Why Is Baker Mayfield Avoiding Media?
June 3rd, 2026
The exhaustive research on all 32 NFL teams’ quarterbacks is in the books.
Since players reported back for work across the NFL in April, every starting quarterback has had a news conference with very few exceptions.
(Some quarterbacks have had more than one.)
Creepy Browns QB Deshaun Watson is one exception and he may not be a starter, but fellow Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders held a news conference. Denver QB Bo Nix is recovering from a significant injury and hasn’t talked to media. Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett is a contract holdout and he hasn’t talked, but his competition for a starting job, Gardner Minshew, did take questions.
And then there’s Baker Mayfield. He’s healthy. He’s not creepy. And he’s not a contract holdout. But Mayfield hasn’t held a news conference since reporting back to work for Tampa Bay.
In fact, Mayfield hasn’t done an interview since he was a paid spokesperson hanging around the Super Bowl. Prior to that, Mayfield did one postseason interview with Rondé Barber in January, when Mayfield was very confident Mike Evans would return for another Tampa Bay season.
Most quarterbacks are the face of their franchise and take great pride in that role. They feel obligated to talk to the media when a new fiscal football year begins.
As Joe noted, basically every quarterback has addressed his local media, even injured Patrick Mahomes and stars like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, as well as old man Aaron Rodgers.
Yes, Mayfield’s wife had a baby in mid-April. Congrats, Baker!! But Mayfield has been practicing. Heck, Jordan Love of the Packers had his first child a week after the Mayfield birth, yet Love held a 17-minute news conference at Packers headquarters this week.
This is not Joe complaining. It’s Joe wondering why Mayfield hasn’t wanted to talk to Bucs fans about the team and all its changes. And yes, that’s exactly what players are doing when they talk to media; they’re talking to fans.
Joe would be more than happy to see Mayfield skip a local news conference and sit down with Buccaneers.com or with one of his many friends in NFL media, for example. The fans want to hear from their leader!
Meanwhile, the Bucs are trying to sell home-game tickets to local fans before Packers and Steelers fans gobble them all up. Mayfield talking sure could help drum up more excitement for ticket sales.
Joe often writes there are no coincidences in the NFL. So Mayfield going silent while his QB peers are talking sure seems noteworthy.
Does Mayfield not want to talk about his contract status or about Mike Evans wanting to play with Brock Purdy?
Ira Kaufman Talks About His 1-On-1 Chat With Jason Licht, OTA Practice Observations And Much More
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:31 pm
Anyone following the Joes knows that Baker doesn’t have to give interviews to make headlines or stories or speculation. Other, inferior markets need athletes to pump up business. With Baker, just post his name, and thirty writers will respond with stories. And don’t forget: many people believe he should be spending less time appearing in the media and focus on his game. See what I mean? He’s an instant story.
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:38 pm
I definitely wish we’d hear some leaks/rumors about his contract status.
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:39 pm
I like it. Have no idea it’s meaning so maybe I wouldn’t like it but to me it means exactly what you said.
He doesn’t wanna talk contract and he doesn’t wanna talk Evans… past that, it’s questions he’s heard a hundred times and he’s just putting his head down and getting to work!
New QB coach, yet another OC for him… focus, it’s what us fans want and need from Baker to be his best this season.
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:43 pm
Maybe it’s good news? As in, he’s about to reach an agreement on a long term deal and he doesn’t want to speak until then.
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:48 pm
Perhaps the trade for Shedeur Sanders is almost complete.
That’s how you win Superbowls!!!
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:50 pm
I like it this way. I’d rather he not speak and just work his rear off giving us the best chance to be great again. I’m hoping he is pissed off about Evans and the contract and plays balls to the wall all season.
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:03 pm
If he only had weapons to throw to….
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:07 pm
I’m not a fantasy football fan…but I don’t see anyone in the WR corps being picked very high in anyone’s fantasy draft….
