Ex-GM: No “Big” Contract For Baker Mayfield
July 2nd, 2026
It’s known that the Bucccaneers’ decision makers offered Baker Mayfield a contract extension.
They want to keep him after his current deal expires in March. But how much was offered and for how long?
That’s unclear. All that’s known is Mayfield was smiling about his initial offer. (Yes, Joe realizes Mayfield might have been celebrating interally while expressing disappointment outwardly).
Mayfield will play the 2026 season at 31 years old. A three-year extension would lock him up through 2029 and playing through age 34. Do the Bucs want to commit that long? Does Mayfield want four or five more years on his extension?
Joe can’t imagine the Bucs wanting to play Mayfield past 2029. Heck, that would be Tristan Wirfs’ 10th season and the beastly tackle has hinted at hanging up his cleats after 10 seasons.
In fact, Joe woudn’t be surprised if the Bucs only offered to guarantee Mayfield the 2027 and 2028 seasons with a club option for 2029.
Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian addressed the Mayfield contract situation this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio. He’s dealt with various franchise quarterbacks and seems to think the Bucs might not want to dive off a cliff into the Mayfield pool.
“You gotta kind of take the position that, yeah, we’ll talk about a new contract, but not a big one,” Polian said after acknowledging the likelihood Mayfield wants $50 million+ per year.
Length of contract could be a sticking point. Mayfield might be seeking a “Buc For Life” situation while Team Glazer might be much more interested in a “Buc For A While” deal.
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:10 pm
I’m now falling in the camp of a “wait & see” approach. His first season in Tampa paid him just under 7 million with incentives met etc. Now he’s in the middle of a $100 million dollar contract. How much does he think he’s worth after fading like Ira’s jean shorts down the stretch in 2025?
My guess is Licht proposed 3 more years…at 45 million per ( of course I have no way of knowing that ).
Don’t get overly greedy Baker. You’re not that far removed from head butting teammates sans a helmet…on the sideline/bench.
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:11 pm
Guaranteeing 27 and 28 and nothing beyond would be a significant win and should be the frame of a new deal.
I hope Joe is getting this from a good source in the front office. If so we’re on the right track.
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:18 pm
If the bucs are smart they wont pay that bum fix the defense and offensive line first and see what else is out there anything is better than this chump
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:23 pm
Joe Says : Length of contract could be a sticking point.
^^^^^^
That’s precisely what I said months ago. I think the owners will give him 2 years after ’26 and Baker wants 3-4 years after ’26. Baker wants some job security. He’s earned it. If it comes down to facing the tag I still believe me may ask for a trade. He doesn’t want to face being traded if the coaching situation falls apart.
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:51 pm
So many errors in this article I thought it was Fox News.
July 2nd, 2026 at 7:59 pm
Nancy Pelosi has joined the conversation…
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:06 pm
I rarely agree with much of what Bill Polian has to say about anything. He is very emphatic and sounds like he knows what he is talking about but the game has passed him by and he is seldom correct about anything anymore. Like most talking heads, his knowledge of the Bucs is limited and I wouldn’t count on him as an expert on anything “Bucs”.
I would like to re-emphasize that the Bucs are already committed to paying Baker $30 million next year, whether he plays for the team or not. If they are thinking they can just tag him, you’re looking at paying him nearly $80 million next season without an extension in place.
Or, you could cut bait, get nothing in return, hope for a miracle with what is likely to be a non-stellar draft pick and be an extra $30 million in the hole for a guy who isn’t on your team anymore.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:08 pm
I would dearly love to see the Bucs sign a high quality QB to compete with Baker next summer BEFORE we sign any long-term contracts with Mayfield. My preference right now would be Mac Jones. Overall starting record (25-32) isn’t anything to write home to mama about, but he’s played on some meh teams. His career Pass Completion Percentage (66.5%) is quite good & he had a nice year with San Fran last year as a backup (went 5-3 throwing for 69.6% completions). Next preference would be to use our Rnd 1 pick this coming draft to pick the best QB left who meets our needs.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:09 pm
The grammatical and spelling errors in this article make it very hard to understand what you’re trying to say. The Joes need a proofreader to at least give the appearance that this site is legit.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:14 pm
Yes I think the sticking Louis the number of years. It has to be . The money clear is in the 50 range simple enough. However Licht and the Bucs like short contracts. I can see Baker wanting a much longer deal. I can see him say you want me then show me give me a multi year deal.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:18 pm
My goodness, Defense Rules, Mac Jones is anything but a guaranteed improvement. He had one acceptable partial season where he finished slightly above .500. Gambling on what will likely be the 4th, 5th, 6th QB taken in next year’s draft to be an improvement is a fool’s errand.
