th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
How much, possibly, overpaying Baker could take away from pay towards future of fellow teammates to help build team and continuing continuity.
Mahoney is low on pay chart in comparison to other starting qb’s.
Am guessing sticking point is all about structure of contact. He wants it to look like a top 8 contract, at least. With next contracts of qb’s taken into consideration.
Big up front money?
June 5th, 2026 at 8:24 pm
We see time and again how the qb position sucks money out of the salary cap. It’s great when a team hits its draft choice, especially a lower round pick. (Think Mr. Irrelevant Purdy, and what flexibility he gave to the 9ers for a couple of years).
But reality strikes. Every team that has a quarterback has to pay handsomely. Every team that doesn’t have a quarterback has to search for one. In the end everyone is glad to pay for talent, especially qb talent.
June 5th, 2026 at 8:30 pm
Hi guys what i miss..Uhhh nothing still the winnings and crying of grown azz men! By the way Baltimore hasn’t extended Lamar either !
June 5th, 2026 at 8:41 pm
This is just disappointing. I get both sides of it. Fan in me says Baker is being divaish. Realist in me is saying get the bag and protect yourself, since he’s been cast aside before, Mike bolted and Bowles is on the hot seat. Then again, we gave Baker everything he wanted, essentially, when no one wanted him. This is tough. Just hoping it’s not a distraction
June 5th, 2026 at 8:50 pm
Bee = just another troll
How many are on here now?