That’s for you Rod Munch.
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:56 pm
Give the man a new contract!I wouldn’t talk either.Don’t want him pissed!
June 4th, 2026 at 12:55 am
It is a little curious I’m not gonna lie.
I think Licht is content letting him play for his life again.
Why not?
Yeah you might have to pay him more.
Who cares.
Unless he wins a SB or MVP it won’t be top 5-10.
If he does that’s good for the Bucs.
If he doesn’t, isn’t it still good for the Bucs having not coughed up $50 million a year?
It’s called hedging your bet.
SMART!!!!!
June 4th, 2026 at 1:16 am
Week 6 MVP’s don’t need to talk to the media – they let their play speak for them.
June 4th, 2026 at 1:24 am
Buc1987 Says:
June 3rd, 2026 at 11:07 pm
I’m not a fantasy football fan…but I don’t see anyone in the WR corps being picked very high in anyone’s fantasy draft….
That’s for you Rod Munch.
———–
Well if you knew anything about fantasy football, you know you want teams with a single #1 WR, then a bunch of nobodies, because you want the #1 being force fed the ball. It really doesn’t matter how good the WR is, so long as they’re the single top target.
The Bucs meanwhile have two top WRs in Godwin and e2, then have McMillan who looked great at the end of last year and had a bunch of TDs in 2024, and drafted a rookie in the 3rd round who many think is the Evans replacement and will be the jump ball endzone guy (I don’t think that, but many in fantasy do). Plus even Tez had 5 TDs last year. All that means the Bucs don’t have a solid clear cut #1 at WR for fantasy purposes – meaning no, none of the Bucs WRs will be highly drafted. Which means nothing in terms of real football. It’s like how Mike was rarely a top 20 fantasy WR draft pick – because he always had strong sidekicks, in Vincent Jackson, D-Jax, Godwin, Antonio Brown, etc.
BTW, e2 will be the top Bucs WR drafted – but I’ll be picking up Godwin for cheap, and McMillan for super cheap for my teams.
June 4th, 2026 at 1:36 am
I have also taken notice of this. There really are lots & lots of things that I’m sure he’d not want to talk about, including last season’s results. There’s just nothing good to talk about. All Bad. What else could he talk about… His Big Upcoming QB Docuseries on Netflix!? LoL. I’m sure that’ll be real pretty.
June 4th, 2026 at 1:46 am
“I think Licht is content letting him play for his life again. Why Not?”
That was exactly what I was going to comment, before seeing the “Why Not” part. Exactly, then… Why. Not. There’s nothing to lose. Except for $200+MIL and DESTROYING our future cap. AND, any shot at hiring a ‘top-tier’ level, modern day HC/GM (if and when everything goes to hell).
June 4th, 2026 at 3:39 am
Oh, I dunno Joe. You and all the others are gonna write about him wether he talks or not. He’s probably doing himself a favor.
June 4th, 2026 at 4:27 am
Rod Munch Says:
June 4th, 2026 at 1:16 am
Week 6 MVP’s don’t need to talk to the media – they let their play speak for them.
^^^^^^^^
Says the guy who puts so much stock in the last 6 games of the year…Make up your mind, is 6 games important, or no?
June 4th, 2026 at 4:28 am
*Are 6 games important?
June 4th, 2026 at 6:15 am
Maybe it is time to put up or shut up. I could do without a worthless interview until a meaningful game happens
June 4th, 2026 at 6:43 am
LynchMob50 … not sure what you’re smoking making the Sanders trade comment. But there are likely a lot a folks that would bang the bong with you.
June 4th, 2026 at 7:02 am
Perhaps a maturing Baker Mayfield is transforming into that QB you folks say he needs to be or he feels disrespected, the same way he felt in his last year with the Browns! Only time will expose the real answer.