Baker is not what is wrong with this team and we all know what/who the major problem with the team is.
You won’t be able to sign another existing QB to compete with Baker next year due to what I have already pointed out – Baker will cost nearly $80 million next year if you tag him for one year. You think Mac Jones is going to sign for anything less than $20 million?
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:24 pm
“In fact, Joe woudn’t be surprised if the Bucs only offered to guarantee Mayfield the 2027 and 2028 seasons with a club option for 2029.”
Yes. I would be willing to bet the exact same thing. It’s only FAIR. And, makes the most SENSE. Basically, the same as his last contract extension with the team, but with a nice little bump in pay. I’ve already said that “I” would play-out this season FIRST. But, already knowing that the Bucs have offered him… I just hope and pray that it is not a SINGLE PENNY, over a 3-year/$130-$135MIL BASE (with $90-$100MIL guaranteed +incentives for MVP and Super Bowl W/L) TOPS. Nothing ‘higher’ makes any sense. You already have the ‘franchise tag’ for $50-MILLION, just in case of an emergency. It’s what it is there for. His 2025 season was very ‘similar’ to his 2023 season, WHEN the Bucs ‘extended him’ for the first-time. 32-YEAR OLD Quarterbacks don’t get fresh new 4-5 YEAR DEALS. Russell Wilson was THE ONLY ONE, who did with a team that did NOT draft him. And, we have all seen what happened with THAT.
The Broncos got real lucky (having WALMART $$$). And, they PAID out the ass for a future HOF Head Coach, in Sean Payton. THEN, were forced to have to DRAFT a ‘rookie’ QB (reaching for Bo Freaking Nix). FINALLY, they’ve been able to open up now, and at least somewhat, BREATHE. While, having just barely enough cap space leftover, in order to pay for a legit (when healthy) #1-WR for this upcoming season. They’ve been VERY LUCKY. Mahomes and Herbert have been getting beaten up all to hell, and KILLED for the past two seasons… Then, both Burrow AND Lamar last season. BELIEVE ME, they would’ve given ANYTHING to have all that money back THEY LOST on the “Wilson Deal.” Cause, who knows… Maybe, it kept them from a Super Bowl!? They would’ve been STACKED with a LOADED ROSTER. But, they couldn’t. There was nothing they COULD do. Their hands were strapped. Maybe, it ends up working out for them… But, they definitely would NOT have been forced to DRAFT a Quarterback on a ‘rookie’ deal though, that’s for sure. They would’ve had PLENTY of other options, instead.
Baker is just plainly NOT worth anymore than that, right now! It just is what it is. And, everyone said all along, that HE would take this so-called “DISCOUNT.” So, okay… Then, WHY are you people not TELLING HIM to TAKE-IT!? It makes no sense. I hope they DON’T make a deal, before the season begins. THEN, whatever else happens from there… I just hope and pray that they ARE ‘DECISIVE’ when the time comes. If he’s balling-out and just KILLING-IT, then they can ‘extend him’ during the Bye-Week. If NOT, and they are like 2-6 or 3-5 heading TO Chicago before the Trade-Deadline… Then, the decision HAS TO BE MADE. To SELL, SELL, SELL. They have to decide RIGHT THEN, to move EVERY ‘available’ asset with value… While, beginning their next Head Coaching (and GM) search. And Baker will be ‘auditioning’ at that point, for his next city and franchise.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:34 pm
wow from a four million prove deal it to 50 million per year in3 short years errrr fifty million plus bc fifty is not enough for his kids and his kids kids, absurd what these athletes make to play a game and throw fourth quarter pics and not make the playoffs, can we get a dose of reality? nfl?!
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:37 pm
Andrew Luck called it quits 8 years ago, Colts have thrown away a few high picks (giving the Eagles a Superbowl) and STILL don’t have a sure thing. By all means, kick Baker to the curb, I’m sure Mason Rudolph or Connor Bazelak will take us to the promised land
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:38 pm
Let him play this season out. He’s under contract, he can honor that signing.
