Report: “Extensive Talks” Between Bucs And Baker Mayfield; Sides Not Close
July 18th, 2026
Ian Rapoport is one of the NFL super-insider reporters. And it certainly helps him to work for NFL Network, which is partly owned by the league itself.
Joe knows Rapoport’s calls and texts for information get answered, and Joe suspects Rapoport is not offering romantic getaways and poolside time for information.
So Joe has to share what Rapoport said yesterday on The Insiders show on NFL Network. Speaking about the Baker Mayfield contract extension, Rapoport did not sound optimistic.
“They have had extensive talks. It does not feel to me like they are close. And this deadline is coming,” Rapoport said.
The “deadline?” Baker Mayfield said weeks ago he’s not negotiating once training camp begins. That’s in 11 short days.
Mayfield’s three-year contract expires after this season.
Per Rapoport, 12 NFL quarterbacks have contracts averaging $50 million or more per season, and Mayfield wants to join that club.
July 18th, 2026 at 2:08 am
Im at the point where I think he should just play and lets see how the season goes if hes asking for too much. Jason is being smart about this, because think about it….this could be Todds last year if he performs bad. So another new coach will want his own coordinators and assistants….or maybe our OC gets promoted to that role if he does very well but the D doesnt. In that case, Baker gets some continuity and we have a HC/OC dual hatting situation. OR the whole thing is blown up, new HC and everything and that guy will probably want his own QB. This way we’re not stuck in bad cap area…..
OR we’re gambling, holding 19 and the house hits 20 if Todd and Baker takes us deep into the playoffs….in that case, Bake will hit the 60+ mill club.
July 18th, 2026 at 5:39 am
Joe I’m not sure after what Edmonds said about what I knew Brady did not taking more money. That’s something though to have put in Bakers mind and would be nice for him to come back down a little, maybe 🤔
July 18th, 2026 at 6:12 am
Get the deal done Buc’s!
July 18th, 2026 at 6:46 am
The ONLY reason Brady took less money was he had ALREADY made his high contract and wanted 2 end his timewithgronk in tb…NO MORE OF BAKERACCEPTING LESS. PAY THEMAN!!!!!!!!!!¡!!!
Hey Joe, where’s morning cuppa joe..?????? Not here on weekends. –Joe
July 18th, 2026 at 6:48 am
Yeah $50mil a season sounds right. Get it done.
July 18th, 2026 at 6:59 am
It’s hard for me to believe the two sides are so far apart. Well I believe it, but it doesn’t make sense. The market it was it is, meaning Baker should be in the 50, to 60 mill a year range. I also know there are QBs in the league like Tua who are being paid but aren’t even with their teams anymore. This is the going rate for QBs, but it doesn’t mean you have to pay it. My mom would say, just because your friends want to jump off a bridge doesn’t mean you have to. Don’t jump off that bridge Jason.
July 18th, 2026 at 6:59 am
Sorry Joe. 4got it’s Saturday!!!!!
July 18th, 2026 at 7:01 am
🤣🤣🤣
They’re going to stay far apart. Some of yall really don’t know how much $50 million is. And how signing a player at that amount he needs to be top 5 at his position and Bake aint close to that. One player soaking up 15%+ of the cap almost assures that your team won’t win a chip. You make it harder on yourself to improve the team or move on due to poor play.
The Bucs offered him what he’s worth but he wants Josh Allen pay and it won’t happen. All the good articles, commercials, TV shows and positive media segments don’t win games. He’ll have to play it out this season, because he chooses not take the deal to be on the team he loves. Such a leader and team player he is.
July 18th, 2026 at 7:06 am
The money is just crazy – $50m per year. No tears for any of these guys.
July 18th, 2026 at 7:12 am
Only 3 of the top 8 paid QB’s in the NFL made the playoffs last year- and none of them made Conference Championship Games
July 18th, 2026 at 7:14 am
Need to say again, stop thinking about a 2027 contract in terms of 2023 money.
Five years ago we wouldn’t think we would pay as much as we do at McDonald’s. Things change fast.
The question is will he reset the market. Nope, and I am sure he knows that. He is just fortunate to have it be his turn now. Deserve has nothing to do with it. See Dak for proof of that. And it’s not a dig on him, he is a quality qb. Does he “deserve” his ranking in terms of salary? Of course not.