June 4th, 2026 at 7:15 am
If you don’t talk to them, you can’t say the wrong thing
June 4th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Has any other starting QB had 4 different OCs in 4 years? Once again I have to say to the anti Baker crowd. What is the plan? Who are replacing him with? And don’t say Sanders or you just lose all credibility. Baker will be here another 3 years minimum (hopefully Todd will not be). Hoping Zac becomes the HC/OC so Baker doesn’t have to learn a 5th offense in 5 seasons
June 4th, 2026 at 7:40 am
baker is all talk lol…and everybody knows it lol…
GO BUCS!!!!
June 4th, 2026 at 7:59 am
$30M richer this league year without having to play a game yet. Brand new baby at home. The potential to be asked questions that may draw heat and we def won’t hear about the steps he’s taking on his own to improve his game or what he’s done with his private QB coach, because I don’t think he has one.
So what’s there to say? Last year stunk? we know. Losing Mike stinks? we know. Make or break this year? uh yeah, we know lol
Anyways the most interesting QB situation is what’s going on up there in Minnesota with Murray & McCarthy.
The funniest thing that’s happened is Cleveland giving Jared Verse #8, when Dillion Gabriel wears that number. The only thing that’d make that funnier is making them wager on it in arm wrestling or a footrace lol
June 4th, 2026 at 8:07 am
He’ll speak in due time. Probably waiting for his extension. Hopefully that gets done before camp, because if I’m Baker I’m not suiting up for camp without a new deal. To much at stake.
June 4th, 2026 at 8:15 am
All the talk about the new contract has quieted down. I am beginning to think Baker shares Evans’ lack of confidence in Bowels and wants to keep his options open to move on after this season.
June 4th, 2026 at 8:32 am
Drew says:
“LynchMob50 … not sure what you’re smoking making the Sanders trade comment. But there are likely a lot a folks that would bang the bong with you.“
Banging the Bong is necessary watching a wide open Swiss cheese defense.
If you get baked enough you temporarily forget how awful the on field product truly is.
It’s quite the buzz kill. And the Sanders comment was a joke.
June 4th, 2026 at 8:41 am
Hes in the last year if his contract and he helped run off the greatest offensive player in franchise history. What’s he supposed to say? He knows he’ll get questions about his epic collapse to end last season so I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk about that either. But he’s a leader and face of the franchise huh?
He sees the writing on the wall that this is his final season here. He moves like a guy with little confidence in his future with the Bucs. Get ready to wear a new jersey next season Baker fans.
June 4th, 2026 at 8:45 am
Just don’t bring in another camera crew into the building for a Netflix show that isn’t even about the Team, but just one player/individual
I can’t imagine that sat well with the other players on the team
Love Bake, but that was a terrible team-first move imo
June 4th, 2026 at 8:53 am
BOSCH SAYS, you are closer to the reason than any one.
June 4th, 2026 at 8:54 am
BBBB, Baker’s days as a starter should have been over a year ago? What are you talking about? That would have been coming off his best season and one of the best seasons any quarterback had in 2024! Please elaborate or maybe not.
June 4th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Lychmob said:
“The Sanders comment was a joke”
Wow, really? All of your comments are a joke.
June 4th, 2026 at 9:30 am
All 3 of the Bucs starting WRs will go in the first 5 rounds of fantasy drafts- especially PPR ones. So yeah, we have really good wide receivers. It’s the Bucky/Gainwell situation that’s a little cloudy right now but once Bucky comes back for training camp he will move back up quite a bit.
June 4th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Also, I’m sure Baker is waiting for all the details on his shiny new contract to get figured out before he goes up to the podium. They are probably very busy working on the exact numbers right now.
June 4th, 2026 at 9:52 am
Yeah they could’ve stole Picket or Rudolph from Pittsburgh! He stays away from the media cause they’re all idiots like 90% on this blog… Jimeney Crickets!