Next year tag him and draft his replacement Let Baker retire after ’27. He’s not that good.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:44 pm
ScottyMack – just to be clear about the $30M – the Bucs are not paying Baker Mayfield $30M in 2027- the Bucs owe $30M to the salary cap in 2027….
Because they used Baker’s contract as an ATM either last year or the previous – wrote Mayfield a check for $30M – paid him like $3M in “salary” for that year and converted a good bit of that $30M into fresh cap space… then added dummy years at the end of Baker’s contract to make the financial wizardry cap rule compliant.
Its called kicking the can down the road and paying for moves you make now later…….. similar to putting current purchases on a credit card and then carrying a balance…..
The Bucs did that to the tune of almost $200M during the Brady years – and have been in salary cap hell ever since – trying to pay back large chunks each year since Tom left – and largely succeeding…. this doesn’t get talked about much – but the fact is that while ‘rebuilding’ AND paying back $50+M each of the last 3 years – the Bucs have remained competitive and gone to the playoffs 2 of the last 3 years – which is remarkable – and a testament to Jason Licht being one of the best drafting GMs in the league…….
Why numerous individuals who comment here and call themselves Bucs fans want to constantly whine and moan and belittle with practically EVERY SINGLE COMMENT is beyond my comprehension. The team is doing well – there’s a LOT of talent on this team (mostly young!) and we can all look forward to winning at least 9, 10 or 11 games this year and another likely playoff birth -which means a chance to get hot and win a Super Bowl……
Just let the season unfold – try to enjoy the victories once it starts – and hope for enough of them to get into the dance. Hoping for (much less EXPECTING) more is a fools errand considering the calendar just flipped to July……..
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:51 pm
It’s laughable and tragic how you super fans continue to underestimate Mayfield.
July 2nd, 2026 at 8:58 pm
ScottyMack Says: “Or, you could cut bait, get nothing in return, hope for a miracle with what is likely to be a non-stellar draft pick and be an extra $30 million in the hole for a guy who isn’t on your team anymore.”
Then, it’ll be a complete REBUILD in that scenario… Therefore making the $30-MILLION entirely IRRELEVANT. Because, you are NOT ‘winning’ regardless, with a BAD (and depleted) ROSTER. It’ll be ‘tank-mode’ for 2027. As long as, they’ve done everything else ‘right’ up to that point… By, moving ALL of their assets at the Trade-Deadline, who do not fit the FUTURE ‘timeline’ of a REBUILD. Bowles and Lickt will ALSO BE GONE. You are ‘building’ through the 2027 DRAFT with your plethora of PICKS, while ‘clearing-up’ and eating as MUCH Cap Space as humanly POSSIBLE. And, then you’re going to start USING that cap space in the 2028 and 2029 “Free Agency Period.” While, plotting and planning (accumulating picks and TALENT to use towards) your next move on DRAFTING your young STUD QB with 5-FULL YEARS Remaining on his ‘rookie’ deal… When, you already have a STACKED and LOADED ROSTER.
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:05 pm
Scotty Mack – If you’re talking about a BAD “Draft-Pick” – Then, THAT means it was a great season and Baker looked AWESOME. So, in THAT scenario… Then, BAKER IS 💯 RE-SIGNED. And, Todd Bowles RETURNS. I don’t see this issue.
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:09 pm
Why am I being moderated? lol …
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:11 pm
“testament to Jason Licht being one of the best drafting GMs in the league.”
That’s an absolute JOKE. Totally, ABSURD. Not even ONE “PRO-BOWLER” DRAFTED, throughout HIS last ‘SIX’ Draft Classes Now, including this season’s draft. While, competing in a ‘historically’ WEAK NFC Division now, for 4-YEARS RUNNING.
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:22 pm
DR – We can’t pay 2-QB’s like that. It would be pointless anyway, but Mac Jones isn’t going anywhere just to remain a backup again, like that. He’ll end up being a solid “Bridge.” Especially, for these next 4-6 1ST-ROUND QB’s getting drafted in the 2027-Draft. But, had HE been a “Free Agent” during this past offseason… He probably would’ve gotten at least a 2-year/$50-MIL DEAL. Hell, Malik Willis just got like $45-MIL fully-guaranteed. Surely, HE could at least GET THAT. As long as he is NOT exposed this season.
