Rondé Barber Projects Baker Mayfield Contract Extension Is Not Done Before Training Camp
June 21st, 2026
Are the Bucs headed for a messy situation with the face of their franchise?
Baker Mayfield wants a contract extension. He’ll earn $40 million this season but he has no contract for 2027.
Team Glazer offered Mayfield an extension that left him disappointed. Mayfield responded saying he had a deadline of the start of training camp. At that point, per Mayfield, he no longer would negotiate a contract extension — no talks during football season.
Bucs insider Rondé Barber works for the team and is close friends with the organization’s power hitters. He doesn’t think an extension gets done quickly.
“I would find it hard to believe that they do,” Barber replied last week when asked if he thinks Mayfield will have a new deal by his personal deadline or Week 1 of the regular season.
Barber’s comments came on The Rondé Barber Show, a WFLA-TV streaming production.
If Barber were in charge at One Buc Palace, he’d make sure Mayfield is the Bucs’ quarterback of the future.
“Find a way to pay him. Make him happy, whatever that number is,” Barber said. “It’s not 60, 65 [million per year,] somewhere in the $50 million range. It’s a decent amount of [salary] bump. But I just hope it doesn’t distract this team going into this season, because I think this is a big year for a lot of people in this organization.”
The distraction angle is real. Mayfield is human. He’s got over $100 million+ on the line in future earnings. At some point in the season, that could affect him and/or his play, if he has no 2027 contract.
Did Team Glazer make the fan-unfriendly move of bringing back Todd Bowles only to play contract games with his handpicked quarterback? That’s a hard concept for Joe to accept.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:23 am
Ronde is dead on. Baker is in the 50 million range, he simply is when you look at other qb’. Yes pay the man in that range and be done. If this goes into the season it is going to affect Baker and the team simple as that.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:28 am
It was a different era, and a different type QB, but Dan Marino, HOFer, had a history of turnovers to go with his great numbers the first 8-10 years of his career.
Then, he started having injuries and missing games- again, the Defenses were allowed to punish the QB more back then, but the physical punishment started taking a toll.
Mayfield doesn’t avoid contact and he’s no spring chicken anymore.
Bucs should hold the line on how much they’re willing to invest in an aging QB who may or may not be past his prime (no one knows)
June 21st, 2026 at 9:43 am
He should tell them privately that if they don’t make him a fair offer, he’s joining Vea and sitting out camp until they get right.
That’s a boss move.
Licht and Bowles know this year determines their future, too. Baker ain’t jumping off this cliff the owners created by leaving Bowles in charge without a parachute of some guaranteed money.
Remember, Licht is the one that built an OL with backup Guards as sturdy as a wet paper towel. Baker ain’t playing on a one year deal only to get injured.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:48 am
Football minds always say- look at the legs. How many times have the legs been under the knife. Regarding Mayfield, the answer is none. The guy could easily play top gun football another 6-8 years.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:52 am
Just rewatched the Atlanta game, 3rd and 28. Baker let Atlanta back in the game with a late pick. He than throws behind a wide open EE that would’ve been a first down that would’ve let the Bucs kill the clock. Bowles, and the defense rightfully took the flack, but Baker wasn’t clutch down the stretch. He’s being paid what he’s worth.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
As they should. He needs to prove himself this year, or he and the Toilet Bowl can flush themselves outta here…
Anyone who likes Baker but doesn’t look at it objectively is dumb. He’s a GOOD football player, not GREAT. He’s not some multiple Super Bowl-winning QB. He was chased out of two cities and has hopefully found the right scheme and personal fit.
He doesn’t deserve to be paid like an elite quarterback at all.
Could he be eventually? Maybe…Is he yet… NO NOT AT ALL!!!
June 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
As they should. He needs to prove himself this year, or he and the Toilet Bowl can flush themselves outta here…
Anyone who likes Baker but doesn’t look at it objectively is dumb. He’s a GOOD football player, not GREAT. He’s not some multiple Super Bowl-winning QB. He was chased out of two cities and has hopefully found the right scheme and personal fit.
He doesn’t deserve to be paid like an elite quarterback at all.
Could he be eventually? Maybe…Is he yet… NO NOT AT ALL!!!
June 21st, 2026 at 10:01 am
The excuses for Mayfield’s poor QB play down the stretch in 2026 are already being baked into the cake.
He’s making $40 million dollars after his worst display in his NFL career.
Will paying him $55-60 mil a year improve his decisions in big game moments?
If he wants to sit out, then trade him away for a bunch of picks.
We can go 8-9 or 7-10 with Browning, no problem. And way cheaper.
Then you can fire Bowles and bring in a real HC and a true DC.