July 18th, 2026 at 7:24 am
Bee, both are playing some “TEXAS HOLD-EM” and the real cards are in the hands of the Bucs! From college to the NFL, Baker has gambled on himself transferring to OU, asking for a release from the Panthers and signing a the cheap contract with the Bucs. He sees the rabbit with one more foot! Baker doesn’t sign and lands in top five of NFC Quarterbacks, Bucs lose, not money but Baker. On the other hand, repeat of 2025 rears its ugly head, Baker is gone by mid-season and the Bucs move on. Some happy fans and some how did that happen fans. Realistic, time will expose the outcome.
July 18th, 2026 at 7:29 am
At this point I’d like to see a series of 1 year contracts into perpetuity. A QB getting a career-ending injury is fairly rare
July 18th, 2026 at 7:30 am
The defense will probably be decent this year in spite of Bowles – not because of him. The offense will probably put up a bunch of points because of Zac Robinson and no ME13 (no pressure to force feed him the ball). If those two things happen, expect the Bucs to pick somewhere around 20-25 in the upcoming draft. That is way out of range for a franchise QB. Lock Baker up now and spend the next couple of years trying to find his successor.
July 18th, 2026 at 7:48 am
Everyone is assuming it’s the money, but I believe it has more to do with the length of the contract. Baker is looking for a last stop deal not a short or prove it deal.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:06 am
Soooo,
When I said 5 months ago- that Baker Mayfield was going to leave the Bucs,
No one believed me.
Starting to believe me now?
Money still talks, but I believe he watched the pathetic Defense. Then saw Evans go. Leaving him with a Shaking WR corp.
Then saw Licht is gonna wait two or 3 years, to see if Bane answers the pass rusher issue- that Licht he should have addressed 3 seasons ago.
LBers- Horrible. Secondary. Bad and inexperienced. No Oline depth.
Baker proved he is really Smart, and decided to go to a team trying to win.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:07 am
Bucnjim, you may just be 100% correct on that.
Time for another Be Honest With Yourself thought exercise. We let Baker walk next year and he goes to Atlanta. We start….um…..Kyler Murray for 45 million a year because had a decent year in Minnesota while the qb we took at 17 or the top of the second round is groomed.
Who has a better 5 year outlook, the Bucs or the Falcons?
July 18th, 2026 at 8:18 am
You know you’re going to pay him. Do it now so we can start looking at a salary for a coach.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Glad JL is the GM and not some of these idiot poster who want to sign Baker at any cost.
JL is being smart and offering a deal that doesn’t restrict the team going forward and probably includes some ways “out” in the future.
Baker wants to be paid like a top 5 QB, which he hasn’t proven to be. Fun guy. Good leader. Makes some amazing plays. Inconsistent. Hasn’t been able to win big games.
Lot to like w Baker. Lot to be concerned with as well.
No reason for JL to panic and set this franchise back should Baker play more like 2nd half of last year or get hurt.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:25 am
What many don’t know about bakers time in Cleveland and why Browns traded him is that baker didn’t sign a long term contract with the browns when he had the chance. Just like today, baker was trying to get a mega deal equal to a top 5 qb! Then baker gets hurt and struggles and browns became concerned about giving him a large contract for an injury prone player. At the end of the day, the browns moving on from baker was not their mistake. It was deciding that Watson should be his replacement
July 18th, 2026 at 8:30 am
This is fun. “Baker wants a top 5 mega-deal”
How in F do you know what he’s asking for? And I can be wrong, but I don’t see anyone saying he should get a top 5 contract.
And when we get the news that Baker agreed to a Not Top 5 contract, the message will be “Ha, JL humbled him”. Again, like anyone here has any freaking clue as to the contract talks happening at One Buc.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:42 am
My prediction:
The Bucs go 7-10.
The Bucs will be 3rd in the NFC South.
Todd Bowles will be fired.
Baker Mayfield will have another mediocre season and will be allowed to move on.
The Bucs will hire the OC of one of the 2 SB teams or something similar.
The Bucs will attempt to find a new young QB in this years draft.
