Baker Mayfield Said Holding Out Was Not An Option The Way 2025 Unfolded
July 30th, 2026
Baker Mayfield plays with heart like few other quarterbacks. But Mayfield didn’t have the heart to eff over his teammates.
That’s the reason Mayfield gave ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. After practice today, and after Mayfield got a lot off his chest about his contract hassle, Fowler had a one-on-one with Mayfield.
Fowler asked Mayfield given how much leverage a starting quarterback has over a team if he holds out, if he ever thought about that option to get a deal done.
“No, I have a bad taste in my mouth from last year,” Mayfield said. “And I know the potential that this group has.
“Still, for me, the most important thing is winning and making sure I am a team-first guy. I wanted our guys to know that. I am dead-serious about it.”
Mayfield then explained he didn’t want to hang his teammates out to dry and perhaps Pearl Harbor the Bucs’ 2026 season by invoking Operation Shutdown.
“I never considered a hold-out or a hold-in,” Mayfield said. “I want to win ballgames. I want to play with these guys. It is a special group and that’s why it feels like home.”
Is there any wonder why Mayfield’s teammates respect him so much? And at least from a football perspective, this was a brilliant move by Mayfield.
Think about it: Mayfield is potentially sacrificing millions by reinforcing his loyalty to his teammates. One thing players respect is cash. And Joe is confident dedicating himself to his craft and his teammates for a few million dollars has the Bucs’ locker room’s attention.
July 30th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
He has no leverage!!!!!…he’s under contract and ended the season going 2-7…
Moxy doesnt translate into WINS!!!!!
baker is cooked lol…he needs to grow up
GO BUCS!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Ummm -OK…Right now Vita is doing just that.
Once the games start this nonsense will be over.
July 30th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
The Buc’s can give him a 3 year $50 M deal with an early out clause they could use if he has issues. He could easily be traded with that figure too.
July 30th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
You’re trying Baker….thats all you can do….great attitude
July 30th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
813bucboi Says:
July 30th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
He has no leverage!!!!!…he’s under contract and ended the season going 2-7…
Moxy doesnt translate into WINS!!!!!
baker is cooked lol…he needs to grow up
GO BUCS!!!!
__________
Begs the obvious question… what QB are you going to get if it’s not Baker? There’s more leverage there than you think. The first franchise tag gives him what he’s asking for ($50 million). The second elevates him to near what Mahomes makes. Seems like he’s got more cards than you think he does. The worst case scenario gives him exactly wat he’s asking for, and you know it’s not going to end at his worst case scenario. Negotiations things never do.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Good, go prove yourself again.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
He’s a baller!
And look, I love the guy’s attitude, moxy, etc.
And to the Baker haters – he didn’t play special teams, his offensive line sucked last year; and if he did play on defense, I would bet he’d tackle like John Lynch and he wouldn’t get ‘bored’.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:18 pm
I really don’t get the bucs logic here.
Baker’s reported to have asked for about 53 million 3 year contract.
When they don’t sign him and tag him next year he’ll earn 50 million, and if they tag him a second year it’ll closer to 60.
Are they really arguing over like 2 million or so a year?
Making a point and showing every other player on the team, your a cog and you don’t matter.
Pretty obvious they don’t really care about winning this year or soon.
There are plenty of teams that will pay maker next year. For Example Rodgers is 100 % not playing next year.
Jets are always looking for a QB
How much longer is Stafford playing? Baker at Rams would be a pretty great reunion.
Colts, Cardinals, Saints, ….
It’s just wild that the team would be like, yeah we don’t think your worth a new contract but go win us some games this year? really?
July 30th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
How about you have a contract and play. Same VV. If you don’t like it ball out and prove your worth and make more money in 2027.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
Let’s pay the Man Team Glazers! Get this over with-you let Todd keep his job after all. Step UP!!
July 30th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
The Bucs have no leverage after this season with Mayfield.
If they franchise tag Mayfield, his salary cap hit for 2027 balloons to $80M counting dead cap charges owing to a +$30M hit from the void year on his current deal.
Instead, they’ve staked their immediate future on the notion that somehow they’re justified in *NOT* paying him. It’s a no-win decision by Jason Licht since Mayfield having a great season effectively prices him far above whatever his demands might have been this year.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
Smart move and that does exude a bit of team first for sure even if contract situations are individual.
I do believe Baker when he says “it’s not ALL about the money”. It’s about the money, but not all about it with him.
