“It’s Going To Take Some Financial Concessions For Tampa To Get This Done”
July 27th, 2026
Update.
As always, Joe is trying to read between the lines of what is reported.
Those who read between the lines accurately often find the truth within well-crafted words and phrases to protect both the innocent and their pipelines to teams.
Listening yesterday to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN break down where things stand with the Bucs trying to ink Baker Mayfield before Mayfield’s self-imposed deadline of Wednesday, Fowler said Mayfield’s deadline is “sort of artificial.” That means Mayfield isn’t going to shut down negotiations on Wednesday. He’ll likely flip the switch in his head to football 24/7 and leave the heavy lifting contract talk to his agent.
This is sort of what Joe said the minute Mayfield announced a deadline seven weeks ago.
Albert Breer of SI.com concurred. The Bucs, as Breer pointed out, have a recent history of extending top players during training camp. If the Bucs offer Mayfield what he wants, are we really to believe Mayfield will say, “Hell no! I told you the deadline was the start of training camp! What is your major malfunction?”
Of course Mayfield won’t do that. So as Fowler seemed to suggest, the Wednesday deadline is a soft deadline. But to hear Fowler, it sounds like it is the Bucs who have a lot of ground to make up to reach what Mayfield would agree is a fair deal.
“Time is of the essence because the Bucs veterans report on Tuesday,” Fowler said. “Baker Mayfield is on record that he wants a new deal by training camp.
“Now, if they don’t get it done, it’s sort of an artificial deadline. Maybe they can keep working at it. So the Bucs need to make some progress here.
“They want to try to get something done. They are optimistic, but they’re going to have their limits. They probably won’t give him everything he wants.”
What does Mayfield want? Fowler has been pretty consistent.
“The market is 11 different quarterbacks make at least $50 million dollars a year,” Fowler said. “Mayfield feels like he’s outplayed some of those players.
“He’s got proof of concept in Tampa after three years, so it’s going to take some financial concessions for Tampa to get this done.”
Joe believes that fair and Joe would not be shocked if, sometime before the Bucs take off for New Jersey for joint practices against the Jets, the Bucs have a special announcement to make.
If they don’t, Joe is still confident Mayfield will be your Bucs starting quarterback in 2027.
-Gonzalez and the corner market
-Diggs’ free agency
-Baker and Bucs on the clock @SportsCenter with @RandyScottESPN and @KeianaMartinTV pic.twitter.com/VDHc7oDznq— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 26, 2026
July 27th, 2026 at 4:22 am
4/52
July 27th, 2026 at 4:34 am
We probably could’ve went 2-7 down the stretch with Baze at QB. We know Baker is going to report, and play without a new deal. What about Vea?
July 27th, 2026 at 5:38 am
If Rod Munch and Big Dave are correct about Baker and how he’s to blame for every Bucs loss since 1976, he’ll easily be replaced by Kyle Trask. With the dreaded Baker out of the building, the wonderful coach Todd Bowles will be able to win every game with his stout defense and superb game management.
July 27th, 2026 at 6:47 am
What’s the name of our backup QB? Pay Baker and let’s get on down the road.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:08 am
Odd thing about the back up qb is he was pretty darn good (for a backnup) taking over for Burrow a couple years ago, then turned into a pumpkin last year.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:10 am
“The market is 11 different quarterbacks make at least $50 million dollars a year,” Fowler said. “Mayfield feels like he’s outplayed some of those players.
“He’s got proof of concept in Tampa after three years, so it’s going to take some financial concessions for Tampa to get this done.”
Name the QBs he outplayed sir, don’t be shy. And wtf does “proof of concept” mean? More empty talk and vagueness. There is no rush, hes under contract and Bake won’t holdout and lose $40 million. If the Bucs play with a backup QB this season that’d be great so we could really tank and get a new GM, HC and QB next season.
How