CASE CLOSED.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:45 am
And BTW…
Our GM is on thin ice.
One more QB mistake and he will need to go as well.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:51 am
Great News! Don’t sign him, he’s not worth 50 mil, no way no how, let him walk and draft a qb next year…. Let’s Go Bucs!!!
July 18th, 2026 at 8:57 am
We’ll get a GREAT QB with the#15 pick, can’t wait
July 18th, 2026 at 8:58 am
Hooray, let’s get the next Will Levis!
July 18th, 2026 at 8:59 am
Tom Brady resorting to scripted slap drama with Jake Paul is disgraceful.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:02 am
Agree, I think it is the length.Baker is going to get 50 mill, that is a given according to the market. Baker likely wants a longer contract, the Bucs are known for short. Ask ME.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:03 am
@ beeeeeej
Is it at all possible that the Bucs are able to move up in the draft to get a solid QB prospect?
Has that ever happened in the history of the NFL?
Come on junior… Get with it buddy boy.
This team is going nowhere with the current HC and QB.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:06 am
You can tag him for 2 years then let him walk , he will still get top 5 qb money for 2 years and Bucs aren’t stuck with long-term deal….
July 18th, 2026 at 9:11 am
@ beeeeej
Let’s not forget:
P. Mahomes – pick #10
Josh Allen – pick #7
AAron Rodgers – pick #24
Tom Brady – pick #199
Please spare me the whole narrative “we are stuck with a giant BM”
No – we are NOT!!!!!!
July 18th, 2026 at 9:12 am
Bee knows everything and us all know nothing! He knows what Baker’s worth and he knows the Bucs offered him what he’s worth and that he turned it down. He knows Baker wants Josh Allen type money and terms. He also knows that to be paid 50 million a year a qb has to be top 5 even though there are already many qb’s outside the top 5 making that money. Bee the insider! Maybe the Joe’s should consult Bee for their inside info.😂😂😂
July 18th, 2026 at 9:13 am
The QB ME13 left to play with over more money with Baker?
B. Purdy – pick #262!
Please spare me the Will Levis BS.
I love you guys but you are so narrow minded it makes me poop.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:27 am
“Bee knows everything and us all know nothing!”
Oscar, thank you for making sense. This is the smartest comment I’ve seen in a while.
Look, the speculation for me all part of the fun. I’m guessing just like everyone else. Think about it, no team in the league is offering Bake a long, lucrative contract that he wants or we would’ve heard about it. He’s so valuable no team wants to trade for him. If hes offered, let’s say, $45 mil per season for 2 years from the Bucs, why not take that? Why do you need more years after making over $100 million?
He’s selfish and greedy, and as a commenter above pointed out, he did the same thing with Cleveland and they released him. He’ll bet on himself and lose because he’s always loses no matter what the circumstances are…that cant be debated.
Look, if the Bucs really wanted Bake they’d overpay like they wanted to with Mike.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:29 am
Baker will move on and the Bucs will receive ZERO in compensation. JL will remain. Gaaak.
July 18th, 2026 at 9:40 am
@ Bad
Yep.
Sounds about right… lol.
July 18th, 2026 at 10:13 am
Baker deserves and will get 50M+ per year. He is inside the top 10 QBs in the league, borderline reaching the top 5. He’s easily the best QB in NFC-S by a wide margin. That’s 50+M territory. The only matter up for negotiation should be the length of contract…imo 4 years with an option 5th is reasonable.
July 18th, 2026 at 10:15 am
Bucs are being smart. You don’t want to sign a QB to a long term extension when you have a draft coach walking and maybe a dead GM walking too. New coach and GM are gonna want to choose their own QB
July 18th, 2026 at 10:16 am
*dead coach
July 18th, 2026 at 10:32 am
It’s business. I’m sure there’s a lot going on that we have no clue. On the surface 50 million a year is fair market value imo. Thing is, it’s not my money. I would hope the two sides come to an agreement. Time will tell
July 18th, 2026 at 11:37 am
Y’all saying Bucs will get nothing if Baker “walks” without a contract…
Bucs have ALL the control here…
Did everyone forget:
1) Exclusive or Non-Exclusive franchise tags??
