Adam Schefter: “Uncomfortable Situation” At Bucs Headquarters
August 3rd, 2026
“Schefty, stop talking about me.”
Tough talk from NFL super insider Adam Schefter on ESPN’s Get Up! show this morning.
Schefter has very deep roots at One Buc Palace. Heck, Bucs assistant general manager Mike Greenberg was once a guest on Schefter’s national podcast and that was when Greenberg wasn’t yet assistant GM. Schefter and Greenberg are from the same hometown.
When Schefter talks Bucs, Joe pays attention.
So Joe perked up when Schefter called the Mayfield contract “a rather uncomfortable situation” at One Buc Palace.
“[Mayfield] is within his right to say, ‘I don’t like this offer.’ But to call the offer disrespectful, you judge for yourself,” Schefter said with conviction. “[The Bucs] essentially offered a two-year extension averaging over $50 million a year. And the money, the total money in the three years would have put him in the top-5 quarterbacks in the game. But, I don’t think he liked the length of the deal. I don’t think that he liked that it was a two-year extension that would contractually tied him to three years. The money is his mind was off and he felt disrespected.
“So Baker was insulted; we heard from him. The Buccaneers I think were disappointed with the way everything went down and what he said. And it creates a rather uncomfortable situation for everbody.”
Wait a minute. “Uncomfortable?” Joe thought Mayfield is all ball and so is Todd Bowles and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht?
Yes, these guys are humans with emotions. Joe can only imagine how Team Glazer hit the ceiling upon hearing Mayfield say he wasn’t offered close to $50 million a year when it really was more than that — new money for 2027 and 2028.
Joe hopes this situation simmers down.
On the same Get Up! broadcast, former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who is tight with Licht, suggested Licht should (or should have) put Mayfield in a room for a wide open airing of grievances. “And [then] we’re going to leave and stand shoulder-to-shoulder and take on the world from here.”
Tannenbaum says Mayfield had a very bad day when he threw the Bucs organization under the bus publicly on Thursday.
And now, per Tannenbaum, Mayfield has thrown darts at the Bucs, Falcons, Panthers and Browns. He says that’s one-eighth of the NFL and that will make it hard from him to find work outside Tampa, if he desires that.
Schefter heard that and clapped back with an interesting take.
“There will be teams (after this season] that will be interested in signing Baker no matter what he says — the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Arizona Cardinals,” Schefter said.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Joe says: “Wait a minute. ‘Uncomfortable?’ Joe thought Mayfield is all ball and so is Todd Bowles and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht?
Told ya
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:22 pm
More proof that baker is me 1st and all about the money….
Bucs were fair in their offer…50+mil per year for an aging often injured QB that won a playoff game 3years ago…
baker needs to stop pouting and grow up…
i agree with Tannenbaum….baker continues to burn bridges…and right now, baker is a bridge QB….other teams may sign him after this season, but it’ll only be for a 1year deal lol….
again, baker and his agent have over valued themselves lol….
baker is outta here after the season!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Mayfield is childish…we all know that.
However, The glazers and Licht need to grow a pair.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:23 pm
It’s not just that it’s 1/8th of the NFL….
IT’S essentially EVERY team he’s been on (minus the Rams, which was only for a couple short weeks anyways) that he’s thrown darts at
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:23 pm
When your QB acts like a teenager who didn’t make the Varsity team, yes it can be uncomfortable.
Baker came off as a CLOWN at his press conference, I know the media and the talking head shows love the content but this was not a good look for him.
I love the Bucs stance with Baker, especially after finishing 2-7. Can’t reward mediocrity and Baker’s 2024 season seems like an aberration and not what we can expect from him
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Joe said in a different post that there’s a difference between a new two year contract and a two year extension.