Baker cares more about himself than the team around him. Complete bum.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:01 am
Hodad. Mayfield put us up 28-14 in the 4th quarter. Clutch as hell. Then Atlanta drove the length of the field for a TD. 28-20. Then our OC had us throwing the ball on Falcons end of the field. What? Of course the Falcons went 70 yards. 28-26. Of course they scored a field goal with 0 on the clock. Our defense sucked equally in games against the Patriots, Bills, and Rams. Philly scored 24 first half points but the special teams contributed 7 of those. Our defense was the worst in the league, stats don’t tell the whole story. But they don’t lie either.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:03 am
Hopefully Baker advises the Nerds that he’ll do a new deal for $40M if they show the HC/DC the door sooner rather than later.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:08 am
Team Glazer are pearl clutching 328ers. They would rather invest in a loser 328er than keep Evans and Mayfield because they know that the peeps will still watch them, write about them and buy $$ beers. Their pearls reflection is their profit margins.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:09 am
This idea that playing the year out (for $40 MILLION dollars!) without a contract in place for the following year – is somehow going to negatively effect Baker’s psyche and/or on-field play is really stupid.
There are legitimate questions about consistency with this QB based on his career and especially based on the 2nd half of the 2025 season which is fresh in the minds of the guys who write checks at OBP……
You can’t overpay an NFL QB just to keep him “happy”.
Bucs should hold the line at $50M per and if Baker thinks he’s worth more than that – OK, then prove it! Lead your team to 11 wins and a deep playoff run. Throw for 4000 yards and 9 Ints….
This whole anxiety about Baker’s contract thing is more a construction of the media than an actual issue….. It’ll get done – one way or another – sooner or later…..
June 21st, 2026 at 10:16 am
Pickgrin. Nice to know many people are sane, and you’re one of those many. Ira has touched on it in a few podcasts, saying he really doesn’t think it’ll affect Baker playing a lame duck year. People commenting that something will change about Baker’s or the teams performance hinging on a new contract have not got a clue about what motivates Baker. Or any great player, for that matter.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:17 am
Why prolong the inevitable?
June 21st, 2026 at 10:20 am
If 3rd and 28 and 4th and 14 had never happened and we had managed to squeeze into the playoffs only to get beat by the Rams in the first round, the demands for Bowles head on a platter and the incessant criticism of Baker Mayfield by his haters here would have remained in full force!
June 21st, 2026 at 10:22 am
I keep saying Baker is not the issue with this team. Last year he was injured and the O-line was injured and WR were injured left and right. The real problem is the defense and Baker over compensated by doing to much to make up for Bowles crap defense. Pay him so it’s not a distraction. If he plays extremely well it’s going to cost a hell of a lot more money.
June 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
I don’t want him to sign, waiting to see how the season goes will be exciting
June 21st, 2026 at 10:36 am
Use a 2nd rounder on Sorsby and this will get crazy
June 21st, 2026 at 10:45 am
Leave it to the bucs organization to let the best head coaching candidate leave the building, over pay and extend a guy with no business being a head coach, and insulting Baker with a low ball offer.
These owners are good at making bad moves
June 21st, 2026 at 10:49 am
Bucsfan81….Its unreal how many fans overlook how horrible our defense performs regularly. Half the time offenses are toying with us.
June 21st, 2026 at 11:25 am
Todd and Baker should both be gone after last season’s pathetic fiasco.
June 21st, 2026 at 11:37 am
Bake made like $45 Mil last season.
Bump him up to $50 Mil/season and be done with it, Bucs.
And definitely it done before the season starts.
June 21st, 2026 at 11:38 am
If Baker played as well last season as he did in 2024…he’d have more of a case.
I “heard” somewhere on the interwebs that Baker is asking for 65 mil per…Licht likely lofted out a # closer to 45 mil per.
This could get both interesting and ugly. It could also become a big distraction…with Buddha Bowles already on the hot seat/plate. Licht has a lifetime contract I believe as The Glazers are scared of him for some reason.
June 21st, 2026 at 11:39 am
It’s football!! Contract? No contract? It’s big business! Both sides want what they want! Will they compromise? We’ll see… Bring on September!!
June 21st, 2026 at 11:44 am
Bucs are paying Baker 33 mil this year. If Bucs franchise Baker next year that will be around 50 mil. So that is 83 mil for 2 years which is far less than they would spend on a new contract.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of Todd Bowles I believe that the Glazers will take a wait and see approach regarding Baker and Todd.
June 21st, 2026 at 11:45 am
I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of Bucs and NFL games since 1979 and would like the to know, since when has a qb ever, ever ever thrown a pass with his legs????
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, the most mobile and exciting qbs in the NFL have ever thrown one yet. Not even Brady the most Super Bowl winning qb ever one and of the least mobile ever has.
So I guess Mayfield has done this which makes him the best ever to play the game
THE EXCUSES BY THE MAYFIELD APOLOGISTS HAS FINALLY REACHED EPIC PROPORTIONS!!!!
Looking at the top 10 paid qbs in the NFL I cannot see where he belongs. In the $50 mil/year squad when his bad play is as bad as his great play is great.
Why should the Bucs pay a man who really has never done anything CONSISTENTLY great in his career a contract that will hamstring the Bucs for years to come???
