“Work Off Jordan Love’s Deal”
June 7th, 2026
“Schefty, where’s the respect?”
A plugged in former NFL executive who has negotiated plenty of contracts says the Buccaneers will have a very hard time not paying Baker Mayfield more than $50 million per season.
In fact, Pat Kirwan, the former Jets personnel chief and linebackers coach, told his SiriusXM NFL Radio audience that if the Bucs are looking at presenting Mayfield with a three-year contract extension, then it’ll have to be $50 millon+ annually.
Mayfield confirmed Friday that the Bucs want to extend his contract that expires in March, but Mayfield doesn’t like the terms. Kirwan says Mayfield has a strong case for earning close to $55 million per season.
“Baker Mayfield just said, ‘We’re not close.’ So let’s fill in the blanks on that,” Kirwan said. “Baker took a deal after he proved he could start again and he got the $33 million deal. Basically, Sam Darnold got the same deal in Seattle within pennies, right? The problem is right above them, there’s one spot and it’s Daniel Jones. Two-year deal, short-term at $44 million a year. And then that’s just because it’s a two-year deal. I almost want to throw it out, but I’ll leave it there. Right above Baker and Sam Darnold, we start right away [at $50 million a year]. Anytime you’re doing a three-, four-year deal, you’re in the fifties. Jared Goff is at 53 [million] a year, and he might move up from that. Jordan Love is at 55.
“I don’t think [Jason Licht] can go to Baker Mayfield and say, ‘Let’s give you the Daniel Jones deal.’ That protects the club on a two-year deal. But I think when [Baker] says he is not close, to me he’s thinking, ‘Unless you’re talking mid-fifties, we’re not close.’ …
“So if I’m Baker and his agent, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, you gotta get me into the fifties.’ I’m not asking to go to the sixties, I get it. … Daniel Jones’ two-year deal is not gonna happen. … He made a comment [Friday] that he loves living in Tampa, wants to raise his family there. That’s just a secret message of ‘I want a long-term deal.’ That’s what that means. So I think if I’m looking at this, I’m probably, if I’m the club, I don’t want to do it, but I probably have to go to Jordan Love’s $55 million a year or Jared Goff’s $53 million. So split it and call it 54.
“… You look at the deals and I look at contracts all the time, who do I work off [for Mayfield]? I think I’m gonna work off Jordan Love’s deal. Has Jordan Love done more than him? Jordan Love has never won more than nine games [in a season], right? I keep saying it. It is what it is.”
A lot of sound logic from Kirwan, who is a voice of experience. And he’s right about Love; he’s has never won more than 9 games in a season.
Love has hit that mark in each of his past three Green Bay seasons, and he’s 1-3 as a starter in the postseason. Mayfield is 2-3 as a postseason starter.
June 7th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
I have generally liked Kirwan’s opinions, this one too.
June 7th, 2026 at 7:37 pm
Paying NFL players has gotten so out of hand. Fifty million to play a game that’s gone woke. SMH
June 7th, 2026 at 7:39 pm
Or make him play out this season at 40 million, then franchise him in 27.
June 7th, 2026 at 7:41 pm
Baker hasnt won enough to warrant $50m. I like the dude, and he’s as tough as they come but he needs to be more consistent to get that kind of money. The end of last year he cost us at least two games with horrendous interceptions late in games. He has a habit of choking more than he does of putting the dagger into an opponent. I say let him play it out. If he sheetz the bed again, let him walk and blow it up. If we win the division, tag him and work on an extension.
June 7th, 2026 at 7:41 pm
GTFOOH
Ham sandwich and a diet root beer.
June 7th, 2026 at 7:48 pm
Baker Mayfield = Zero Superbowls
June 7th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Going back to the article about the cost of season tickets, there is reason number 167. Back in the day, you’d see players from every sport drinking out at the local bars and pubs. Even used to see Alstott and a bunch of Bucs players after a win, out cruising the town. Now most are making a million a game! That would be 2.5 million a game for QBs. Unfortunately, the only people who can relate are other players making millions. Completely out of touch with reality!