Somebody explain the to me, because in my mind, two years is two years.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:24 pm
“These guys are humans with emotions.” A good thing to remember in every negotiation. I’m not sure which side is more or less (un)reasonable in this scenario, but Licht should never have been caught by surprise. Tannenbaum is almost right that Licht should have been more proactive in managing the situation.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Uncomfortable? In my mind that is the reporter interpreting how he understands the situation. That isn’t what Baker said. I know from experience that a lot of things are “said” in contract negotiations. Just look at what trump says everyday about the war in Iran. Each side is trying to get the best deal for themselves. When all is said and done, Baker realizes that the Buccaneers saved his career. That counts for something. He was given an opportunity to start and to show he could play. I see no reason at all to believe they won’t make a deal. Baker believes in himself. He will play at the top of his ability. He plays best when he is angry. In this case there’s a lot of drama and Joe gets a lot more hits. Can’t blame him. It’s a business. I just wish there was a bit less, “oh this awful franchise of losers.” There are a lot of really good players on this team, many of them young and hungry. They deserve our support. It is what it is. Hate the coach if you want, but don’t take it out on the team.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:25 pm
almost certainly right
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:25 pm
what really going to be “uncomfortable” is when the bucs extend Vita this week or next week lol….
if you dont think baker is pouting now, wait until Vita signs lol…
what is also funny is folks are saying how great Browning looks..we all know baker hates competition lol
GO BUCS!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Maybe Baker would be less insulted with the offer if he didn’t go 2-11 in primetime and playoff games, and singlehandedly cost the Bucs the playoffs last year.
The fact this guy plays so poorly he gets the entire offensive staff fired, and then acts offended at an offer that makes him the highest paid player in team history and one of the highest paid players in the NFL… the idea that this guy has fans is incredible.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:25 pm
^^that is, unless it was two more years at his current rate of pay (which was not implied).
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:29 pm
BuccoMarty
re read what Schefter said….
“[The Bucs] essentially offered a two-year extension averaging over $50 million a year. And the money, the total money in the three years would have put him in the top-5 quarterbacks in the game. But, I don’t think he liked the length of the deal. I don’t think that he liked that it was a two-year extension that would contractually tied him to three years. The money is his mind was off and he felt disrespected.
GO BUCS!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:30 pm
So we’re supposed to take Shefter’s word for what was offered by the Bucs? Who is the mole? Shefter shilling for his buddy in the FO to make the Bucs look better? You don’t see JL talking about the money. “top 5 in the NFL” – I doubt it.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Baker has been known for this since his college days. He might have just ruined his career being emotional….
I think baker is solid – but would be surprised to see him riding the bench in a couple of years.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Pissed off, disrespected Baker is perfect scenario for Bucs team and fans.
Show us all, Baker- win the Super bowl and then go be a celebrity somewhere else
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Rod while Agee to some extent baker played awful during the 2nd half but so did everyone else not solely on baker but he deff was part of the problem and not the solution.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Bucs are fine baker was in a photo with Jason licht all smiles. Again the national media trying to make stories. Bucs are all about ball rn first day of pads
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:33 pm
A couple of things here. First, you better believe teams will be lining up to sign Baker. They could care less about what he has said about other teams. In fact they may like it.
Second. I said it all along the problem was likely the years not the money. The Bucs like short contracts they lost ME that way. You would have thought they would have learned a lesson. I guess not.
The Bucs always seem to mess up signing good qbs then try to find replacements that don’t work. It seems the Bucs are now repeating history. Give the Man another year , sign him and quit messing this up!!!
Who do you have to replace him. The fans and players love him. Glazers wake up
Get over being hurt!!!
Pay the Man and stop it
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:35 pm
I’m been saying the same thing with my buddies. The term Baker used “disrespectful” was downright immature and asinine.
Now the Bucs really have a dilemma: do you trust your franchise to a talented, hard nose but immature player or do you let him play out his contract?
Now Baker can easily fix this:
Sign the damn extension and sit down with Licht in front golf the media and say something like:
” I let my emotions get the best of me. I was thinking of the long term financial security for my family if I got hurt. I need to be better in thinking through my communication as both a father and a teammate.
I want to be a Buccaneer and lead this team to the playoffs and beyond”
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:35 pm
I said several months ago that the Bucs are dealing with the future of Bowles and their timeline would not work with a new contract for Baker. Baker wants more than 2 years. He wants to know that he is “the man”. A 2 year offer regardless of the money is an insult and he basically said so.