2) Transition tags
Bucs could control this for the 2027 & 2028 seasons if they so wanted to and use the tags…..
Licht is being very smart in not giving in to these ridiculous contracts if. See is demanding top 5 money…Baker has lost his damn mind if that’s what he’s doing. We don’t actually know…
Everyone be patient. We’ll be ok at QB. If not Baker then we’ll draft someone new…
In my view, Bucs need to focus on defense here.
Need to work on resigning Vea as a priority..
July 18th, 2026 at 11:41 am
Sign Baler for 53-55 AAV and call it a day. Say 4 years, maybe 5 would be smarter if we want to save maximum money.
July 18th, 2026 at 11:42 am
49/51/52/55/57 with at least 3 years guaranteed.
July 18th, 2026 at 11:47 am
We cannot use franchise or transition tags or Baker will cost 80 million in 2027. That’s due to dead money left over from his contract. So we *must* sign him or waste 30 million dollars on nothing.
July 18th, 2026 at 11:57 am
It is a 8 or 9 quarterbacks coming out the draft you do not have to over pay a quarterback that’s 2-9 in prime times games and have choked in every meaningful game when the game is on the line we with the ball in his hands to win it or tie the game up . Baker needs to go to a team that’s ready to win a superbowl so he can just mange the game. Baker can’t elevate players around him .
July 18th, 2026 at 12:42 pm
Joe’s, Baker has a dead cap of $30 mill next year. If we “TAG” him will that dead cap hit be added to the franchise tag? If so, we cannot tag him because that would turn into $80 mill….correct? The Bucs are NOT holding all the cards in that case. Ugh.
-David
July 18th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
This is such great news.
It means our favorite team understands exactly what mayfield is and what he isn’t and isn’t going to cripple itself with something profoundly stupid.
Give him 4 years that is actually two 2 year deals with the first two guaranteed at whatever annual value makes him feel like he’s 2 inches taller as long as it’s capped at two guaranteed years.
July 18th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
I think negotiating the new contract is in the best interest of both sides. Baker likes to bet on himself and this is his chance to prove who the real baker is. The Bucs will get Bakers best work as he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder. The Bucs will also have the franchise safety valve.
July 18th, 2026 at 2:50 pm
Would someone please explain this “dead cap” thing. If he plays out his contract, why would there be anything left to hit a future year?
July 18th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
I wish people would not keep arguing that no other teams are making offers to Baker. There’s a word for that: tampering.
July 18th, 2026 at 3:27 pm
10 of those 12, were ALL ‘DRAFTED” by their current teams… The other two (the big Goff and Stafford swap), were both traded for one another. While, Stafford just NOW for the ‘first-time’ in HIS career, has joined the $50M club. Love and Lawrence were both paid for THEIR potential “UPSIDES,” do to THEIR AGE… Since, neither team even knew WHAT they had, after having such a ridiculously small ‘sample size’ to fairly evaluate them. They couldn’t just walk-away at that point, and completely ‘give-up’ on them… NOT that soon.
The TALENT (size, high ‘high-ceiling’) was all there, and so obvious to see. They just had to ‘bite the bullet’ and PAY. They had no other choice. NO-WAY could they RISK having them both become fricking ‘SUPERSTARS’ for ANOTHER TEAM. Right after “THEY” had just drafted them, too! AND, then failed to extend them on their “2nd Contract,” without even giving them a real chance. Hell, Love was FORCED to have to sit and wait behind Aaron Rodgers for a couple of seasons. While, Lawrence had a disastrous start with a ‘franchise’ completely in the TOILET, and then having to go through that whole entire Urban Meyer ordeal. Both, have battled injuries.
But, NONE of this has ANY relevance to the 32-YEAR OLD (when the contract would begin) Baker Freaking Mayfield, fresh off a DISASTROUS 2-7 finish to this past season, and who has never actually DONE ANYTHING throughout his 8-FULL SEASONS in the league.
July 18th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Fun player; exciting to watch. Hasn’t shown to be clutch enough to be anything but a bad aid to the position. Sorry fanboys
July 18th, 2026 at 3:52 pm
Oh boy, here comes ms. melvin with novels upon novels….