June 7th, 2026 at 8:11 pm
I’d give him 45 million/year for 3 years, with 90 million guaranteed, plus incentives. I’d provide incentives of an additional five million for each playoff game he wins, plus an extra five million if the team has a bye week in the playoffs. If he wins a Super Bowl, he’d earn 65 million for the season.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
The market is set. Deciding which which recently signed QB you’re more likely “working off” is the thing. Closer to Jordan Love works, or a longer deal.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Kirwan isn’t wrong. The market/league sets the compensation. We fans get to grouse, but the owners pay the players, who are a drop in the bucket re cost per ROI.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:19 pm
Baker will get $50+ million somewhere; either in Tampa or another NFL franchise. Doesn’t matter what any of us think that’s what the market (NFL franchises) will value him at. If stability at the QB position is what the Bucs crave, that’s the price.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:35 pm
I guess Baltimore and Buffalo needs new qb,s also ,no SB,s there either!
June 7th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
He made a comment [Friday] that he loves living in Tampa, wants to raise his family there. That’s just a secret message of ‘I want a long-term deal.’ That’s what that means.
^^^^^^
HE WANTS A LONG TERM DEAL !
I’ll be shocked if the Bucs give him one.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
After reading and participating on this JoeBucsFans site, one things well established – many of the fans on this site are ENTITLED. They think they are getting a hometown discount as if any QB can just start for Tampa and keep them a contender.
Green Bay, Detroit, Jacksonville, LA Chargers, Baltimore frequently make the playoff and compete. That’s the minimum you want for your team. The minimum is $52M+ per year for 4 year for a franchise QB that makes you a competitive team that make the playoffs 66% or more of the time.
We’re not talking elite Josh Allen, Jackson, Jalen Hurt, Stafford or Mahomes level. The next level are these other guys including Baker. Pay Baker on level of Jordan Love money or watch him leave. Real simple, if Jordan Love is on this team and Baker played for Green Bay, how do you think each player and team would do. Baker would ball even more in Green Bay. Jordan Love would suffer under Todd Bowles and the OC carousel.
Baker leaves, good luck being relevant. All that money you saved will be well earned as the Bucs miss the playoffs every year.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:51 pm
if the Bucs are looking at presenting Mayfield with a three-year contract extension, then it’ll have to be $50 millon+ annually
^^^^^
If the Bucs tack on 3 years to his existing contract essentially making it a 4 year deal then this might happen.
June 7th, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Co-Z Coolman Says: Baker hasn’t won enough to warrant $50m.
The problem is, that is where the market is. Let’s look at the $50M QBs
*Dak – good QB, 2-5 in the playoffs so has never gone any farther than Baker.
*Burrow – good playoff record, but hasn’t made the playoffs in the past 3 seasons.
*Josh Allen – Great numbers, lots of success, no SB appearances.
*Love – good, 1-3 in thee playoffs.
*Lawrence – good maybe? 1-2 in the playoffs
*Stafford – very good & SB winner. BUT it took getting with a good offensive coach for him to shine. 12 years in Detroit, 0-3 in the playoffs.
*Goff – good numbers, respectable playoff record 5-5.
*Purdy – honestly I don’t know what to make of him? Talent or system?
*Herbert – 0-3 in the playoffs with QBRs of 47.7, 11.4 & 28.0.
*Lamar – incredible athlete, falls apart in the playoffs.
*Hurts – proven winner
*Tua – 1 playoff game, 1 loss, 1 hit away from a wheelchair.
*Watson – you can’t fix stupid! I know, only $46M but he was next and I just had to!
