Ross Tucker: Money Is Not Motivation For Offers Below Baker Mayfield’s Target
July 31st, 2026
High-stakes gamble?
This isn’t exactly a novel concept, but Joe thought it was cool that a Princeton product and former NFL offensive lineman is reading the tea leaves like this.
Ross Tucker, who may have the best series of football podcasts on the interwebs, doesn’t think the Bucs’ alleged low-ball offers to Mayfield were strictly because of dollars and cents.
More like sense, Tucker believes.
Tucker is pretty convinced the Bucs have set up an elaborate ruse to make it look like they low-balled Mayfield, knowing it would enrage Mayfield.
And what does a p!ssed off Mayfield do? He plays his ass off on Sundays.
“I think they’re doing it because I believe the Bucs think that Baker Mayfield plays his best football when he bets on himself, when he’s up against and has the pressure like he had at Texas Tech, Oklahoma in the NFL with the Bucs,” Tucker said. “I think the Bucs kind of think this is their best way to get the most out of him this season, and they’ll face the consequences after the year if they have to.”
Joe thinks it’s cool that a former NFL guy and an Ivy League grad would think an NFL team would go to this length to motivate its quarterback. You know, risk Mayfield giving the Bucs the finger after his contract expires in March (provided the Bucs don’t franchise him).
Joe had been 98 percent confident that Mayfield, by hook or crook, would be your Bucs starting quarterback in 2027.
After yesterday’s drama? Joe’s confidence took a hit.
“I believe the Bucs think that Baker Mayfield plays his BEST football when he BETS on himself…”
“I think the Bucs kind of think this is their best way to get the most out of him this season, and they'll face the consequences after the year if they have to.”@RossTuckerNFL… pic.twitter.com/zK8A0rNXk8
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) July 29, 2026
July 31st, 2026 at 7:06 am
Had the Glaizer family done the correct thing and given Cohen the HC job and “mutually” parted with Bowels, then Baker would have been extended last year most likely.
I love this team but that move set this franchise back many years and I’m still mad about it.
It’s not like he was a coach we tried to get here, he was in the building and had the offense humming! Look what he did for Jacksonville. We have more talent than that!
Still don’t know why Bowels is here and can’t wait until he’s fired. He’s Jeff Fisher 2.0
Let’s Go Bucs!
July 31st, 2026 at 7:14 am
I’m calling bull speculation, no different than posters here.
IF the Glazers are playing games and that is what the above scenario lays out, that is insulting to Baker and every player on this team or considering signing here.
Some is ROTTEN in the Glazers suite .
July 31st, 2026 at 7:19 am
They aren’t playing games, they are forcing Bowles to produce or be replaced; leaving the QB position open to be filled by the possible incoming coach. Its a good strategy
July 31st, 2026 at 7:24 am
He could be right, and it might even work, but that’s playing with fire.
July 31st, 2026 at 7:32 am
the Franchise Tag is the best leverage the Bucs have for the next couple of years.
R E L A X
July 31st, 2026 at 7:36 am
You don’t play with people. This is Mayfield’s last season with the Bucs, mark my words. The relationship is over. He’ll play this out to get a bag from another team. JL has lost his mind. In less than a year Evans walked away, Dean walked away, Vea will walk away, and Mayfield will walk away. THAT is horrific management.
July 31st, 2026 at 7:37 am
“And what does a p!ssed off Mayfield do? He plays his ass off on Sundays.”
Playing your ass off, doesn’t mean you’re paying well, just means you’re trying really hard. Shouldn’t need to be angry to want to be good at what you’re doing, this is real life Bruce Banner doesn’t exist and neither does this mystic notion that being upset makes Baker Mayfield a better QB, it’s a made up thing.
Even if it were, imagine being easy enough to read to where you can be manipulated emotionally into doing something you’d otherwise not be as motivated to do(?).
July 31st, 2026 at 7:38 am
All negotiating tactics by both parties. The Bucs aren’t going to start with $50 million a year. Especially when that is basically the market value of the top 15 QBs. The length of the contract is a little short considering that they feel he is a franchise QB, but again if they are willing to go up to 4 years, they wouldn’t begin negotiating with a 4-year contract. If Mayfield and Vea both want to be here this will get done.