June 4th, 2026 at 10:29 am
Couldn’t care less if he doesn’t make a news conference now or not. It’s June. When all the future UFL players and car salesman are cut and the team is set he can talk about possible players helping. Mike is gone and enough has been talked about that if he does or doesn’t get a new contract is between him and the Bucs. Only the five gossip mongers are sweating that’s their heads can explode.He can talk when the team is set and the season is ready to begin.
June 4th, 2026 at 11:01 am
As I said, Joe, Baker generates more media by saying nothing than all the QBs giving press conferences. (Except, of course, Shedeur Sanders.)
June 4th, 2026 at 11:09 am
I could be wildly wrong about this but I don’t think Baker wants to raise expectations with his fans here in Tampa. I still believe he wants that 4 year deal and the Bucs aren’t going to give it to him. The game of chicken like I predicted is going down to the wire. My suspicions (and I hope I’m wrong) are that Baker is struggling with these two decisions:
1. Whether or not to hold out
2. Whether or not to ask for a trade
June 4th, 2026 at 11:18 am
Well said DBS!
June 4th, 2026 at 11:18 am
Hold out or request a trade in a season he’s being paid the most he’s ever been paid in 1 season?
Baker does either, and he’s an idiot. There’s no leverage, doesn’t have this franchise or the Glazers by the short and curly while also being $30M richer as of 3/20/26 already.
That’d be like pissing in your own bath water.
June 4th, 2026 at 11:38 am
The OTA’s haven’t officially started. If Baker had something to say he would. Sitting down for a news conference apparently isn’t a priority fir him. Quite frankly I’m with him. Joe you call these practices underwear football. Do you want an underwear interview because that is what you are getting.
Interviews are more relevant in August.
June 4th, 2026 at 11:56 am
Never underestimate the owners of this team. They are certainly looking at the books and thinking that the 2027 class of QBs is “loaded”. There is no doubt in my mind that they are debating over the huge amount of guaranteed cash needed for Baker or a 1st round draft pick cost.
June 4th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
At the end of the 2026 season, the anti-Mayfield group will either gloat with I told you so, post on this site using different names or just move on completely, with the exception of three!
June 4th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
At the end of the 2026 season, the anti-Mayfield group will either gloat with I told you so, post on this site using different names or just move on completely, with the exception of two , 4B and the M-man
June 4th, 2026 at 12:41 pm
LynchMob50 Says:
June 3rd, 2026 at 10:48 pm
Perhaps the trade for Shedeur Sanders is almost complete.
That’s how you win Superbowls!!!
—————————–
Ah, Geeze, I didn’t realize that you were one of the Sanders Fanboys… maybe you could incorporate that into your Profile Name so we can just disregard your moronic opinions from the get go… It would save some time for sure.
June 4th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
@ Hodad Says: “He’ll speak in due time. Probably waiting for his extension. Hopefully that gets done before camp, because if I’m Baker I’m not suiting up for camp without a new deal. To much at stake.”
Exactly. “Too Much at Stake.” And, that is exactly the reason WHY he will be PLAYING. What a DUMB comment, not based on REALITY. So, BAKER is going to “holdout” and NOT BE PAID HIS $30-$40 MILLION!? With a new kid and everything… REALLY!? And, FOR WHAT!? So, HOW do you think that would INCREASE ‘HIS’ value for the NEXT offseason!? It Wouldn’t. AND, he just missed out on BEING PAID about $40-MIL for THIS season. HOW does HE make up for and recoup THAT LOST $$$$$$!? Again, HE CAN’T. Holding-Out” in THE NFL rarely ever works out for the player. And, in Baker’s case… HE is NOT sitting and missing out on ANY of that money that is guaranteed owed to HIM right now. PERIOD. End of Story. So, you just might as well, forget that dumb ass idea. Absolutely, NOT happening.
June 4th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
@ Brandon – WHY do you all continue to even respond to this dude!? He’s just a troll, always looking for attention. It’s not serious. None of it.