So here is my problem with people saying he has to win a SB. Well that means only 2 of the above get a big contract. By record, he is better than more than a few of these guys when it counts. That is what the market is. Not saying it is right, just that is what it is. Not saying he’s great, just that is what it is.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:02 pm
Yeah by their logic Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson should get dumped. I say it over and over again. Talent is talent. How well a team does is reflective of the team, not just the QB. Baker is one of the most talented QB’s in the NFL. That’s why he’s second in touchdowns in the past 3 years. Touchdowns are what matters. If the defense lets the other team score instantly every time you arduously drive all the way down the field to score, you’re not going to win a ton of games. Fortunately, we are addressing the defense too now! I like our chances in the near future if we stay healthy.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
Don’t sign him use the tag x 1 year that means we need a new QB after the next 2 seasons. Last year he was not good
June 7th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Why should we care what one team pays their quarterback?? The Way Baker ended the season last year, does not deserve a $50 million contract. Instead of referencing what another quarterback earns, reference the film you put out.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Why don’t you move to Green Bay BakerBowl we already know where you stand.. Before you go ask chat GPT if you can take 3-28 and bitchmob with you.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:13 pm
When Baker got to play in Green Bay, he rang up a perfect QB rating. And he was on the visiting team.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:39 pm
Non-Exclusive Tag: The most common type. Players can negotiate with other teams, but the original team has the right to match any offer sheet. If they decline to match, they receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
^^^^^^
This brings things into focus for me. Jason can just sit on his hands and get 2 first rounders.
June 7th, 2026 at 9:43 pm
I’m now agreeing with Joe. Baker will likely be here 2 more years. 2 more years with Bowles and Baker and then the reset.
June 7th, 2026 at 10:14 pm
This just tells me that Jordan Love is way overpaid.
Besides, the gap between the two sides is the number of years. I bet if the deal gets done before the season starts, the deal will be under $50m per year for 4-5 years. 2-3 garuanteed.
June 7th, 2026 at 10:19 pm
Remember that I said this first: Jaylon Daniels will be our franchise quarterback. Baker will get injured and Bowles will have no choice but to play the UDFA being that his job is on the line and how an injured Baker went 2-7 down the stretch. Once Daniels plays, Baker is history unless he accepts a backup role!
June 7th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
ATLBuc Says:
“Remember that I said this first: Jaylon Daniels will be our franchise quarterback.”
He won’t even make the practice squad.
From NFL. COM:
“Sixth-year senior who was unable to live up to the promise shown earlier in his career. Daniels hasn’t shown the ability to consistently dissect defenses and win with accuracy from the pocket. He has a decent arm but lacks consistent mechanics, timing and three-level ball placement. The vast majority of his interceptions (25) were due to a lack of coverage recognition. Daniels’ running ability helps, but he appears ill-prepared for an NFL passing.”game.
June 7th, 2026 at 10:53 pm
The Bucs can take a chance and give Mayfield a 4 year deal for $220 million BEFORE this season plays out, or they can wait and see what happens – if the Bucs’ offense remains healthy this year and the Bucs make it to the NFC Championship game, they may have to pay $5 million more per year than $50-55 million for Mayfield… or if he throws interceptions or fumbles or gets banged up and can’t execute, they could focus on a new rookie QB that’ll cost $50-55 million for 4 years and have the cap space to improve the overall talent.
You give a QB big contracts that have proven they can win and go deep in the playoffs.
Purdy, Goff, Hurts have gone to SB’s.
Tua and Dak haven’t and look how their contracts screwed up their teams’ caps.
Daniel Jones’ contract? Kyler Murray’s? Seriously?
If the Bucs want to be the Dolphins or Cowboys or Colts or Cardinals – go ahead and overpay for Mayfield before he shows he can win big games.
June 7th, 2026 at 10:56 pm
BBBB, your first sentence says everything about you and your knowledge of football. Not only can you not use a vs. an and to vs. too correctly, you also can’t use then vs.than correctly. But you make a lot of money, don’t you?? please stop…
June 7th, 2026 at 11:23 pm
You play so poorly you get your entire offensive staff fired, and our first ballot HOF’er leaves town after saying he wants to play “with a good QB.”
If that doesn’t get you at least $50M/year, nothing will!
June 7th, 2026 at 11:28 pm
If Baker goes out next year, and has another 2024 season, he’s going to get well above $50M – people quoting $50M are using numbers from a couple of years ago, capflation has Christian Watson – who’s career year is 620 yards receiving – getting almost $30M a year.
But if Baker is the guy from week 7 on, who singlehandedly cost the Bucs the playoffs, and was so bad he made Mike Evans flee to the other side of the country, he won’t be back.
Baker is under contract, and the only reason you’d consider making a deal right now is if it was a very team friendly deal with an early out – and Baker isn’t going to take a deal like that. And, btw, I don’t think he should – not if he believes in himself and does think last year was all about injuries.