I then said that if he got PO’ed enough he would ask for a trade. Well it sure appears to me that the guano is hitting the fan and something big will happen. Jimmy G may be here sooner than you think. The collapse and rebuild is near.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Football 1 Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:33 pm I said it all along the problem was likely the years not the money.
^^^^^^
I read the comments and NOBODY was saying that duration of contract would be a problem but ME ! That’s a fact Jack.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Baker didn’t single-handedly do anything. It’s a football team. Everyone contributes.
Going 2-7 down the stretch run can easily be attributed to injuries. We had many high draft picks and high salary players sitting in the training room instead of playing. Losing both guards and their backups was the last straw and destroyed any consistency in the offense. No QB on earth could have performed in those circumstances.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:41 pm
100 million not enough?
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:42 pm
After the second half of last season, he needs to prove it again. If it was injuries fine, but then also be man enough to take yourself out of the game and stop being crazy for competition.
If he does great this season, then they can sign him, and if he won’t agree they can franchise tag him. If he plays well the first half of the season, I’d think they give him a contract extension like he’s looking for.
He sounds impatient to me. Also hard to feel sorry for him when he’s demanding 1000 times what many truly good people are living on.
There was no rule he couldn’t just keep quiet through all this and let his agent fight it out with the organization.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:42 pm
Far too many bloviating blowhards found here.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:52 pm
“And now, per Tannenbaum, Mayfield has thrown darts at the Bucs, Falcons, Panthers and Browns. He says that’s one-eighth of the NFL and that will make it hard from him to find work outside Tampa, if he desires that.”
Thats a dumb statement . Anyone ad his dog knows Baker would never go to back the Browns and who wants to go to the panthers or Falcons
its made nothing more difficult among the teams he would be interested in.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Unless we go somewhat deep into the playoffs, I think this is Baker’s and Bowles’ last season here.
I think we will do a rebuild/retool with a different coach and young/cheap QB if we don’t go on a serious playoff run this year.
Statistics show that the best chance to be a Superbowl contender is to have a young QB who becomes really good while still on the rookie deal, so you can have superstars all around him.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Vea shows up outta shape,gets “tweaked” The first day of camp and asked for a trade!! And he’s a hero!! WOW!
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:54 pm
The Patriots are the best example of that right now with Maye still on his rookie deal.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:55 pm
the years excuse is BS…if he signs the deal, performs great for 2years, then guess what, he’ll cash in again!!!! at 60+ mil per year
yall making every excuse for baker…
fact is he’s immature, entitled and full of himself…he thinks he should be getting a 5year deal at 55mil a year lol….this guy and his agent are clueless
GO BUCS!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Rod, “primetime and playoff games” is a nonsensical grouping.
August 3rd, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Baker wasn’t “6 and 2” any more than he was “2 and 7”. The +team+ was 8 and 9, and Baker was obviously a key piece of both numbers.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:03 pm
ERIK
you’re right!!!!
Big Ben, Eli, Flacco, Russell Wilson, Mahomes all won SBs on their rookie deal…Jalen Hurts and Drake Maye reached the SB on their rookie deal
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:03 pm
I still think a 47/51/55/59 at 53M AAV is the answer. Guarantee the first 3 years (this one included) and make a rolling 30M guarantee for year 4 that activates after year 2 or something. That puts Baker right where he claims he wants to be and doesn’t hurt the Bucs much at ALL. The salary cap will be 100 million+ higher by the end of his contract!
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:03 pm
I’ve been saying for years this guy is selfish and me first. The fact they wanted to pay him that much shows just how much they’re willing to keep this team as mediocre as possible. Lucky for us Baker is an ego maniac and turned it down. Baker is a liar and greedy as well.
The way some fans think the Bucs can’t do better than this is laughable. What happened to all that maturity people said he had? The Bucs took a chance on him when no one did and this is how he thanks them for paying him $100 million. All the Bucs got was one playoff win against a team that lost 7 straight 3 years ago.