July 31st, 2026 at 7:39 am
@STL: I’m no Jeff Fisher fan. In fact, I’m neither here nor there with him. But you really elevated Bowles with that comparison. Bowles is more like a Pee Wee football coach that only knows how to “run the ball to the right and…oh yea…then run the ball to the left.” Genius.
July 31st, 2026 at 7:39 am
Hey!
Think of it as you in your job and workplace!
July 31st, 2026 at 7:39 am
The problem with the franchise tag scenario is the following:
The only way Todd Bowles stays is the Bucs have a successful season.
This means Baker had a good year.
If I were Baker in this scenario I would think F***your tag.
Or
Todd is fired
New coach
Is a new coach signing on to a tag for Baker? How is that interview going to go? You aren’t telling a prime candidate who his qb will be. And if you do say we’re tagging Baker, you get a lower level candidate who doesn’t have the gravitas to call his shots.
Not as easy as “Just tag him” when we are in coaching hot seat hell
July 31st, 2026 at 7:44 am
@ warrin
“Playing your ass off, doesn’t mean you’re paying well, just means you’re trying really hard.”
Believe it or not – I agree with you on this…
The “Moxy” BS is over-rated.
I’d rather BM learns to slide better over lowering his shoulder like a fullback in order to over-compensate for his shortcomings as an NFL QB.
I’m fine with BM playing out his current deal.
Are the Bucs really “gambling” if they are already planning to move on from BM next season?
July 31st, 2026 at 7:48 am
“Playing your ass off, doesn’t mean you’re paying well, just means you’re trying really hard.”
Believe it or not – I agree with you on this…”
Dude, I don’t care lol
July 31st, 2026 at 7:50 am
If this is true the strategy is problematic past ‘26 even if it works.
Not only will it cost you more in the long run, but you’re admitting that you have to employ this strategy.
If you really feel that this is the best way to motivate the most important player on your biggest asset….he shouldn’t be the guy long term.
July 31st, 2026 at 7:54 am
@ warrin
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
July 31st, 2026 at 8:02 am
@Marine
You ever see the DeNiro & Snipes movie “The Fan”?
I guess I’ll be your Bobby Rayburn, sweet pea
July 31st, 2026 at 8:09 am
@ warrin
Are you still upset at me because Vita Vea is a NT and not a DE?
Don’t be mad.
I’m not like the other men…
July 31st, 2026 at 8:11 am
Warrin is still upset because Vea is a NT and NOT a DE…
Sorry buddy.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:11 am
Unpopular opinion probably but I was in Bakers corner till yesterday
He just doesn’t have the clout to act like this-50+ mil qbs don’t go 2-7 losing to the weakest opponents on the schedule
If JL had the guts the most pragmatic idea is shipping Vea for a 2 (including a 4 from us if need be) and being ready to sit Baker if the season goes south and play your rookie Jaylen Daniels down the stretch – admit you’re firing Todd after the season and be ready to trade your 1/both 2s etc to move up for the QB the next offensive coach wants to work with from this draft
Just knowing the Bowles era is ending would put butts in seats down the stretch
July 31st, 2026 at 8:14 am
when baker plays pissed, he plays reckless lol…
and when he plays reckless, he gets injured….
and when he gets injured, he refuses to come out of the game…
and when he refuses to come out, he throws 4th quarter INTs…
been saying it all offseason, baker still has A LOT to prove!!!!…glad the glazers are humbling him and making him earn it!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
July 31st, 2026 at 8:18 am
@ warrin
No.
I’m not a big DeQuerro fan anymore.
Tell me about the movie though.
It’s sounds “amazing”. lol.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:25 am
@Marine
**Spoiler Alert**
Bobby Rayburn is the established baseball player and your role as DeNiros’ character is the deranged fan that acts if he & Rayburn are best buds lol
Think “Misery” with a sports backdrop and undertones
You’re Kathy Bates and I’m James Caan lol
July 31st, 2026 at 8:26 am
813 just described the rinse and repeat game of Bake. Wait until that 1st Atl game and Bake will probably spontaneously combust when asked about Stefanski. Buckle up Baker fans, you’re gonna be fighting for your life in the comment sections all season defending his slop playstyle.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:27 am
RedZone. Unpopular opinion? You bet it’s an unpopular opinion. It’s so unpopular that you’re the only one who holds it.