The Glazers/Licht have already hamstrung us for the 2026 season by keeping Bowles please don’t give in to fear/of all the Baker panderers of losing a better than middling qb who will be injured for years before drafting a replacement or a better head coach !
June 21st, 2026 at 11:57 am
Im just f it at this point….4 years 52…if he wants more, let the year play out and see, and im one of Baker’s biggest fans.
But we need to take care of Big V first!!
June 21st, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Apparently Baker is seeking a long term contract with some money guaranteed
June 21st, 2026 at 12:32 pm
3.28.Evans…is…right…as…rain. If we should have as “pathetic fiasco” resembling in any manner last year’s “pathetic fiasco” this season- we will have either a new head coach and quarterback, or a new head coach, or a new quarterback. You can hope all you want, 3.28.Evans. Todd Bowles is about to have a great season. He’s due.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:42 pm
Oh and by the way you little worsheepers, stop using the term hater because not one us true BUC FAN up here before you who’s not enamored by your little idol hates his play without reason nor as a man. You were busy panting after him in Cleveland/Carolina/La to see to see what we’ve seen.
Our two previous qbs have shown us what great qb play and excruciating exciting and exhaustingl horrible qb play look like. One led us to our 2nd SB win and quite possibly our 3rd appearance/win if not for Bowles and the other led us to Brady. Mayfield is simply a better, smarter and more intelligent but less physically capable version of Jameiss Winston ATM. We’ve seen what that leads us to and we want what Mayfield cannot give us, consistent great qb play.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:43 pm
Oh and by the way you little worsheepers, stop using the term hater because not one us true BUC FAN up here before you who’s not enamored by your little idol hates his play without reason nor as a man. You were busy panting after him in Cleveland/Carolina/La to see to see what we’ve seen.
Our two previous qbs have shown us what great qb play and excruciating exciting and exhaustingl horrible qb play look like. One led us to our 2nd SB win and quite possibly our 3rd appearance/win if not for Bowles and the other led us to Brady. Mayfield is simply a better, smarter and more intelligent but less physically capable version of Jameiss Winston ATM. We’ve seen what that leads us to and we want what Mayfield cannot give us, consistent great qb play.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Oh and by the way you little worsheepers, stop using the term hater because not one us true BUC FAN up here before you who’s not enamored by your little idol hates his play without reason nor as a man. You were busy watching him in Cleveland/Carolina/La to see to see what we’ve seen.
Our two previous qbs have shown us what great qb play and excruciating exciting and exhaustingl horrible qb play look like. One led us to our 2nd SB win and quite possibly our 3rd appearance/win if not for Bowles and the other led us to Brady. Mayfield is simply a better, smarter and more intelligent but less physically capable version of Jameiss Winston ATM. We’ve seen what that leads us to and we want what Mayfield cannot give us, consistent great qb play.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Oh and by the way you little worsheepers, stop using the term h8er because not one us true BUC FAN up here before you who’s not enamored by your little idol hates his play without reason nor as a man. You were busy watching him in Cleveland/Carolina/La to see to see what we’ve seen.
Our two previous qbs have shown us what great qb play and excruciating exciting and exhaustingl horrible qb play look like. One led us to our 2nd SB win and quite possibly our 3rd appearance/win if not for Bowles and the other led us to Brady. Mayfield is simply a better, smarter and more intelligent but less physically capable version of Jameiss Winston ATM. We’ve seen what that leads us to and we want what Mayfield cannot give us, consistent great qb play.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Oh and by the way you Mayfield fans, stop using the term hater because not one us true BUC FAN up here before you who’s not enamored by your little idol hates his play without reason nor as a man. You were busy watching him in Cleveland/Carolina/La to see to see what we’ve seen.
Our two previous qbs have shown us what great qb play and excruciating exciting and exhaustingl horrible qb play look like. One led us to our 2nd SB win and quite possibly our 3rd appearance/win if not for Bowles and the other led us to Brady. Mayfield is simply a better, smarter and more intelligent but less physically capable version of Jameiss Winston ATM. We’ve seen what that leads us to and we want what Mayfield cannot give us, consistent great qb play.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:51 pm
Contracts expire on Baker, Mauch, Vea, Diaby, Ashawn R., Muhammad, Kieft, Rozeboom, Tucker, Dennis and Mclaughlin at end of season. How many of them do they intend to lose with no compensation? 25 to 35 mil in cap space gets eaten up with just the top 3 or 4 re-signings/extensions. Cuts, or hopefully, trades looming large. JL has to start being a GM instead of Oprah.