He needs to go and infect another franchise. Every NFL team he goes to and hes the starter for 2+ years he has injuries, poor play and contract disputes. Time to turn the page.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:04 pm
Holy crap, a whole bunch of people in their feelings because “I heard this on Get Up today!”.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:05 pm
Anyone claiming that baker cost the team anything ‘single handed’ is unworthy of consideration as a contributor.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:06 pm
interceptions cost money…
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:07 pm
Sounds like a classic narcissistic personality. Mediocre to good on occasion. Good ol’ “chip on his shoulder” means lowering his throwing shoulder into a linebacker then being injured for the rest of the season instead of widely hitting the turf to stay out of harms way. Making boneheaded decisions at the worst possible moment. I’ve thought this for a while and Bakers latest petulance reinforces it: he is very Jameis Winston like. Right on the edge of being a career backup/bridge QB
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:07 pm
We never have heard what Baker wanted. Just the Bucs offer. Which was a low ball.
Baker would be perfect for the Steelers. And they would offer him far more than a 2 year contract.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Same Sh!t Different Day. Same copy and pasted comments. At least Baker is on the field with the team. Vea is not out there. The back problem is BS. When is his surgery? Players on this team can’t be injured unless they have surgery. At least that’s what the medical experts that post here tell us.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Hey Rod munch…
Baker play the exact same way he’s been coached
His head coach is 5 and 13 in primetime games and one and three in the playoffs.
He’s just doing what he’s being coached to do
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:15 pm
That’s why he kept referring to “Franchise.” I guess, to him, the term “Franchise” equates to more than 3-YEARS. But, nobody gets that type of money for 4+YEARS, when they are over 30, and it is not the team that DRAFTED THEM. He is DELUSIONAL, and an IDIOT. I mean, WTF does he expect… ESPECIALLY, after last season’s performance!? And, he’s undersized and banged-up all the time. He’s an OLD 31 now. Since, he had such a big problem, he should’ve had the balls to speak to ownership in-person, face-to-face, and Man-to-MAN. He should’ve taken the DAMN MONEY. Had he been SMART and not had such a “little man” syndrome.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:21 pm
The man doesn’t have a firm grip on his own impulses, and the whole “I’m going to have a great year” is an awesome soundbyte, but you literally wrote a check ya ass might not be able to cash, especially if he plays like career avg Baker and not 1yr outlier Baker.
Nothing more gross, and telling about a grown man throwing a tantrum.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:22 pm
100 million is a boat load of cash, but how much would be guaranteed and/or tied to performance based?
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:23 pm
UKBuccaneer Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:05 pm
Anyone claiming that baker cost the team anything ‘single handed’ is unworthy of consideration as a contributor.
————–
When he was week 6 MVP he was ‘singlehandedly’ carrying the team… then when he’s awful, throwing for 122 yards, 145 yards, turning it over 3 times vs a terrible Miami defense – well, it’s then suddenly a team sport and he’s not ‘singlehandedly’ doing anything anymore. Amazing how that works with the Baker Boi(s).
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:28 pm
I’ll wait for you to show me the evidence of me claiming that baker was single handedly carrying the team in week 6, Rod.
I do recall warning everyone that the secondary was the team’s Achilles heel, though.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:48 pm
@ Football 1 Says: “You better believe teams will be lining up to sign Baker.”
What, you mean just like last time, when it was ONLY the BUCS bidding against THEMSELVES, and gifted HIM a 3-year/$100-MIL DEAL, that truthfully amounted to being nothing more than just another “prove-it” deal, that they could’ve move-on from after only 1-season if need be, or walk-away from basically scot-free after 2-YEARS… Is this the type of “LINING-UP” that you are referring to!? AND, it’ll be another very similar type of incoming QB DRAFT-CLASS as the last time, when 6-QUARTERBACKS (‘SIX’) were drafted within the first 12-PICKS. But, I’m only assuming that YOU already knew all of this tho!?