Are you saying we should tank for the draft? Yes, you are.
That kind of BS opinion is, and should be, met with scorn by anyone who has a sliver of a link to the game of football. Shows a lack of respect and integrity for the game and has no place in the debate.
I’m positive with your attitude, Baker Mayfield wouldn’t want you in his corner. Or anywhere near him or his teammates. Go fly a kite.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:32 am
RedZone. Unpopular opinion? Probably? You’re suggesting tanking the season and say you were in Baker’s corner?
You’re a disgrace to the integrity of the game of football and I’m positive Baker and the team would want you nowhere near their corner. Go fly a kite, halfwit.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:38 am
So you disagree?
July 31st, 2026 at 8:38 am
2027 Bucs QB Geno Smith or Jacobi Brissett,,, 2027 Houston Texans QB Baker ,,
I can’t wait till he gets to play with a Defense that can win a few extra games.
2027 Record Bucs 6-11, 2027 Texans Record 15-5 (yes that includes playoffs)
July 31st, 2026 at 8:39 am
@ warrin
LOL!
Awesome.
Let’s schedule a viewing…
What is your address?
Tee-hee.
I prefer the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”.
Maybe we can watch both?
July 31st, 2026 at 8:42 am
@ Light
I agree.
6 or 7 wins sounds about right to me…
Then we can sing that beloved song again “It’s a new day in Tampa Bay!” – after they fire everyone in the building at 1 Buc.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:47 am
Cardiac kidz Says:
July 31st, 2026 at 7:19 am
They aren’t playing games, they are forcing Bowles to produce or be replaced; leaving the QB position open to be filled by the possible incoming coach. Its a good strategy
________________
I think this is where I’ve landed. Problem is, what if the new coach wants Baker? Now you’re stuck dealing with a pissed off guy that likes to stick it to the people he’s pissed off at.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:56 am
I’m not sure if I embrace this thinking of pissing off Baker is real or not. He will get paid. Don’t just chase the Money, chase the legacy of a Tom Brady, Joe Montana ant others greats. That legacy has outlived the Money.
July 31st, 2026 at 8:59 am
“You’re a disgrace to the integrity of the game of football and I’m positive Baker and the team would want you nowhere near their corner. Go fly a kite, halfwit.”
You gotta rise above this Kenton, and stop showing posters how easy it is to get you upset. I get you being a fan of Baker, but you don’t have to act like him.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:01 am
@ Kenton
I agree please stop acting like warrin!
July 31st, 2026 at 9:02 am
@ warrin
Please stop acting like Kenton!
July 31st, 2026 at 9:02 am
Warren brooks hiding behind the internet. Say that in a bar.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:03 am
@ warrin/kenton
Jokes.
I love you and all Buc fans.
Not kidding.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:06 am
This whole platform is speculation. If the Bucs are taking that stance it is because they have the franchise tag in their back pocket.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:10 am
“Warren brooks hiding behind the internet. Say that in a bar.”
These hands have been rated E for Everybody since the first Clinton Administration.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:15 am
No Sh!t.
I find it amusing when national media professionals present ideas they believe are innovative, while these concepts have already been recognized by the local community for some time.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:15 am
Sorry to anyone I’ve been offending, it’s been a long few weeks. I’m at my last day of baseball camp here in St Louis and it’s raining like a mad dog and it’s starting time is pushed back until 10:30 so I’ll be late getting back to Oklahoma tonight. And I miss my dog. Oh, I miss my wife, too. Oops.
Headed to Florida next week to end my summer vacation so I should be good to go for the start of the season.
If the Joe’s would just take their feet off the gas, I believe I’d calm down a little bit. Oh, well.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:16 am
Damn Baker, look what you’ve done to the family! LOL
July 31st, 2026 at 9:17 am
And WBL, “hands rated E for Everyone”.