June 21st, 2026 at 12:51 pm
If it wasn’t for Mayfields inconsistent play everything could be laid at Bowles feet but it can’t
June 21st, 2026 at 12:54 pm
It would be funny if Baker never played injured ,,, He would probably have great stats , less INTs , make 55-60 a year, heck he might still be in Cleveland ,,, but at the same token Bucs probably wouldn’t have made playoffs most of those years! There was a time when playing hurt was admired and commended. Now guys get a hammy and they are out a month. Give Baker his 50/4/100 and call it. And sure the Bucs can do this year and Tag next year then Bake can sign anywhere for $$$$$$,,, Worked for Cousins (anyone remember he played for Skins?
June 21st, 2026 at 1:05 pm
3.28.Evans Says:
June 21st, 2026 at 11:25 am
Todd and Baker should both be gone after last season’s pathetic fiasco.
Your football knowledge is incredible.
You bring so much to the table here 🫏🤡
June 21st, 2026 at 1:15 pm
Both Mayfield and VEA want new contracts. The Bucs only have 8.6 million in cap space for 2026. The Bucs have 42 million in cap space for 2027. Add in 50 million for Baker in 2027 and the Bucs are over the cap space. Then add in the cost of resigning Vea.
Nobody has shown me how to sign these 2 players without going over the salary cap. If you have a specific plan on how to do it, please post a specific plan to do so.
The Bucs could free up cap space by trading Vea. Renegotiating contracts of other players could open up some cap in 2026 but reduce cap space in following years.
June 21st, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Since the contract meetings with Baker’s agent have hit the wall or even more, the Bucs, even though all have indicated they would like to sign Baker, have no intention of signing him. No matter what the GM or HC says about how they would like to keep Baker, remember, talk is cheap! If the intent is NO, could they trade Baker, paying part of his 2026 contract and help cap space. If so, trade him before start of trading camp! Tank the 2026 season and start the rebuilding process.
June 21st, 2026 at 2:36 pm
You don’t have to tank ’26. Separate trade for a bridge QB. Mac Jones or Brissett maybe. Someone of that ilk. You’ll have some picks and cap room with Baker traded. Still enough time in the off-season if you can find the trade partners. Our FO too lame to figure this out though.
June 21st, 2026 at 2:49 pm
He will be traded before training camp
June 21st, 2026 at 2:49 pm
Hopefully it never gets done in tampa anywhere but the bucs, 50million a year yeah right he’s not even worth half that bucs will be stupid to resign a below mediocre qb but it is the bucs so what do you expect
June 21st, 2026 at 2:58 pm
Happy Fathers Day to everyone! We can agree to disagree on baker but they could have resigned him prior to free agency and cleared cap space starting in 2026. This is not a contender and like JL said in March they were inactive during the trade deadline because they knew they werent last season.
We’ll see how it plays out in 2026 but they could have jumpstarted the rebuild after 2025. This team is closer to having a top 5 pick then winning the SB.
June 21st, 2026 at 3:32 pm
The are about $2m short of having the money to pay him $50m cash according to Spotrac.
I’m sure they could shift some things around though.
Personally, I believe they will get the deal done by the start of the season.
June 21st, 2026 at 3:36 pm
#99 the gross fella
What do you bring to the table besides over the top Polly positive lemming speak???
Results actually matter more than hopium and Pom Pom waiving.
Get a grip dude.
June 21st, 2026 at 3:47 pm
Sign Baker *now* 50 million+ 4-5 years with a few guaranteed. It will sound very cheap in a couple years. And work out great for the team too!
Don’t wait. No way he signs next year and would probably sit if we tried to tag him.
June 21st, 2026 at 4:09 pm
LynchMob50 Says:
June 21st, 2026 at 3:36 pm
#99 the gross fella
What do you bring to the table besides over the top Polly positive lemming speak???
Results actually matter more than hopium and Pom Pom waiving.
Get a grip dude.
Nice to see you sticking up for your boyfriend. We know what your gripping!
June 21st, 2026 at 4:09 pm
Well who knows who will be HC if Bowie’s got FIRED
Sign new contract with QB is not good move
June 21st, 2026 at 4:38 pm
Everyone keeps sayings tag him “if” he plays well….. He has a 30m cap carryover. Its the franchise# + 30m. That is literally impossible. You cant pay him based off 2024, it was a outlier. Whats his value based off 2023&2025 play? He had ONE Dak Prescott type season in 2024-Dak had 2-3 seasons better and Goff has had 3-4 seasons far better then that.
Its all playing out in real time.If he gets you to a title game (the list of qbs who did that for the first time after turning 30 is miniscule), play all pro level/high mvp finish (he never has finished top 10) and win at least 12 regular season games (never has0 then give him the 3-4 year deal at a average of 62-65m. I dont think he can.
Its not a garuantee we can draft the next mahomes but drafting a Purdy or a winner like Hurts isnt mission impossible. would you pay 2023&2025 baker 50-55m a year? Lets be honest. Baker is not Brees. Nor Stafford. Not Matt Ryan. Lets be completely honest,he has a way to go to even be a Carson Palmer.