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:52 pm
The problem with Baker is that when he is healthy, he is worth the money he is asking for. But he has had a boatload of injuries… it kind of goes with his style of play. The question is, will the team get the healthy Baker… or the injured Baker.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:53 pm
Haven’t read through all the comments so please forgive me if this has been pointed out. Adam Schefter needs to grab a calculator. Per OverTheCap.com, using their Ave/Year numbers, Baker would make $133M over three year or $44,333,333/year. That would not only NOT put him in the top five, it would only move him up one spot to 14th just ahead of Daniel Jones. If you are going to make sh!t up about someone at least try something that is not so easily checked.
Not that it matters, the Bucs have made it clear to Baker that he is not seen as a franchise QB. IMHO, neither Baker nor Vea will be on the Bucs in 2027. The HC and GM will also be canned, and a complete rebuild will be underway.
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Trade him now. He’s a locker room cancer and a public disgrace.
Get what you can in a trade before he lowers his stock in the regular season.
Bowles can go 4-13 with the backup QB and still keep his job.
Just blame it on injuries, contract issues, and every other coach except Todd.
Baker can come go elsewhere and get overpaid to under deliver.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Let’s say baker leaves. Who do you replace him and guarantee superior performance? You can take a chance on a draft pick, of course. The last one went so well, after all. But who’s available who’s a genuine, unarguable upgrade?
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:01 pm
UKBuccaneer Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 1:28 pm
I’ll wait for you to show me the evidence of me claiming that baker was single handedly carrying the team in week 6, Rod.
I do recall warning everyone that the secondary was the team’s Achilles heel, though.
————
I’m not sure what you said, but in general that was the line that Baker Boi(s) and many others were pushing – that Baker was carrying the team all by himself.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:08 pm
@ Sal Volatile Says: “Football 1: “read the comments and NOBODY was saying that duration of contract would be a problem but ME ! That’s a fact Jack.”
That’s just NOT TRUE. Not even close. When, “I” was the ONLY-ONE on here, who said it all along, while actually truly ‘backing it up’ WITH FACTS. That is was NOT HAPPENING (all these posters on here, just willy-nilly throwing around all of these EMPTY “4-5 YEAR” offers). NOT for a 32-YEAR OLD, beginning a fresh new deal. That, NO 30-YEAR OLD (other than Super Bowl CHAMP Russell Wilson, to the Walmart-Broncos), has ever received a (TRUE) 4-5 YEARS, with a team that has NOT DRAFTED THEM. The only other north of 30-YEAR OLD who did, was TOM BRADY with the Patriots, and Dak Prescott with the Cowboys! And, you can’t count Cousins, because it is ALL FAKERY, and NOT a (true) “5-YEAR” DEAL… It’s a deal, that the Raiders can (and will) completely ‘walk-away’ from after this season, without owing him a single penny ONE. But, I’ve been saying ALL IF THIS since DAY-1. While, shooting down ALL of these idiots spewing and shouting to the rooftops… “PAY THE MAN HIS MONEY NOW,” and “4-5 YEARS,” as if they had Tourette’s, or something!!!! Annnndd, one minute, you say one thing, and then the next minute, you say something else entirely, until you have EVERY possible ‘position’ covered.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:12 pm
@ Critmark – Tht was exactly what hey offered Baker… Daniel Jones $$$$. And, that’s a fair comp, when you add everything up. Because, I don’t believe that either one of them are worth THAT MUCH.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:14 pm
I am a Baker fan but YES, he really did step in his own POOP when he went off about being disrespected. Once these players start complaining about how many Millions they are not making-it burns my behind and turns me off about the Greed in sports from all directions. Get him signed-get this over with please. Go BUCS!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:19 pm
@ jcscycles says: “Baker would be perfect for the Steelers. And they would offer him far more than a 2 year contract.”
NO, THEY WOULDN’T. Now, you clearly already know the FACTS about Quarterbacks over 30, RIGHT!? Especially, those who were NOT DRAFTED by their current TEAM. Baker will be 32-YEARS OLD, to begin next season and a fresh new contract. The Bucs only offered HIM 2-YEARS. Now, see where I’m going here… Just based off of HISTORY and the FACTS ALONE. But, YOU already know this, and YOU are only allowing YOUR ‘EMOTIONS’ to dictate YOUR reasoning. Which, is absurd. And, also very weird, in all honesty. YOU “SAYING-IT” will not make-it TRUE.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Has anyone seen, from a reliable source, if there were any guarantees on the two year extension.