Hat tip sir. That was pretty good. 🤣
July 31st, 2026 at 9:20 am
It’s not tanking Kitten
It’s prioritizing development and moving in a different direction after coming to terms with reality- paying the wrong QB (who may only have a 10-win ceiling) 50+mil would be bad
Rather reset the window on a rookie QB contract
July 31st, 2026 at 9:21 am
The Bucs are playing this exactly how you would expect them to play out a season they aren’t sure about. ME walked, LD retired, they offloaded Dean, they aren’t jumping on extensions for Vea or Mayfield, and they didn’t make any splash signing in FA. The Bucs might lose Mayfield and Vea or they might keep them both. If they do lose them in FA then there is a chance we get comp picks for them going into a rebuild with a new coaching staff.
If we get to the trade deadline and the team is bad they should try and offload them both for some kind of picks instead of waiting for potential comp picks.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:26 am
Has any NFL team contacted the Bucs to see if Baker is available for a trade?
July 31st, 2026 at 9:27 am
@ warrin
“These hands have been rated E for Everybody”
LOL!
If we watch movies together you have to promise to keep these rated “E” hands to yourself…
No funny business mister!
July 31st, 2026 at 9:31 am
@ Kenton
Baseball camp?
That sounds interesting.
All good man.
Everyone needs to keep in mind – it’s OK to disagree. No matter what the topic.
Nothing wrong with disagreement… It actually makes it more fun.
Can you imagine a world were everyone just agreed with everything always?
BORING!
July 31st, 2026 at 9:31 am
*where not were.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:34 am
I find it childish and highly disrespectful.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:40 am
@ billybuc
“I find it childish and highly disrespectful.”
I agree with you 100%.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:40 am
Ross Tucker – No serious team would pull off a negotiation tactic like that just for a motivational ploy. Totally idiotic. UNLESS, you don’t consider the Buc’s FO to be serious businessmen. Could be right.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:42 am
@Marine,
Agree 100%. Every once in a while I get carried away and when I read my comment over again it’s like “Eww, that reads more like internet tough guy, I’ll do better next time”.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:46 am
This site is turning to crap.
July 31st, 2026 at 9:46 am
Awwww moisty boyy Kenton Smith got his britches in a bunch because Redzone said something that didn’t sing praise of his love Bakie.
Mayfield has never been good enough his whole career to earn top dollar. One great season in 3024 does not earn him a $50 mil +
July 31st, 2026 at 9:47 am
The number one reason we collapsed last year was the defense; next in line was the offense because of an injured O-line, with the unspecial teams having an honorable mention. I lost my mind when the G-losers didn’t fire Bowles.
Then Bowles fired most of his hand-picked coaches, pointed the finger at them; what a douce.
Baker is an above-average QB, and with Cohen killed it. He should get paid; rolling the dice on drafting a QB (look at our history with that) is risky.
The Joes have more football savvy than these owner clowns, where is Malcome when you need him?
July 31st, 2026 at 9:50 am
@ Drunk
We are all guilty of the same bud.
My claws normally don’t come out until I am attacked… But I have learned to have a little fun with it…
I’ve been commenting on JBF for a long time now and it has always been a wonderful source of enjoyment and entertainment.
July 31st, 2026 at 10:02 am
“If we watch movies together you have to promise to keep these rated “E” hands to yourself…
No funny business mister!”
pfffft lol in your dreams sir
July 31st, 2026 at 10:37 am
Stop playing games and sign him ALREADY GLAZERS!
4/52
You dont play around with this kind of talent!!!!
Only 2 years of a contract? WHAT? geeze….
Welp, get ready to pay 60+ if we make the playoffs this year.
July 31st, 2026 at 10:45 am
These hands have been rated E for Everybody since the first Clinton Administration
🤣
This comment section never disappoints.
July 31st, 2026 at 10:50 am
Yeah, I think STL Bucs Fan Says was right. I think they thought they could keep Cohen one more year, but clearly misread the situation. Now I think the Bucs have a coach they aren’t 100% in love with, but maybe don’t know who they would want (please remember Harbaugh told them no).