With Big Girl Jr./Vita, it’s become clear with him at this point that it’s really ALL about the money. Money A, Money B and Money C
Still hope Vea remains a Buc and he’s physical talent, but he’s a legit just about the money guy at this point
July 30th, 2026 at 1:20 pm
@Lessismore
@BuccoMarty
+2 Nicely put.
Leadership isn’t tweeting from home or using holdouts as leverage it’s showing up. Baker reported because he believes in his teammates and this locker room. If he had no leverage, there wouldn’t be a contract negotiation dominating the conversation. The hardest position in sports isn’t replaced with a wish list, and history has proven quarterback purgatory is far more expensive than paying a proven starter. Some fans keep waiting for Baker to fail, while he just keeps showing up and competing. That’s the kind of culture winning teams are built on.
🔥 LFG Already!!
July 30th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
Lets not forget, this is the same organization (maybe not ownership) that let Doug Williams walk.. to Super Bowl.. let Steve Young go,.. to Super Bowl.. oh it doesn’t stop there. TRENT DILFER, Steve Deberg… all went on to Superbowls after the. Bucs. If the Bucs lose Baker because of this.. im done. 47 years mind you, they can go to hell.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Here’s the solution — fans should stage a “hold-out” by not showing up for games until Baker has a deal…….
July 30th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
The Baker haters are so ignorant. Typical knuckle dragging Bucs fans
July 30th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
@Lessismore
@BuccoMarty
@Greg
💯
Leadership isn’t tweeting from home or using holdouts as leverage it’s showing up. Baker reported because he believes in his teammates and this locker room. If he had no leverage, there wouldn’t be a contract negotiation dominating the conversation. The hardest position in sports isn’t replaced with a wish list, and history has proven quarterback purgatory is far more expensive than paying a proven starter. Some fans keep waiting for Baker to fail, while he just keeps showing up and competing. That’s the kind of culture winning teams are built on.
🔥 LFG Bring on the season already!!
July 30th, 2026 at 1:41 pm
813bucboi has the IQ of a lemon peeler.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
I wonder if its more House Glazer holding up the check book. Bowles is on a 1 year prove it or lose it year. You have Mike Tomlin waiting in the wings, he very well might want Baker or maybe not??? I wonder if they want to leave this all up to 2026 results. We go deep in the playoffs, everyone gets paid, if not, the team is loaded with youth and talent for going forward.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:47 pm
Greg Says:
July 30th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
The Baker haters are so ignorant. Typical knuckle dragging Bucs fans.
=====================================
Agreed but it is more than that with the hate club losers. Most of these guys have never known success whether with their jobs or home life. They run down Mayfield because it is a way of bolstering themselves from their own inadequacies.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Not surprised at all about him standing loyal with his teammates. His loyalty and heart exude leadership.
The Bucs obviously didn’t want to make any real commitment to Baker with only two years combined with below-market money. He’s going to be thinking about that all season long.
He’ll likely make the Glazers look like fools this year — and then move on to play for another team next year.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
Begs the obvious question… what QB are you going to get if it’s not Baker?
LMAO!!!!!
folks act like Baker has 3 SB RINGS lol…why do you think bucs only offered a 2year deal lol….he’s not the answer lol
bucs have several options: trade for a QB, sign a vet QB or draft a rookie QB…its not like baker is winning 11, 12, 13 games year in and year out lol…
he has less leverage than you think he has lol…
1 playoff win 3 years ago…bucs were the only team that wanted him 3years ago….and after his choke job last year, no team would consider him a franchise QB….he’s injury prone and with his reckless playing style the injures are starting to pile up and effect his play….
no team will want a QB who is always injured, plays reckless @ age 32 and can only when 7-9 games as a long term franchise QB lol….baker has no leverage
GO BUCS!!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 1:55 pm
Tampa Bay Demon Says:
July 30th, 2026 at 1:41 pm
813bucboi has the IQ of a lemon peeler.
lol..keep it classy not sassy lol
GO BUCS!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 1:56 pm
Thats just talk.
Want to really help the team? Follow Brady’s lead. Take $40m and leave $10m on the table to use to build a better team.
July 30th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Like I posted on a previous article, the haters will find those selective negative phrases to cover Baker’s words making him the bad guy! Since there is only one winner, Texas Hold’em is a dangerous game to play! From today’s interviews, it appears Baker is in it for the long haul!