Ryan (?) and Palmer arent HOF guys who made their first title game after turning 30. Only 5 qbs since 2000 made their first title game apperance after turning 30. Hasselbeck and Plummer in 2005, Palmer in 2005, Ryan in 2016 and Stafford in 2021. Sorry but 2015 Palmer and 2016 Ryan is a level of play and winning Baker cannot reach.
So after thinking, thanks to rule changes and inflation and 17 game schedules baker is Jeff Garcia. He has a stronger arm and came in as a #1 pick as to where Garcia was a undrafted cfl guy who got to the NFL at 29. If you strip away the names and look at the results peak for peak Garcia is better. Is this the guy we really eed to be splitting hairs over?
Garcia was almost just as accurate statistically (despite those rules 25 years ago), more athletic, better runner-had 5 winning seasons, 4 pro bowls,# of seasons with 30 td passes. . Garcia from 2000-2002 was better then ANY version of baker, stats, winning,however you wanna say it. But i think thtas the closest comp I can make for baker. Both have 2 playoff wins.I think at his BEST that is who baker could aspire to be but Garcia was a better qb by a comfortable margin. Put baker in the early 2000s nfl hed get broke in half early. garcia would have a field day in this hybrid flag football, 17 game pass happy era.
Garcia was the tough guy you guys think Baker is. But at his best and if things go right baker can be a version of Garcia for a year or 2. No disrespect to Garcia because he was a better player.
June 21st, 2026 at 4:41 pm
StPeteMatt … ‘Sign Baker *now* 50 million+ 4-5 years with a few guaranteed. It will sound very cheap in a couple years.’
That’s what they said about home prices for the past several decades Matt … ‘Buy today because homes will be far more expensive tomorrow’. Solid guidance, until it’s no longer true (such as what happened in the 2008 housing crash?). Then the last one buying at inflated prices ends up ‘under-water’ on their mortgage with no way out.
Can’t happen in the NFL? Of course it can (and will) because INFLATION hits everyone. These QBs making $50 mil-Plus per year are putting their teams at tremendous risk because they’re eating up 15-20% of the team’s salary CAP. Something happens to them (broken arm, broken leg, etc) and that team can’t afford the DEPTH to contend for the rest of the season. Mahomes is a good example IMO. Last season he went 6-8 (took a beating). Their other 3 QBs (Oladohun, Buechele & Minshew) went 0-3 together.
Personally I wish the NFL would negotiate a CAP on any given position.
June 21st, 2026 at 4:46 pm
Bye Baker Bye Bowles … ‘Everyone keeps sayings tag him “if” he plays well….. He has a 30m cap carryover. Its the franchise# + 30m. That is literally impossible.’
I don’t know if it’s ‘literally impossible’, BUT … the problem with the franchise tag is that a team owes the FULL AMOUNT that year (plus they’d be responsible for any prievious amounts due as you said). So IF the franchise tag is say $50 mil next year and we tag Baker, our salary CAP would START OFF having to eat about $80 mil (probably around 25%). That’s one big enchilada.
June 21st, 2026 at 5:19 pm
defense rules: Its 301M, if it goes up 10% , franchising him would eat up over 25% of the cap alone. The last 5 years the cap has went up a average of 10%. That should be a safe baseline. Cant do it and if he plays the way people on here think,he wont need to.
If this season from him and the team overall is anything less then dominant, its a huge bust. Even a 8-9 nfc south title. It needs to be a big enough season to justify no hitting the rest button. The Saints having one less win then us last year with 2 qbs i never heard of bothers me tbh.
I dont like Tua going to Atlanta. Hopefully Young or Tyler S take a leap.
June 21st, 2026 at 5:22 pm
Opinions WILL vary! And, a lot of people, maybe including Licht and the Glazers would just say no!
But, I am saying take a hard, long look at this; not, do it. It is either a path to financial sanity, or it is a never mind.
After losing his eligibility with the NCAA for what seems to have been A LOT of legal betting that was against NCAA rules, Cincinatti QB Brendan Sorsby looks to be entering the NFL Supplement Draft.
The film studies and evaluations of Soresby that I saw said late first round to early second round. And, on film, Sorsby looks like the guy everyone kept hoping Winston would become – big arm, better touch, protects the ball, makes better decisions (with the ball in his hands), and more athletic when he runs.
I just watched a couple of film studies, and I think that he is worth way more than Trask ever looked to be worth to me.
The only likely bidder the Bucs would beat out with a third round pick would be Pittsburgh as everyone else would have priority over the Bucs.
If I were Licht and the Glazers, I would sit down with Arians and Bowles and Robinson and watch the film.
Sorsby seems special to me in that he clearly wants the biscuit, but he almost always protects the football, and that is a powerful combination.
If Arians endorsed him whole heartedly, “Oh, hell yeah!”, I would bid a second round pick hoping that it will be a very late second round pick. If Arians was, “Yeahhh, I think so,” I would bid a third round pick just hoping for some more Bain luck.
There is a lot of talent there at QB that did not have a lot of support at Cincinatti. Consider what he accomplished in adverse circumstances vs the year Baker had facing adversity.