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:32 pm
If it was up to me, I’d try in every way to not only keep my best player on the Bucs roster , but to make baker mayfield feel appreciated and wanted too. The entire team is watching closely just how this charade ends up. I surely hope the Bucs brass don’t go full on ‘Doug Williams’ contract negotiations or lack there of on this thing…. Us old timers remember that disaster all to well….
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:34 pm
Scptty Mack … ‘Mac Jones is anything but a guaranteed improvement.’
I don’t necessarily disagree with you, BUT … there are TWO realities at play. First, Bucs NEED an experienced backup QB as we saw last season. Second, COMPETITION is viewed by many (I’m one of those) as being beneficial to creating a better TEAM. Personally I don’t like ‘gifting’ starting spots to anyone.
Baker hasn’t had any real COMPETITION for the starting QB role since he got here (Kyle Trask was never gonna win that competition with Todd Bowles as HC). Baker feels perfectly free IMO to ‘let it all hang out’ mostly because there’s no one to take his place (neither Trask nor Bridgewater nor Bazelak were ever REALLYT considered to be a game starter as long as Baker could still barely walk).
Mayfield is a walking conundrum IMO. He can be very good sometimes, but only if he’s allowed to play ‘balls-to-the-wall’ all the time. But when he gets dinged up, he can struggle quite a bit as we’ve seen. He also struggles at certain other times as we’ve also seen, even when he’s healthy (like 1-7 as a Buc in night games?). He’s started every game with us in the 3 years he’s been here, and led us to a 27-24 record. In the NFC South that’s better than the others, but in the playoffs that’s typically a Wildcard team (and 1-2 in the playoffs is probably about right for Wildcard teams).
If we’re building a ‘hopefully that’ll be good enough’ team then stats like that are probably fine for most fans.
July 2nd, 2026 at 9:40 pm
Baker should pull a Sam Darnold and hit the open market after this year. Then pick a team that’s got an amazing defense and former QB coach or OC under the McVey or Shanahan tree. The Bucs clearly don’t appreciate Baker. He will cost them in 2027 cap space a total $80M+. $50M for franchise tag plus $30M in contract voids the GM decided to push to 2027 to waste money on Godwin and Evans.
Grow some balls Baker and make it very clear there will be ZERO team friendly re-allocation of 2027 cap space unless you get a long-term contract for playing with no injury guarantees in 2026. Licht will pull a Vikings like letting Sam Darnold walk cause they want to game the system on you. And you can make a deep run without Bowle’s defense putting a ceiling on how far you can go in the playoffs.
July 2nd, 2026 at 10:48 pm
Mike Evans knows.
July 2nd, 2026 at 10:50 pm
@ 3rd and 28 Says: “If it was up to me, I’d try in every way to not only keep my best player on the Bucs roster , but to make baker mayfield feel appreciated and wanted.”
I’m LMAO. Outta your way to make sure that he ‘FEELS’ appreciated and wanted… “Calling it a “CHARADE” NOW!? LoL. Sounds as if you are talking about your OWN wife or kid… Or, trying to say that IF you had a shot at the sweetest/hottest supermodel on the planet. Lmao. HE is a ‘professional’ freaking ATHLETE, Man. I mean, the level of love here, is just… Pshew. And, by the way… THEY HAVE ALREADY “OFFERED HIM” A FRESH NEW EXTENSION. Did you not already KNOW THAT, or something!? Cause, there is literally a deal currently, that is ON THE TABLE. And, ALL he has to do is JUST SIGN-IT. Pretty damn simple, and cut & dry. I don’t understand what you people are missing here!? Baker HIMSELF, has refused to SIGN-IT. So, what are we even TALKING ABOUT NOW!? He is under contract currently for THIS SEASON. And, there is an ‘EXTENSION’ for future seasons. The Bucs FO has already ‘committed’ to HIM. What else do YOU expect, or would want THEM to do… A back rub!? I mean, this has just gotten RIDICULOUS. It makes no sense.
July 2nd, 2026 at 10:52 pm
Melvin – your narrative about Pro Bowls meaning much of anything is the Joke.
Meanwhile – its clear as day to anyone with eyes that Jason Licht has LOADED this team up with young talent! Goedeke, Otten, McCollum, Diaby, Mauch, Kancey, Bucky, JMac, Tykee Smith, Barton, Egbuka, Parrish, Bain, Trotter, Scott….
There’s 15 young, drafted, current starters from the last 5 drafts – some of whom WILL be earning Pro Bowl honors btw….