This puts Baker in a bad situation. If he plays great, the OC leaves for a head coach position. You can’t fire Bowles if he has a good season, can you? They haven’t done it when he had a bad season, I doubt they do it if he has a good season. Then we will struggle with a new OC the next season and maybe then they fire Bowles. New coach, does he want Baker, maybe you look at rebuild at that point.
If the Bucs get his with injuries and what not, and Baker and the team don’t do well, his value is low then the Bucs don’t want to commit long term to him, and his value goes down around the league. If I am Baker, I would try to make sure I don’t get injured this season, if that means less big plays, blocking downfield etc., so be it.
I get the demand trade/hold out thing for players. Imagine if you get hurt that season, you could have no future. Everything wiped giving your all for the team. At least if you have a long term deal you have some guarantee. I get Mayfield and Vea’s frustration. It’s not a good position to be in. I don’t know how you expect these guys to come in and play their hearts out when so much can be on the line without any assurances.
July 31st, 2026 at 10:54 am
I just finished reading Romano’s article. It’s interesting that the owners kept Bowles indicating there were multiple injuries that plagued the team. Bowles’ history, however, shows whether a team is healthy or not, he is a loser. Now, a key team leader is up for a contract and was the recipient of the plague of injuries to the Oline and the pathetic leader of yet the 4th Offensive Coordinator and they are going to take a stand against him??? Hmmm, help me understand this.
July 31st, 2026 at 11:07 am
@ Whyohming
“This site is turning to crap.”
I lived in Whyohming for a year and a half.
Talk about “crap”…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
July 31st, 2026 at 11:29 am
Righttttt… While, not having to actually ‘committ’ to HIM LONGTERM. It’s just a total ‘WIN/WIN’ for the BUCS. They are in the driver’s seat with the franchise tag, and they are only taking FULL-ADVANTAGE. Exactly what THEY should be doing. It only makes SENSE. They are being SMART for once.
July 31st, 2026 at 11:42 am
@ Drunk Buc Fan Says: “Not as easy as “Just tag him”
Ummmm… But, oh yes it is! The “new coach” can THEN DECIDE whether to extend him, trade him, OR play-out the 1-season. Options GALORE.
July 31st, 2026 at 11:47 am
Marine Buc Says:
July 31st, 2026 at 8:39 am
@ warrin
LOL!
Awesome.
Let’s schedule a viewing…
What is your address?
Tee-hee.
I prefer the movie “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”.
Maybe we can watch both?
_________
Don’t do it man!
Rod Munch invited Ndog to his cottage years ago to watch a double feature; Fried Green Tomatoes and Deliverance and no one has heard from Ndog since.
July 31st, 2026 at 11:54 am
^^ LOL
July 31st, 2026 at 11:56 am
@ USFBucs Says: “If we get to the trade deadline and the team is bad they should try and offload them both for some kind of picks instead of waiting for potential comp picks.”
Absolutely 💯. Especially, with THIS DRAFT and given the circumstances. It’s too important to mess around with, and it would be NEGLIGENT to not only the Franchise as a whole, but to THE FANS. To NOT explore EVERY possible scenario, when you are sitting there at 2-6 or 3-5 heading TO Chicago.
July 31st, 2026 at 12:11 pm
@ Mad Max Says: “Stop playing games and sign him ALREADY GLAZERS!
4/52”
32-YEAR OLD Quarterbacks do NOT GET 4-5 YEAR DEALS. And, for good reason. So, WHY TF “YOU” would ever want to do such a thing, is just MIND-BLOWING. If he sh!ts the bead (&/or) gets injured, the OWNERS might not have to PAY for those extra 2-years that YOU’RE OFFERING outta “their pockets,” BUT it will still most definitely DESTROY OUR CAP in “DEAD Money.” You think those extra 2-YEARS you are so freely and just willy-nilly throwing out there, will just DISAPPEAR, go away, or something!? AGAIN, there are REASONS. Many of them.
July 31st, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Why give Baker $50 plus million a year, the new coach may not want him…
July 31st, 2026 at 1:39 pm
That theory seems a bit hare-brained. Tucker must have been a Gender Studies major.
July 31st, 2026 at 10:30 pm
Melvin, I rarely respond to you because youre usually an idiot troll…but here ya go, you got me to do it.