Character would require a lot of investigation and an intense interview process with the player and agent that said up front, “You will be watched, it will be in your contract that you will stay in therapy, you will provide financial disclosures to a third party auditor who will report suspicious activity, and your guaranteed money will go away with a schedule of penalties if you fail to comply with the contract or the rules!”
But, there should also be incentives for compliance and production so that, if he is the starter from 2027 to 2029, he would earn 50% more than the $10M four year contract the pick would come with.
With Baker looking for north of $50M, a starting caliber QB with three years left on a rookie deal – if the Bucs believe in the player and the person after careful scrutiny – could save the Bucs around ~$150M from 2027 through 2029. That deserves a very hard look when you consider what that could mean for keeping the rest of the team together.
And, maybe, even probably, that long hard look says no. That is okay. An informed no is a no.
But, I would be getting out my microscope, my telescope and my CT scanner to look this guy over in every detail because someone may hit on a Super Bowl winning draft pick on this guy. Or not.
June 21st, 2026 at 6:17 pm
I hear you but this FO isnt progressive like that. I could see the Rams (even with Simpson) taking a flyer. Philly and Sf are ruthless evaluators of qbs. I could see them as well. Dallas (jerry Jones) Pittsburgh, Indy, Carolina. A team that can gamble and wont miss the draft capital to get him.
I dont think we can. I went thru this schedule 100 times literally. I cant get past 7 wins in any scenario and my head keeps saying 5 wins. If i do the lazy go off 2025 results, thats 6-11 with wins over Cincy and dallas. Idk man. Games where we have the better Qb 7-10 with us going 4-2 in the division.
The division looks so weak again i cant rule out a 8-9/9-8 division title completely. But the other 3 teams have yoiunger qbs with more upside. If he division gets better we are royally screwed.
To move up at all int he 2027 draft we will need as many picks because it will be a bidiing war.You would have to give up a #1 in 2028 to move up 2-3 spots. Look what jacksonville gave up in 2025 and that wasnt a Qb derby.
June 21st, 2026 at 6:40 pm
make him play for his check.
jamel dean did and left but at least he stepped up
June 21st, 2026 at 7:06 pm
Draft Soresbe and have a legitimate qb battle. Not like the last one when Baker was gifted the position and Kyle wasn’t allowed on the field to keep the head coach from being shown to be wrong have a honest quarterback competition and training camp.
At least, we will have a back up plan if Baker gets hurt or if he does his normal midseason nose dive.
Or, just trade Baker and sign and start Soresbe
June 21st, 2026 at 7:13 pm
The top QB’s coming out next year are:
Dante Moore
2. Julian Sayin
3. Arch Manning
4. CJ Carr
5. LaNorris Sellers
6. Jayden Maiava
7. Drew Mestemaker
8. Sam Leavitt
9. Cade Klubnik
10. Garrett Nussm
One thing no one has mentioned, and the bucks are probably thinking, that if the defense improves as much as we expected to and plays lights out, that is not a good thing for bakers deal. The only reason that he has the perceived value that he has is because we’ve had a horrible defense. And that has been accompanied by bad play from Baker. So, Baker has to play as good as or better than the defense. If the defense plays great, the Bucks won link about letting Baker walk and drafting a rookie quarterback, especially if the running game is as good as advertised.
June 21st, 2026 at 7:21 pm
The defense HAS outplayed the offense 2/3 years. What part of that do ppl not get?We were 19th last year. carolina was 16th. I bet you their fan page does not talk 24/7 about how historically bad the defense is. SMH.3 teams made the playoffs with a worse defense then us, 2 of them won playoff games.
They both have been mediocre for the most part. 2023 was a outlier for the defense, 2024 was a outlier for the offense. Over 3 years they balance out to be average/middle of the pack.
June 21st, 2026 at 7:28 pm
ATL:
Those list have to play out. Its gonna be 1-2 guys that fall of that list and a guy come out of nowhere. Burrow, Akili Smith, Palmer, Pickett are a few off the top off my head. I remeber Mahomes Skyrocketed and Wentz during the off seson. Hopefully its more 2020, 2024 then 2021 draft class of Qb.
June 21st, 2026 at 7:29 pm
@DR
I could be wrong, but I haven’t seen any mention of this JL created 80 mil cap dilemma by Ira, either Joe,any of the local podcasts or Licht. Did I miss something?
June 21st, 2026 at 8:06 pm
Badbucs Says:
June 21st, 2026 at 7:29 pm
@DR
I could be wrong, but I haven’t seen any mention of this JL created 80 mil cap dilemma by Ira, either Joe,any of the local podcasts or Licht. Did I miss something?
When Baker signed his last contract he had void years. Those void years account for 12 million in 2027, 12 million in 2028 and 6 million in 2029. Baker already has that money but those void years affect the salary cap. Those void years cannot be changed by a future contract.