Name me ONE other NFL General Manager who has averaged 3 starters per draft every year for the last 5 years…. You CAN’T!
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:12 pm
GhostofBrady – LMAO Hahahahahah. So, HOW is “HE” supposed to pull all of that OFF!? LoL. HE is under contract now, AND the Bucs own (not one, but) TWO ‘franchise’ tags, where THEY CONTROL his ‘rights’ for the next THREE SEASONS. So, just go ahead and tell everyone that YOU don’t know what the hell you’re talking about without actually TELLING THEM. It’s all just gotten soooo ridiculous. Annnd, JUST “pick a team” (any team lol)… I mean, is that ALL!? Hahaha That’s LAUGHABLE. There will NOT BE even 5-TEAMS ‘kicking the tires’ ON HIM next offseason… Even, IF he could make himself available. We went through the ENTIRE LIST just last week, concerning EVERY TEAM’s current QB-situations. There will ONLY be about 7-TEAMS TOPS (including the Bucs), who will even be the 2027 “QB-market” to begin with, & AT LEAST 4-5 of those teams, WILL ALL BE looking towards the 2027-DRAFT CLASS for ‘THEIR’ next QB… Potentially, even up to 6 of those teams. I mean, you all are just ‘delusional’ living inside of this very WEIRD (adult) “Baker Fantasyland.” It’s pure insanity. Just UNREAL. Gettin’ Crazy. People are starting to crumble due to the amount of pressure… They’re losing it! Beats all I’ve EVER SEEN. Never seen anything like it. It’s a ‘professional’ ATHLETE. LoL
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:17 pm
@ Pickgrin – After 13-YEARS (and a 93-104 record and ‘responsible’ for 60% of the Lost Decade), I’d sure hope to God, that HE could ‘hit’ on one or maybe two, every once in awhile. So, go ahead then… YOU stick to that narrative.
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:22 pm
And, JUST because THEY are “starters” on THIS Bucs Team… Doesn’t mean SQUAT. On a team that FAILED to make the playoffs last season (and just barely did the 3-seasons before), in an ‘all-time’ HISTORICALLY WEAK NFC South Division.
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:35 pm
“Grow some balls Baker and make it very clear there will be ZERO team friendly re-allocation of 2027 cap space unless you get a long-term contract for playing with no injury guarantees in 2026. Licht will pull a Vikings like letting Sam Darnold walk cause they want to game the system on you. And you can make a deep run without Bowle’s defense putting a ceiling on how far you can go in the playoffs.”
THIS is some of the most insane, craziest stuff I’ve EVER HEARD. You are NOT a Bucs Fan, DUDE. Cause, NO real true “Bucs Fan” would EVER even think of making such a comment like THIS. There’s NO-WAY. I mean, this is pure LaLa-Land stuff here… it’s from another planet. Just Delusional. The pressure has really started to EXPOSE THEM. Either that, or these people are just TROLLS. Never have I seen ANYTHING LIKE IT.
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:37 pm
The way people are focusing on the salary when it comes to re-signing Mayfield makes it seem that they would be very happy to give him a long-term –say 3-5 year– contract for $25M per year. In other words, they don’t really care about winning as long as it’s cheap. As for Polian, as I implied in an earlier post, he’s loyal to the management side of negotiations and supports his peers against labor’s demands.
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:58 pm
Mac Jones won’t come to the Bucs. He’s learning all he needs to learn from Mike Evans.
Mike knows.
July 2nd, 2026 at 11:58 pm
You don’t know what they offer Mo but I bet it is alot more than 25 mil a year. Is that a joke?
July 3rd, 2026 at 12:03 am
@ Pickgrin – I was going to say that it’s “irrelevant AND I don’t care enough to actually look it up.” LoL But, thennnnnn… IMMEDIATELY, just right off the top of my head, for an example as to WHY it is irrelevant (just one reason of MANY). How Bout “JALON WALKER, JAMES PEARCE JUNIOR, & XAVIER WATTS.” You’d have to go all the way back to only about 7-FULL DRAFTS, to even come up with JUST “TWO-Players” JL has drafted in the same draft, as being anywhere EVEN CLOSE TO “THESE THREEEEEE” right here. See… You are just living inside of some made up make-believe ‘narrative’ that YOU HAVE CREATED, all by yourself. So, LICKT is “averaging” 3-Starters (as ‘rookies) over year, out of EVERY Draft!? Who “starts” on a BAD TEAM!? Number one, I’m NOT buying-it. Number two, I definitely, do NOT believe that “HE” is the only one… OR is best at it. HE IS LAZY and just ‘extends’ HIS OWN. Because, he is not good at ‘signing’ free agents, has no talent, AND the Bucs FO (knows this) has decided on THIS being ‘the way’ they want to run this franchise. It’s because they are WEAK, LAZY, AND CHEAP.