July 18th, 2026 at 4:31 pm
@ Bee Says: “signing a player at that amount he needs to be top 5 at his position and Bake aint close to that. One player soaking up 15%+ of the cap almost assures that your team won’t win a chip. You make it harder on yourself to improve the team.”
Bee is on the money once again. And, we’re not even taking into consideration, the ‘number’ of YEARS. Yes, he must be able to carry a team on HIS BACK, if he’s going to eve eating up THAT MUCH of your team’s cap. And, the ‘undersized’ Mayfield, cannot… HE has already shown and PROVEN that much. It’s just really that simple and cut and dry. He is NOT “that guy!” He’s not big enough, strong enough, smart enough, focused enough, healthy and young enough, under control enough, consistent enough, ‘Elite’ enough, or even good enough. Just NOT ENOUGH. Not to overcome all his ‘deficiencies’ (and there are many). So, WHY would any real “Bucs Fan” EVER want (and demand) that “THEIR TEAM” make such a dumb risky move like that… Giving ‘TOP-of-the-market money’ LONGTERM, and committing to any such a player!? 32-YEAR OLD Quarterbacks, do NOT get true 4-5 YEAR DEALS LONGTERM, like that. And, there are very good reasons for why THEY DON’T. I am more than confident that the deal the Bucs have already OFFERED, is way more than FAIR for everyone. Baker is only being unrealistic and GREEDY. The Bucs FO must hold the line. It is a VERY cut & dry situation… Take-it, or leave-it. It’s just not that hard. Take a look at WHO was Quarterbacking last season’s “Playoff Teams!” Just look and see how far they all ADVANCED in each round (hell, Jayden Daniels reached the NFC Title Game as a ‘rookie’ just the season before). This $50-MILLION mark does NOT guarantee any type of success, whatsoever. So, you better make damn well SURE that HE is “HIM” FIRST… And, that’s NOT BAKER.
July 18th, 2026 at 5:09 pm
@ Drunk Bucs – Dak played “the game” – And, HE WON. It was definitely NOT pretty, either… It was a VERY loooong dragged-out ordeal, lasting well over 2-YEARS. Seemingly, never ending. I was soooo SICK and TIRED of having to hear about friggin DAK… Literally, all day long. EVERY freaking day. Until, NO END. For OVER 2-YEARS. But, DAK Played ON The “Franchise Tag.” And, THEN was “Tagged” once AGAIN, even for a second-time. JERRY screwed that one up MISERABLY. Dak ended up with all the LEVERAGE. He backed Jerry into a corner.
The Cowboys found themselves in a situation, where they only had about $5-MILLION of available cap space remaining for that upcoming season… SO, they had no other ‘CHOICE’ BUT to finally, have to extend Dak. With all that said, though… DAK is a much bigger, stronger, faster, a more powerful ATHLETE, than BAKER. He is a much more focused, poised, under control, consistent, accurate, and BETTER Quarterback than BAKER. And, it’s not even really all that CLOSE, either… All ya gotta do is JUST LOOK. It’s very obvious and easy to see.
July 18th, 2026 at 5:25 pm
Captain Smith LITERALLY SAYS: “Baker proved he is really Smart, and decided to go to a team trying to win.”
I’m wondering IF he even knows just how stupid and outside of actual REALITY, his comment is!? Hahahahahahahahhhh. It is 💯 DELUSIONAL. Is just on a completely different PLANET. It doesn’t make ANY sense. And, no matter how, or in which way you want to look at it!!!!
July 18th, 2026 at 5:35 pm
Tom – you are absolutely correct about that. He did have a chance. ALL he had to do was JUST BE ‘reasonable’ and REALISTIC, by signing somewhere in the middle. Which was 💯 FAIR. I remember Dan Patrick screaming it EVERY single morning, during that time. It only made the MOST SENSE (for everyone). BUT, Baker’s own “EGO” (short/little man’s disease) would not allow it… He felt that “HE” was ENTITLED. And, was just being too GREEDY.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
The guy down the hall makes $50M a year and we have the same job title – that’s basically Baker’s case here. But many of here are repulsed by these contract numbers. A million a week even in the offseason is stupid. Not Baker’s fault but the NFL is past its peak.