June 21st, 2026 at 8:09 pm
If Baker signed a contract for 50 million a year the salary cap would be 62 million in 2027 and 2028 and 56 million in 2029. The 80 million figure is putting all void years in 2027, Can’t do that.
June 21st, 2026 at 8:28 pm
The anti-Baker crowd keeps moving the goalposts. First it was “he can’t win.”
Then he won playoff games. Then it was “he can’t carry an offense.” Then he put up top-tier QB numbers while the defense was blowing leads weekly. Now it’s “he’s just Jeff Garcia” or “he’s Jameis Winston with better PR.” Really??!
Crab legs 🦀 led the league in interceptions. Baker has led division titles, playoff wins, and has shown he can actually protect the football while carrying an offense. And the “let him walk and draft another QB” crowd acts like franchise quarterbacks grow on palm trees. Ask Cleveland, Carolina, the Jets, the Raiders, or half the league how easy that is. Here’s the reality: if Baker is so replaceable, why are people terrified of losing him? You don’t pay quarterbacks for being Patrick Mahomes. You pay them based on the market and whether you can realistically find someone better. We haven’t had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons from a QB not named Brady. Baker did it. We haven’t had this level of quarterback stability since Brady. Baker provided it.
And while everyone keeps obsessing over one bad throw, they conveniently ignore the defense giving up 3rd-and-28, 4th-and-14, walk-off drives, and late-game collapses all season.
Funny how Baker gets blamed for every loss, but gets only half the credit for every win. Keep the receipts. If Baker balls out again, the same people calling him “mediocre” today will be explaining why a $60 million extension suddenly makes sense tomorrow.
LFG!
Get behind this team already!!
Ring ME
June 21st, 2026 at 9:03 pm
I think your being fake tbh. The constant harping on Winston who hasnt played here since 2019 is you all deflecting from the Brady era. The real, new bar was the Brady era and it was more recent. But you all act like Brady didnt happen or focus on his last, age 45 season (4700 yards, 26td,9int-raw stats matter remeber?).
I see exactly what you guys try to do. I have no iea why Winston comes up so much. Talented screwball who played in the NFC South when it was a gauntlet. The Winston era was the 2000s/2010s SEC and the NFC South baker played in is a mid major if you want to go there.
You lowered the bar. 2020 SB Champs, 2021 title game -even though we lost one of the best title games ever. Now you acting like tthe Nfc South crown is some major feat. Remeber the backlash when Bowles said “i won the NFC South 3/4 years”
Buddy, the Jeff garcia comparison is VERY kind to Baker. Im 43, you might not remeber him Garcia if your under 30. Really, its a insult to garcia but is a hell of alot more realistic then these brees and Stafford comps floating around here.
We wont find a mahomes but we can get a Brock Purdy or Jalen Hurts type.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:05 pm
Pickgrin, I’d be inclined to disagree with you based on the fact I played pro sports on single year contracts and after a couple in a row, it took a toll mentally. Everyone wants security.
However, I was not a multi millionaire like Baker and a bad season from him still leads to some team paying him $40+ million more than likely, so you should be correct that the mental side for Baker won’t be effected and it’s all over blown.
Having said that, none of us know what goes on in Bakers head and the above is all relative. If Baker is playing hardball over $7-$10 million a year obviously some part of that will effect a persons psyche. Not feeling properly valued and being bitter because of it will absolutely effect a persons performance.
As a fan of the team, I hope it’s taken care of before the season starts. Whatever happens, if the season doesn’t end after winning 1-2 playoff games or Bowles being fired … it’s a lost season and huge failure on the part of many people in the org.
June 21st, 2026 at 9:11 pm
28-26 is Baker’s record in Tampa. Two games over.500. That sounds more like the record of a bad baseball team than a franchise quarterback. Some people are so admired in mediocrity that they are ready to annoy anyone anyone who has a few good games as a franchise quarterback. Incidentally, that’s the same amount of games that James won and his senior with the Bucs. Didn’t they say that he was our franchise quarterback at one time?
June 22nd, 2026 at 1:54 am
So, WHERE is that big “Discount” everyone had been talking all along about!? Have not heard a WORD about that… Only CRICKETS. WHERE did everyone go!? Why aren’t THEY telling BAKER to take the offer the Bucs have already put on the table. How bout THAT. And, that is NOT taking any “Discounts,” either. THAT, is taking EVERY last PENNY you can GET. A “DISCOUNT” would actually be ‘working with’ what the TEAM offered, and then agreeing to TAKE LESS (you know, for the team just like you all said HE WOULD). Though, NONE of you people are even telling him to TAKE the deal that is already THERE. It’s nothing but a bunch of hypocrites, who are only wanting the Bucs to OVERPAY, just so that THEY (for their own weak insecure egos) can feel better about THEMSELVES, as proving some sort of POINT, by Baker getting $50-MIL. It’s PATHETIC. Baker CAN get $50-MIL for next season… Via the “Franchise Tag.” IF he earns it! He hasn’t done anything to ‘earn-it’ being fully-guaranteed over ‘multiple’ seasons, yet.