July 3rd, 2026 at 12:46 am
A 4 year deal at 52-54 million is fair and should immediately be done. Guarantee the first 2 and part of the third.
July 3rd, 2026 at 12:51 am
Melvin how many more times do you need to hear that the franchise tag is impossible to use? It would cost us 80 million for one YEAR. It’s not an option, ever. We need to sign Mayfield, and immediately. That is, if we want to be relevant any time in the next 10 years.
July 3rd, 2026 at 1:04 am
I’m glad to see a few people figuring out the dead money cap hit implications of the franchise tag. The implications I mentioned a couple of weeks ago and was told I was dead wrong about.
On Mayfield it’s not financially viable…..On Vea, on the other hand…..only $2.2 million in dead money……
July 3rd, 2026 at 2:37 am
Stpetematt Says:
“It’s not an option, ever. We need to sign Mayfield, and immediately. That is, if we want to be relevant any time in the next 10 years.”
Surely you must be joking. I’m not joking and don’t call me Shirley.
Seriously Floormatt? We aren’t relevant now. Baker is a huge reason why.
2-7 down the stretch, 1-9 in prime time. Faker Suckfield at his finest.
July 3rd, 2026 at 3:00 am
I see less problem giving Baker a longer contract with more guaranteed money than I do with giving Baker crazy money.
Offer Baker a five year deal that extends his contract that includes 2026 through 2030, a salary that adjusts each year to stay at 12% of cap, and incentives that let him hit 15% in increments based upon snap percentage, completion percentage, turnover ratio, post season appearances. and whatever else the Bucs think is important. Guarantee the first two years 100%, and the remaining three years 50%. With the salary cap climbing, without incentives, he would he $50 M around 2027 or 2028, and he would hit $60 M around 2030; sooner for both if he hits the triggers for the incentives.
July 3rd, 2026 at 3:09 am
And, if Baker says, “No”, Mac Jones would be a good place to start for Plan B with Sorsby in the draft as a possible Plan C if the Bucs are satisfied character wise.
Legal gambling, walking crab legs, not hearing the no from the Uber driver – I am maybe least troubled by the legal gambling. And, there is a year ahead to see if Sorsby is more interested in football or gambling. On the field, Sorsby is a decision making quantum computer – more or less – with the build, athleticism, and arm to go with it although he needs to intensively study Baker’s footwork.
July 3rd, 2026 at 3:25 am
I don’t think that Mac Jones is better than Baker. But, Mac Jones is playing for less than $5 M per year with some incentives. If he spends the season riding the bench, that shouldn’t go up much.
In that case, if the Bucs offered Jones 5 years at $10 M per year with incentives that double any year he plays 90% of the snaps and the Bucs appear in the NFC conference title game, would you take it if you were Jones, with 2 years guaranteed at 100% and the other three years at 50%. For Jones, that money would make his career.
And, for the Bucs, if Jones delivers 85% of what Baker would in the same circumstances, the Bucs save a bundle to make the rest of the team better. And, if Jones doesn’t work out, you have only guaranteed about one year of Baker’s money to have rights to Jones for five years.
And, if a Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick works out, you can keep Jones as a somewhat pricey backup, or you can release Jones because the guaranteed money is not to big to walk away from.
And, Jones is just an example. If the Bucs like some other guy who is in the same financial boat, they should go for it.
July 3rd, 2026 at 5:10 am
Jones plays for Shanahan and there in lies the rub. The Bucs need to see what they have at OC and HC before committing to any QB long term. And I agree, term and guarantees are the sticking point in this negotiation.
July 3rd, 2026 at 5:36 am
Looking for a franchise quarterback sucks out loud. Give Mayfield his $52,000,000 a year for 3 and move on. I don’t get the hold up.
July 3rd, 2026 at 6:27 am
Pickgrin – Yes, I am aware of the $30 million being a cap hit for next year, which is the only thing that matters (who cares how much the Glazers are shelling out in actual cash in any given year?). It doesn’t change the fact that Baker, alone, would eat up 25% of the cap in 2027 if he was tagged. He’ll eat up around 10% of the cap if they let him walk.