July 30th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
The QB situation a little bit more dire than NT and Vita situation. A team goes no where without a QB and we seen Baker play at an elite level the first half of the season and then not look good at the end of the season when injuries started stacking up. They are playing a risky game by not extending him. My guess is if he has a good season then the Bucs will have to pay him even more and if he feels that disrespected he might walk completely. No one thought Evans would leave and look how that worked out.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:03 pm
Maybe the “disrespect” will keep him motivated in the second quarter with a 10 point lead. So instead of tied at halftime because he gets bored, we’ll be up 20. Works for me.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Well good thing the next draft is QB rich too bad bucs will probably middle pack the season and miss out on the good ones.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Stop. As you pointed out, different owner. And Joe isn’t sure there is anyone employed by the Bucs who worked in the front office when Williams was run off. That’s what, 45, 46 years ago? That’s not fair.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:07 pm
Davenport, kind of easy to say but I don’t think Emily has quite the bank account of the former Mrs. Brady
July 30th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
Interesting times behind the scenes at One Buc.
2 years under 50 million is a slap in the face haha. Not saying the Bucs are wrong here but I would love to know the thought process.
Vita is a tough situation with his age and demands.
I wonder if Mike walking was a huge eye opener for Licht and the Glazers. That one domino made them re-evaluate the entire thing. Bowles, Baker, future years.
I would hate to start a full rebuild. Too many talented young players. Will waste a terrific OL and WR room. Good young D players from the last few drafts. Bowles is wasting it all anyway but at least with Baker and Vita there was a fighting chance.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
A man that has made over $100 million to win one playoff game in 4 years is underpaid? You’re on drugs if you believe that. Baker is so team first, he won’t sign with the team! Lol…if he’s so valuable where are the other teams right now that want to trade for him?
What other team is putting their money up to get Bake NOW? If hes underpaid, they should be calling for him like Vita right? If another team was offering more, we’d have heard about it.
Sorry Bake, you gonna have to earn that next payday.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Baker is nowhere close to Doug Williams. Didn’t Doug win a chip with his 2nd team? Didn’t do go a conference championship with his 1st team? Did Bake do that? Lol….how many teams is this for Bake? Lol…he league is tell you hes not good.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Saskbucs Says:
July 30th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
Interesting times behind the scenes at One Buc.
2 years under 50 million is a slap in the face haha. Not saying the Bucs are wrong here but I would love to know the thought process.
*******************************************************
Pretty simple imo lol
1 playoff win 3years ago
led the NFL in INTs and Fumbles in 2024
missed the playoffs completely in 2025
and on top of that he’s aging and often injured
baker and his agent over valued himself lol
GO BUCS!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
Exactly. It’s all VERY SIMPLE.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:28 pm
@ Bee Says: “What other team is putting their money up to get Bake NOW? If hes underpaid, they should be calling for him like Vita right? If another team was offering more, we’d have heard about it.”
Most DEFINITELY. 💯
July 30th, 2026 at 2:29 pm
I’ll be glad when we get a franchise qb, enough of the overhype and infatuation.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
40 year Bucs fan. Amazing someone can follow football for forty years and not know a damn thing about it.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
IMHO, Jason Licht on orders from England…low balled Mayfield. Damn, I hope Baker has a great year. The defense will suck per usual. Mayfield will put up crazy numbers but we will go 7-10. Everyone is fired including that fraud Jason Licht. The new coach and GM will franchise him and we can get onto to real football.
PS The Glazers are 100% at fault. Garbage owners.
-David
July 30th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
@813bucboisays:
“No team will want a QB who is always injured, plays reckless @ age 32…”
Every other sentence ends with “lol” or “LMAO,” and somehow you expect people to take this seriously? There’s a reason people joke your IQ is that of a lemon peeler.
You claim Baker has “no leverage,” yet he’s entering the final year of his contract while both sides are negotiating an extension. If he truly had no leverage, there wouldn’t be a negotiation.
You also call him “always injured.” Quick question: How many games has Baker actually missed as a Buccaneer? And while we’re at it… are you sure he’s even 32? Last I checked, he isn’t.
Your post has more “lols” than facts Sir.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Now that’s setting an example.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Since when are you some kind of hero for honoring a contract you actually signed? Three means three years, not two! And that goes for Vita too!
When the beggar approaches and you refuse him money, and he comes back with, “At least I’m not out there stealing,” he too wants to be rewarded for doing the right, only in this case by not breaking the law.