June 4th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Since 1970 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the worst winning percentage in the NFL. .412. Since 1970 the Cleveland Browns have the second worst winning percentage in the NFL. .413. At Cleveland Baker won them their first playoff game in over 30 years. Set the all time NFL record for rookie QBs in TD passes- in 13 and a half games. At Tampa took Tom Brady’s embarrassing team who the Cowboys had just smoked in the first round of the playoffs to a second round playoff game at Detroit and was tied in the 4th quarter before our defense allowed Detroit 200 plus yards in the fourth quarter along with 2 touchdowns and 12 minutes of possession. At Tampa Baker set NFL records only visiting QB at Lambeau in NFL history with perfect passer rating. At Tampa Baker also set the record as the only QB in NFL history with 375 yards and less than 5 incompletions at Seattle. Oh yeah. And only 4 QBs in the history of the NFL have thrown for over 4500 yards and over 40 touchdowns while completing over 70% of their passes. BBBB. I’m gonna explain this to you. The Browns, and yes, our Bucs, are the losingest teams of the last 56 years. Baker Mayfield has done things in 7 years with these two teams that nobody else- stress Nobody! else could have done- because he’s the best Quarterback in the league. He’s a QB savant and the only reason he hasn’t signed is because he is not in a hurry to sign. Oh yeah. You are a liar and an idiot BBBB. How many times do I have to tell you that?
June 4th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
Haha…too funny some of you. Everythings good, chill 🙂
June 4th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
The national media is hostile tom Baker because he has made fools of them since leavingvte Brown’s. They hate to be v wrong.
June 4th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
BBBB and Melvin see things objectively.
They’re spot on every time. When look at the business side of things and performance with Baker, there’s no way you can pay him. Even if the Bucs like him, putting 200+ mil into an injury prone 30+ QB is insane. This roster has holes at every level on both sides of ball with very little depth. It would be catastrophic to put that much money into one position and still not be a deep playoff contender.
This is his last year here, and he knows it. Otherwise why hide? He doesn’t want to answer the question about why Mike left? Or when did he find out Mike wanted to leave? Can’t blame him for dodging the media I guess.
June 4th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Yes. Can you blame him?
June 4th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
OK, Baker Bashers. Let’s let him go so that you can save a lot of money. Unless the rules of the game change drastically, you will have to field a QB. You will also have to pay him by league rules. How much will you pay your QB? Since you say you’re being economical and responsible, how many Super Bowls –since that’s your standard — do you expect him to win?
June 4th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
All ya’ll are embarrassing to Buc nation and especially the players!
June 4th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Smoke Porterhouse Says:
June 4th, 2026 at 4:27 am
Rod Munch Says:
June 4th, 2026 at 1:16 am
Week 6 MVP’s don’t need to talk to the media – they let their play speak for them.
^^^^^^^^
Says the guy who puts so much stock in the last 6 games of the year…Make up your mind, is 6 games important, or no?
———
The fact you think you’re making a brilliant point there… wow.
Anywho, let’s go back to week 6 of last year when dummies in the comments were chanting MVP. I said being week 6 MVP literally doesn’t meant a thing – but if you’re still changing MVP in week 16, then get back to me.
So what happened? The MVP chants stopped in week 7.
And yes, what you do in the final 6 weeks of the season, with the playoffs on the line, is more important than being the week 6 MVP.
June 4th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
Oh Geez, Baker hasn’t done an interview . the media and the trolls are in an uproar.. it not even football season. You guys are all miserable losers
June 4th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
813bucgurl..Baker is all talk…So are you and this blog
June 5th, 2026 at 12:42 am
Pretty easy.
Baker knows Twocoach sucks. He knows he can’t count on any defense. Therefore, he knows he sucks. Nothing good can come from opening his mouth so he is keeping it shut. Otherwise, his words would be intercepted like a crucial 4th quarter pass.
June 5th, 2026 at 11:28 am
Prove it Baker. And you will get paid