July 18th, 2026 at 8:41 pm
Looks like Baker got prove it again after last year
July 18th, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Anywhere but the bucs baker you suck and nothing will change if you believe he can win you are dumb to
July 18th, 2026 at 9:45 pm
I see Baker as a transitional QB. He’s good enough in a bad division with a HC that could and probably should lose his job soon.
Good enough to play the position and not be horrible. But not clutch in the big moments.
Hopefully we draft a QB in 2027. Learning what not to do behind Baker is not a bad way to start your career.
Then take over once reality finally sets in.
July 19th, 2026 at 1:02 am
Drafting a Quarterback in year-1 of a complete roster overhaul, and total tear down ‘rebuild’ is NOT what you want to do. It’s a TOTAL WASTE. You risk ruining your future ‘franchise’ QB, by putting him in an ‘impossible’ position, with a depleted roster, and a BAD TEAM. Also, the very last thing you want to do is WASTE even a ‘single’ SEASON of his ‘rookie-level’ deal, while you have him on the CHEAP. And, more than likely, it’s probably going to be a lot more like 2-full seasons, at the very LEAST. You sign a “BRIDGE” and try to clear up as much ‘available’ cap space as humanly POSSIBLE. You LOAD UP through this ‘all-time’ LOADED 2027 Draft Class. And, you’re TANKING in 2027 anyway… So, it doesn’t even matter WHO your “Quarterback” is. It is totally, IRRELEVANT. Then, you start using a little bit of your cap space in the 2028 “Free Agency Period,” but SMARTLY. You pick your spots… Nothing crazy! There is no reason to get carried away. But, you start looking to make your ‘highly-calculated’ move (should still have plenty of draft capital still remaining, that you could use), by DRAFTING your QB in 2029 (unless, your “bridge” was a great fit with your new YOUNG STUD Head Coach)… Then, at THAT POINT, you begin to LOAD TF UP during the 2029 “Free Agency Period.” And, you’ve got a STACKED ROSTER, with a young stud QB on the CHEAP, with a fresh full 5-YEARS LEFT on his ‘rookie’ contract. It’s OFF to the races then, Bucs Fans.
July 19th, 2026 at 6:41 am
Ha, spare me the Will Levis talk. Here are five lottery scratchers that prove my point.
July 19th, 2026 at 7:45 am
For the people who think 50 million is top 5 QB money. Go look at contract.
That’s becoming top 15 money. Baker for this team and fit is worth
Top 15 money. The market is the market, and plenty of teams would pay him.
Look at what Miami just paid Wiilis. A guy who proved ha wasn’t a starter,
Then had a game and a few quarters of good play in Greenbay.
July 19th, 2026 at 8:51 am
I don’t know if some of yall are trolling or just did not experienced the ineptitude at QB in Tampa prior to Brady. Baker not worth $50m? Other contracts are setting the rate and the fact is Baker is third in yards the last 3 years and second in TD’s. He is second in INT total skewed by 2024 with 16 but he also threw 41 TD’s that year. For INT% he is not even top half (or bottom depending on how you look at it). He’s a team guy, plays hard, runs well when required, and is a fun media guy to boot. Are you not entertained!?! Pay the man!
July 19th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
Mayfield will join the $50m club.
July 19th, 2026 at 2:38 pm
If Baker gets the $50 million– he deserves mind u….at rhe end of his contract, guys will be resetting the market and making like $70+ per year, and it will seem like a deal!! PAY DAT MAN, PAY HIM HIS MONIES
July 19th, 2026 at 3:04 pm
Bucco2 sounds like a reasonable person. The anti-Mayfield people come off as unhappy, angry folks who get off on tearing others down. Since they cannot substantiate their position through stats (Mayfield is indeed elite according to the stats of the last three years) and his playoff game rating of 105.9 is among the best in the NFL, they resort to saying “he ain’t the guy” or “he always chokes ” when the game is on the line. Fortunately, Licht knows how good Baker is.
July 19th, 2026 at 4:09 pm
People shouldn’t just be unhappy, they should be outraged how the second half of the season ended. Maybe the biggest choke job in franchise history.
Why should anyone be happy how last season ended after the bye?