People who holdout during the last year of their contract are essentially saying their signature is worthless, which makes them worthless too.
Yes, Baker chose to honor his last contract year, but it should not have been given a second thought.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
right “thing”
July 30th, 2026 at 2:54 pm
The Bucs lit a fire for him to ball out and then hit the road just like they did to Jamel Dean. That would be really unfortunate if it goes the same way.
July 30th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
Interesting that none of the negative subjective Baker haters have ever posted the complete offer that the Bucs have offered Baker. Perhaps it’s not money but longevity that Baker seeks? GM needs to put the cards on the table!
July 30th, 2026 at 2:58 pm
borimex
he’ll be 32 once this contract is up….
bucs arent negotiating an extension…they gave an offer, baker rejected the offer and he’ll play 2026 with no extension….NO LEVERAGE
him playing in every game sure helped us win in 2025 lol…he really “gutted” it out lol
fact is, baker has a lot to prove and hasnt earned a pay day…1 playoff win 3years ago doesnt qualify for a pay raise
GO BUCS!!!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Just hoping the noise REALLY doesn’t cause a distraction.
Baker just needs to ball out this season, which I’m expecting for a number of reasons.
If he matches his 2024 production or better the starting number could be 55-60
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): $64 million average per year ($448 million total value)Dak Prescott (Cowboys): $60 million average per year ($240 million total value)
Joe Burrow (Bengals): $55 million average per year ($275 million total value)
Josh Allen (Bills): $55 million average per year ($330 million total value)
Jordan Love (Packers): $55 million average per year ($220 million total value)
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars): $55 million average per year ($275 million total value)
Matthew Stafford (Rams): $55 million average per year ($55 million total value)
Jared Goff (Lions): $53 million average per year ($212 million total value)
Brock Purdy (49ers): $53 million average per year ($265 million total value)
Justin Herbert (Chargers): $52.5 million average per year ($262.5 million total value)
Lamar Jackson (Ravens): $52 million average per year ($260 million total value)
Jalen Hurts (Eagles): $51 million average per year ($255 million total value)
July 30th, 2026 at 3:10 pm
this to me is so sickening all these guys threatening and going public acting like babies because that guy makes more money than them, major turn off. it’s a game -you should play for the love of it, greedy millionaires want more millions makes me want to tune out the nfl and find something else to do that is not so frustrating and disgusting
July 30th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
So who will be our 5 year gap QB while we are looking for the next Drake Maye ? Geno, Brissett , the JJ kid from Minn, perhaps Browning , heck some guys want Richardson,,, It’s always a fun time when you don’t have a starting NFL QB
July 30th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Of all the things I despise in sports self-inflicted insanity is the worst. There’s no reason to believe Baker can’t play 3-5 more years if he wants to. And we would be lucky to have him for that long. Maybe by then the retooling of the defense would be complete and we have a couple Super Bowls. Hiring Tomlin is insane. Low-balling Baker is insane. Not at least making Vea happy for this year (if he would accept it) is insane. Baker is by far the most important asset to this team and keeping him happy is crucial to success. FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THAT AND DO IT RIGHT NOW. If we lose Baker because we are dumb, I will be intensely disappointed.
July 30th, 2026 at 3:27 pm
Drake Mayes don’t grow on trees. Drafting a QB high is a 35% crapshoot. Most teams including us crap out repeatedly. Every time. The line will be out the door and around the corner to sign Baker if we don’t. And a bidding war would be a hugely avoidable mistake. He’s going to have a great season if the offensive line plays. There’s 0 doubt in my mind about that. The longer the contract at 53 million, the more reasonable and then eventually cheap it becomes. Sign him for 5 years with 3-4 guaranteed. He still has many great years ahead of him.
July 30th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Buc boy!! please enlighten us ( name) these qb options you have in mind! Shouldn’t be a problem with your football knowledge .Well….
July 30th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
813bucboi Says:
July 30th, 2026 at 2:58 pm
borimex
he’ll be 32 once this contract is up….
bucs arent negotiating an extension…they gave an offer, baker rejected the offer and he’ll play 2026 with no extension….NO LEVERAGE
him playing in every game sure helped us win in 2025 lol…he really “gutted” it out lol
fact is, baker has a lot to prove and hasnt earned a pay day…1 playoff win 3years ago doesnt qualify for a pay raise
GO BUCS!!!!!