We have to remember that the media talks about three things with a contract: Money, Length, & Guarantees. The reality is the length of a contract is meaningless without any guarantees. They could offer a QB a contract for the next 300 years, but without any guarantees, it is like no commitment at all. He could still be gone next year.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:28 pm
@ Stpetematt Says: “I still think a 47/51/55/59 at 53M AAV is the answer. Guarantee the first 3 years (this one included) and make a rolling 30M guarantee for year 4 that activates after year 2 or something. That puts Baker right where he claims he wants to be and doesn’t hurt the Bucs much at ALL. The salary cap will be 100 million+ higher by the end of his contract!“
STILL, one of THE ‘dumbest’ perpetual comments on here. And, with ZERO actual real “evidence” to back it up. Exactly like all of the “DISCOUNT” remarks, and that BAKER is a “Team-FIRST” guy… When, there was NEVER ANY “evidence” to back that up with, either.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:36 pm
@ 813bucboi Says: “the years excuse is BS…if he signs the deal, performs great for 2years, then guess what, he’ll cash in again!!!! at 60+ mil per year
yall making every excuse for baker…
fact is he’s immature, entitled and full of himself…he thinks he should be getting a 5year deal at 55mil a year lol”
EXACTLY 💯. He’s demanding and expecting something that has NEVER been done before, for ANY QB over 30-YEARS OLD, and he’s using MUCH YOUNGER QB’s as his examples, when it is disingenuous at BEST. So, I’m just going to spout-off to everybody (after complaining all night with HIS WIFE), and take MY BALL and then GO HOME. Cry me a river.
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:47 pm
Steelers wouldnt want baker!!!!
they only like old former SB champions like russell and rodgers
baker and his moxy dont qualify!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Think about it. The Bucs would likely prefer to draft a 1st round QB and hire a new coach for 2027. I believe the front office has orchestrated the exit of high priced talent.
MelvinJunior Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 2:08 pm
^^^^^
You’re full of it melvin. I have read your comments and have a memory like an elephant.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:14 pm
Fire The Cannons & Fire Todd, The Bucs can’t reward mediocrity??? Tel us your kidding…Todd Bowles, Zion McCollum, the quitting defense…how is for mediocrity being rewarded? Mercy!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:14 pm
@ MelvinJunior – I was not making any comment on Baker’s relative worth, be that to Daniel Jones or anyone else. I was merely pointing out that Adam Schefter’s comment that the offer would put the three years in the top five of the NFL was pure nonsense. I would expect more from a person so well respected around the league to understand this. His comments, if taken as true, completely skew the conversation. Saying the Bucs offer would make Baker among the top five paid QBs in the league is quite different than saying the offer would move Baker from the 15th highest paid one spot to the 14th.
That was my only point. You and I both know that many people read those words and will condemn Baker for turning down top 5 money, the real facts notwithstanding.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:14 pm
Was the guaranteed money amount revealed? No matter what the details of the offer are, it was ill advised for Baker to insert Tristan Wirfs having to hold in or Vita Vea into the conversation. I think that’s what bothered the Glaser’s. I don’t think Baker saying he felt a LITTLE disappointed or undervalued should bother anyone.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:17 pm
Fire The Cannons & Fire Todd, The Bucs can’t reward mediocrity??? Tel us your kidding…Todd Bowles, Zion McCollum, the quitting defense…how is for mediocrity being rewarded? Mercy!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:21 pm
From what I can see or hear, the only ones talking and writing about this are the media. Where there is no wood the fire goes out. It’s a business’ problem and up to the management to deal with it. I haven’t one red cent invested or involved in the Bucs, so whatever they do they do. There has to be more to it than meets the eye. If it blows up the season, oh, well.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:33 pm
Baker did the best thing possible for this franchise by not signing.
He has freed up enough money to sign Vita, and maybe another player before the trade deadline.