Baker is slated to make $40M this year, and the Bucs should not be making any long term deals based on how last year went. Just wait and see what happens, and if Baker has a big year, the Bucs will pay him – and they always have the franchise tag. There is literally no reason to sign him now, not after last year.
June 7th, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Bucs hold all the cards , he’ll sign a team friendly deal or no deal at all
They won’t come close to overpaying for him
He might come out and play great then they gladly pay up
June 8th, 2026 at 12:42 am
ATLbuc
You’re WWWAYYY over valuing Daniels.. do a little digging. His college career isn’t all that, and he hasn’t even taken an NFL snap yet.
But I’ll mark your word..
June 8th, 2026 at 1:40 am
Agree, but it’s clear Baker needs more than Love: cap inflation, Heisman trophy winner, 1st pick in the draft, and let’s be honest he’s a better player. And the cherry on top is Supply & Demand — what would the Jets and Cards pay him??
June 8th, 2026 at 5:56 am
You know, I was just telling my wife that I need an additional $3m a year for me to go to work this week. She agreed.
June 8th, 2026 at 6:42 am
The market speaks!
Bucs hold ZERO cards !
June 8th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Honestly, the tag is the smartest move. Baker plays best with something to prove. That being said, today’s mid $50m yearly salary that puts him in the top EIGHT is 2028’s number SIXTEEN again. QB salaries are out of control.
June 8th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Well… Baker did have a 10 win season “once”. And it wasn’t last year. But OF COURSE that’s GOT TO BE worth another 100 million more than whoever!
I’m just joking around. He’ll get paid plenty enough. Let’s just say that financially he’s ALREADY having a better life than Yours EVER EAS OR EVER WILL BE!
But of course… HE NEEDS MORE! MORE! MORE!
Well, if ONLY he could WIN “MORE” GAMES! MORE! MORE! HOW ABOUT WINNING MORE FREAKING GAMES! As far as money goes… my heart WILL NEVER break for him or ANY OTHER CHILD DEMANDING “MORE” TO PLAY A GAME!
Hey Baker, why not start a “GO Fund Me” as SEE IF “the people” want to give you or ANYBODY ELSE playing a game for a whopping few months a year… MORE!
Why don’t you money grubbing F@@@ks try it that way and LEARN THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK ABOUT YOU……
June 8th, 2026 at 9:15 am
BBB. I agree with you a ? percent bro with everything you said about Baker Mayfield and to be honest even if he puts up good numbers this year and throws a pick to lose in the playoffs or a win and you get in situation those good numbers don’t matter. He has to be clutch if we don’t get to a NFC Championship game then it’s time for him and Bowles to go . We didn’t make the playoffs last year because of Baker Mayfield. When you go back and watch those last games the bucs defense was not as bad as people say they were. They actually played good enough to win but if you can’t put games in your quarterback hands then he ain’t it .
June 8th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Kirwin is spot on the market is pretty much dictating mid 50’s Baker is in that league no question. He probably doesn’t want a two year deal in the 40’s, can’t blame him. Baker said it best, the Bucs helped him and he helped the Bucs. So now is commitment time you want him or you don’t. If you don’t then franchise him and draft a qb next year. Big gamble in my opinion. Baker is well loved by the players and the fans. The positive side the team now is likely a 500 team at best so you may get a decent draft position. Seems you need to secure the guy.
June 8th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Show BM6 the $ !!!
June 8th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
Ticket prices are still sky high without TB12!
June 9th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
You can’t compare these Love and Lawrence type of deals. Both of those are QB’s that those Teams DRAFTED, and their SECOND contracts. Though, I never would’ve paid them that… You are paying for their future ‘PROJECTIONS.’ They are still YOUNG, with LOTS of growth. You CAN’T hand a QB like BAKER a max-level LONGTERM, 5-year deal. That is 6-MORE WHOLE ENTIRE SEASONS. For a QB who is extremely inconsistent, AND always hurt. And, for throughout HIS aged 36 YEAR-OLD season. HELL NO. Baker will NOT age well, either. You. CAN’T. DO IT. Period. End of Story. 3-years, $130-MILLION, with $85-MIL guaranteed, TOPS. That is a more than fair deal for both parties. NEXT.