July 3rd, 2026 at 6:32 am
toopanca said – “if the Bucs offered Jones 5 years at $10 M per year with incentives that double any year he plays 90% of the snaps and the Bucs appear in the NFC conference title game, would you take it if you were Jones, with 2 years guaranteed at 100% and the other three years at 50%. For Jones, that money would make his career.”
Hell No, he wouldn’t take it! He’ll be offered $20-30 million by other teams with probably $50 million guaranteed.
July 3rd, 2026 at 6:45 am
“2-7 down the stretch, 1-9 in prime time.”
One of these days people are going to realize that wins and losses are team stats, not QB stats. Just ask Matt Stafford, who finally is above .500 after playing multiple years with the Rams.
July 3rd, 2026 at 7:05 am
If you don’t get Baker an extension/ new contract Baker will go to FA and move on to another team such as Rams, Vikings, Saints, Falcons. It’s reality. Baker will be forced to play conservatively and protect his health. Bucs would have nothing at the qb position and be forced to trade up in the next draft or overpay for a retread backup for years and here comes another lost decade like a freight train.
There is no other honestly real option but to sign him. All this Mac jones talk is some kind of bad joke. All of the anti Baker crowd just wants him gone but have no real logistical alternative. That is called being hysterical.
July 3rd, 2026 at 7:34 am
Pay the guy.
July 3rd, 2026 at 8:14 am
@Joebucsfans
Just pay Baker and let him Bake. It’s not your or my money anyways.
@MelvinJr
I just hope and pray that it is not a SINGLE PENNY, over a 3-year/$130-$135MIL BASE (with $90-$100MIL guaranteed +incentives for MVP and Super Bowl W/L)
Save your prayers for something that actually matters. If Baker’s asking price is in that range, just get the deal done. Franchise quarterbacks don’t get cheaper, and dragging negotiations usually costs more in the end.
Rinse..Wash…Repeat
♻️
🔥 LFG!
💍 Ring me Already!!
💰 BAKE!!!
July 3rd, 2026 at 9:10 am
I’m conflicted. Mayfield is good but not a superstar. You can win with a good team around him. But he can’t carry a not so good team to a lot of wins like a superstar can. I loved watching Lavonte in his prime, but he wasn’t good last year, linebackers were the team’s weakest link. On paper they’ve upgraded there. So it’s important to have a good QB like Baker now. Some QBs have no drop off in their mid or even late thirties. Can Baker back off trying to show he’s tough by initiating rather than avoiding contact on runs? If not, he’s gonna deteriorate. If I have to guess, it would be that he can’t escape his macho attitude, meaning a three year extension might be a better option than something longer.
July 3rd, 2026 at 10:02 am
Give him 4-5 years, with 2 guaranteed. That’s very little risk to the team, and it gives him a lengthy contract.
Polian is off on this one. Baker will get $53 million more than likely.
Meanwhile, the Bucs can hire Mike Tomlin next year and add his touches to the defense. Nothing but winning seasons from that point on until Tomlin retires.
Also, if Tomlin doesn’t want to keep Baker, he can draft a guy or release Mayfield after 1 year and go after a veteran.
July 3rd, 2026 at 10:48 am
Bucs are already immersed in the Baker Mayfield loaf of bread. They are eating the Baker biscuit. DOH! That sounds bad. But alas . . . . He is a Baker after all.
Since the Bucs are already immersed in the Baker pool might as well go all in. Not to do so would be a mistake one to oft repeated by this franchise. Stability at QB means better chance at long term success. Just need to find a backup QB like every team does just in case.
Sign Baker for a long term deal. No sense in needing to draft a left tackle and a franchise QB in the same draft in a few years.
Make a commitment to Baker and have a better chance of winning or dump Baker and fall into last place perpetually, a-gain.
July 3rd, 2026 at 10:56 am
Wow. Fake Joe’s pulling down a perfectly good non-offensive comment about singing Baker. No curse words, insults or foul language.
Nice Joe’s
July 3rd, 2026 at 11:26 am
@Longseason
Sir..Respectfully..
At this point we’ve already bought the flour, cracked the eggs, and preheated the oven. Might as well bake the cake instead of throwing the batter in the trash. 🎂