You (and Bee), the Baker haters, seem to have forgotten your history lesson. The history lesson is his first contract year with the Bucs he made 4 million plus incentives. His current contract is for 100 million for three years. If you average that he has been playing for less than almost any other quarterback in the league
His leverage is better than you think. If they try to franchise tag him he can not sign it. The Bucs will have to trade for a back up from another team (good luck with that) or hope to draft a quarterback in the middle of the first round (good luck with that).
You Baker haters want to blame every loss on him. Last year the injuries and the really bad defense lost most of the games. Have you forgotten 3rd down and 28?
July 30th, 2026 at 3:39 pm
@ Boy,when you come up with nonsense, that means he has ALL the leverage!
July 30th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Nothing to discuss here about Baker. Just listen to the Ira Kaufman podcast and get Lee’s take on it. He is right on the screws and is correct in his thoughts…..carry on gentlemen.
July 30th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
If fans don’t think a starting QB threatening to hold out has leverage… they haven’t been watching the NFL for very long.
I agree with “this Joe” – it’s another reason the Bucs missed an opportunity to save some money while supporting their franchise QB. He’s a leader and he’s demonstrating how to move forward in a difficult situation. Vita tried a different route, and unless he decides to hold out – costing him a LOT of money – he and Baker are at the same point. The organization is playing hard ball with stars, and future stars, and key contributors, alike. It’s a strategy for a reason.
It seems there is deliberate way they are going about this season, and it feels different.
Maybe someone in sports media could ask about that?
July 30th, 2026 at 3:55 pm
@SteveV
@StPeteMatt
Forgive them, for they do not know what they are saying. 🙏
July 30th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Het Baker…..some advice here. STFU with the media on your contract issue. The Bucs will make it happen as they always do. Just wont be on YOUR timeline. You see how the VV trade demand has worked with about 50% of the fan base.
July 30th, 2026 at 4:07 pm
What Matt said.
Parnell Dickinson
Randy Hedberg
Steve Spurrier
Gary Huff
Jeb Blount
###FINALLY A HIT! Doug Williams###
Mike Boryla
Mike Rae
Jerry Golsteyn
Jack Thompson
Steve Deberg
John Reaves
Jim Zorn
### VINNY!### (hit? meh)
Chris Chandler
Trent Dilfer
Shaun King
### HIT! Brad Johnson###
Chris Simms
Brian Griese
Brad Gradkowski
Jeff Garcia
Byron Leftwich
Josh Johnson
Josh Freeman
Josh McCown
Mike Glennon
####Jameis! (meh)###
Ryan Fitzpatrick
#####TOM BRADY####
Baker
I’m sure we can snag another effective QB like THAT! (snaps fingers)
July 30th, 2026 at 4:13 pm
“### VINNY!### (hit? meh)” I watched every game he played with the Bucs. HUGE MISS.
July 30th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
Yeah Vinny ! He left for Baltimore became a pro bowler
July 30th, 2026 at 4:27 pm
Hes been in the top 3 qb’s the last few seasons,that leads me toTEAM issues,putting up great stats tells me hes doing his job
July 30th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
A final note on quarterbacks and their value to a team. First, consider the Seahawks who just won a Superbowl with Sam Darnold as their quarterback. Good old Sam was never any good anywhere (played second string to Baker at the Panthers) and was picked up as a backup to Geno Smith. The rest is history.
Now consider the great Tom Brady. His last season for Tampa Bay he was 8-9 in the regular season and lost to the Cowboys 31-14. What a bum. He is trash. Right? Wasn’t good enough to win a wild card game! Or, maybe it’s coaching, defense, offensive and defensive line, etc.
July 30th, 2026 at 4:50 pm
Have you forgotten 3rd down and 28?
that wouldve never happened had baker not thrown ANOTHER 4TH quarter INT!!!!
have you forgotten
GO BUCS!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
Steve V
bro stop!!!!
if he was a franchise qb as you insist, he’d be extended already…
again, they’ll be QB in the draft or in FA (Mac Jones) that could win 7-9 games…just like baker has…he’s nothing special and him not getting extended proves that
GO BUCS!!!!
July 30th, 2026 at 5:07 pm
@bucboi – you mean like Evans and Vea? The glazers are a disease that care more about Man U than the Bucs. We’re an afterthought…proof? Todd is still coach. Licht is a loser without Brady as well. 61-86 pre and post Brady. Our GM is a loser and our owners are losers.
-David