June 22nd, 2026 at 2:00 am
IF you are a true “BUCS FAN” (who also wants Baker longterm), then YOU would be telling BAKER to sign the damn DEAL, that the Bucs have already offered HIM. That’s the Bottomline. PERIOD. End of Story. It’s pretty simple. Miraculously, HE HAS AN OFFER that’s on the table. If HE decides to not take it, then HE is being ‘unrealistic’ and that is all on HIM. 💯
June 22nd, 2026 at 2:06 am
All this “PAY HIM NOW” straight nonsense. THEY’VE OFFERED HIM. HE decided to DECLINE. But, you Baker-Bois want to act as if there is NOT AN OFFER that is already ON the table. It’s nonsensical. Just delusional. All HE has to do is just sign it!!!!
June 22nd, 2026 at 2:23 am
@ MadMax Says: “Im just f it at this point….4 years 52…if he wants more, let the year play out and see, and im one of Baker’s biggest fans.”
I’d sure say! Over $200-MIL/4-YEARS… You must REALLY LOVE HIM. Cause, I’ll guarantee you, that the Bucs offer was nowhere NEAR THAT.
June 22nd, 2026 at 2:31 am
@ Badbucs Says: “Contracts expire on Baker, Mauch, Vea, Diaby, Ashawn R., Muhammad, Kieft, Rozeboom, Tucker, Dennis and Mclaughlin at end of season. How many of them do they intend to lose with no compensation?”
Move ‘em ALL at the trade-deadline, when we are sitting pretty at 2-6 or 3-5. EXCEPT for Mauch, and McLaughlin. MOVE Godwin too, IF he’s healthy and having a good season… Cause, otherwise you won’t be able to since he won’t have any value. MOVE Winfield Junior, too! And, there could be a couple of others, who could have some potential value. EVERYONE who would not fit the ‘timeline’ of a complete total rebuild. Gotta MOVE EM. Accumulate AS MANY 2027 Draft-Picks, and clear as MUCH cap space as humanly POSSIBLE.
June 22nd, 2026 at 2:53 am
I’ve thought about it a little bit, but I would NOT give up the 2nd for Sorsby right now. Not with THIS 2027 Draft. And, I believe it would be an EARLY pick, too! I think he has HUGE upside, and would prob be worth-it. BUT, he has LOTS of problems, too. Wake Up Barstool had a GREAT breakdown on him Friday, with one his very best friends, when at Indiana together!!!! I think the Steelers should absolutely DO IT. But, I’m not sure how much confidence that they really have in themselves this season, either. If they tank, then they could possibly be in position to have THEIR CHOICE in the 2027 Draft. Or, at least close to it anyways! And, it’s like pulling teeth right now, getting ANYONE to part with any 2027 Picks. Especially, in the top 2-3 Rounds. Everyone’s holding onto them for dear life. It’d be soooo AWESOME being the Jets right now, and holding THREE 1ST’s.
June 22nd, 2026 at 3:06 am
@ BoriMex Says: “We haven’t had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons from a QB not named Brady.”
Even though, it’s totally meaningless… JAMEIS SURE DID. His first TWO seasons in the LEAGUE. He was like the FIRST QB to ever do it, AND was like the ‘quickest’ to 10K. And, oh yeah… Did it in just 16-Game season, too!!!! Jameis just has some head problems, and A LOT of issues. But, so does Baker though, in other ‘different’ ways! And, I have NOT see ANYONE yet, be “terrified” of losing Baker. You are somewhere very far off living in LaLa-Land. A very weird (adult) “Baker Fantasyland.” It’s DELUSIONAL.
June 22nd, 2026 at 3:14 am
@ ATLBuc Says: “28-26 is Baker’s record in Tampa. Two games over.500.”
And, we must add the NFC SOUTH as a caveat. It definitely does NOT justify, or add up to being any LONGTERM ‘Top-$’ extensions, that’s FOR CERTAIN.
June 22nd, 2026 at 4:34 am
NOT THE NUMBER. THE NEGOTIATION
When baker threw out the deadline, he shot himself in the foot. He put the pressure on himself. I’d let him believe in his deadline and low ball him with a final offer. He’ll almost have to sign it.
Lamar Jackson let his run down to the actual deadline. It put the pressure on the organization and they had to meet his demands.
Patience is key.
June 22nd, 2026 at 3:31 pm
Sly. You can’t compare Baker to Lamar Jackson he is a elite quarterback that has played great with lesser talent around him and Baker has played with hall of famers and all pros and can barely get to the playoffs in a trash division. Baker ain’t worth franchise quarterback years and the money part don’t mean nothing to me I will say to all of those players regardless of the sport get as much money as you can. If the bucs give Baker a 100 million dollars garuteen I’m ok with that as long as they don’t give him 4 or 5 years because he ain’t got that many years left.