My heart goes out to all athletes who thumb their nose at 100 million in a two year period. Poor Baker. Don’t ya just feel sorry for this guy?
In three years time, according to him, he and his family will be forced into living in cardboard boxes under an I-4 overpass.
Maybe we all could toss him a million or two as we drive by on our way to our own jobs.
Licht is the fool here. He got the money right, but the 100 mil should have been for three years, not two.
Think how entertaining this year will be as Baker is forced into showing us his “real stuff.” I can’t wait!
And truthfully, I hope he plays great. Id love to be proven wrong. I want the Bucs to win.
But winning is better served with a QB on a rookie deal. Check the stats, boys. Teams with high priced QB’s never win the big one. And most of the time they never get there. Why? The greedy SOB’s and stupid GM’s have nothing left for the rest of the team.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:34 pm
The Bucs better figure out a way to get Vea back in the fold and onboard ! Baker already said he will play out the season at with 100% focus and he has everything to gain by the Bucs having a successful season. This is definitely the best Bucs team since 2021! Let’s see if the front office and the Glasers can put winning this year ahead of of their pride.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:37 pm
“Think about it. The Bucs would likely prefer to draft a 1st round QB and hire a new coach for 2027. I believe the front office has orchestrated the exit of high priced talent.“
Yes, because there is such an impeccable history with this team and QB first rounders. This makes as much sense as keeping Todd as HC DC.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:38 pm
Bucs haven’t offered anyone long-term deals that I can remember. Even Brady, Evans, and Godwin got 2-3-year extensions. I dont really think there is anything wrong with it. I think it’s very smart. If Baker was in his 20s, a large deal would make sense, but he’s already 31. He will be 32 when the season ends… He’s got an injury history & he is just two years away from the Panthers’ practice squad playing DE. Baker has looked great with us and has performed, but a large part of that is the supporting cast we have given him. Not many teams have Evans, Godwin, Egbuka, an elite OL, good RBs, etc etc.
He has a chance to retire a Buc, and they would have extended him after the 2 year extension if he was doing well as they did Godwin, David & Evans recently so I would of thought Jason Lciht would be given more of the benefit of the doubt but here we are.
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:44 pm
So you work for a company in a position that pays 250000 a year for 9 others but you only make 150000, which is still pretty good. You would just let it slide then? I highly doubt it. It is all relative isn’t it?
August 3rd, 2026 at 3:46 pm
@ JA – what makes you think Baker would ever see any of the $100M over two years. Were either of those years guaranteed? I have heard a lot of speculation but nothing from any reliable source.
As I have pointed out previously, only the guaranteed years mean anything. The Bucs could offer him $50M a year for 20 years, totaling a Billion dollars. But if none of those years are guaranteed, the offer is worthless.
August 3rd, 2026 at 4:00 pm
I would say to Adam…prove it.
August 3rd, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Thank you, Critmark, for your specifics. Facts certainly clarify, just as ignoring them invites emotional miasma.
August 3rd, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Baker and his agent could have continued negotiating, but instead they imposed an arbitrary deadline of their own making. By creating a self-imposed ultimatum and signaling a willingness to escalate the dispute publicly if their demands weren’t met, they made the situation appear less like a disciplined negotiation and more like a tantrum. There didn’t seem to be any compelling reason to force an artificial deadline, and doing so risked turning what should have remained a private business negotiation into a public confrontation. From that perspective, the strategy came across as unnecessarily combative, immature, and ultimately counterproductive.
August 3rd, 2026 at 4:33 pm
My prediction that after this season Baker, Bowles and Vita will all be gone and the rebuild will begin.
August 3rd, 2026 at 4:44 pm
once again the bucs try to treat someone bad then come out through their media agents trying to spin what they did. baker just isnt mike, he’ll come right out and say what they did. mike left. same reaction, different method. f u bucs is the reaction. vea as well.
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:12 pm
Here’s the great thing… the Bucs don’t have to do anything. Baker is under contract, they can play out the season, and see how he does and THEN make a decision. If he bounces back to 2024 levels, then Baker is going to make a lot lot more than $50M, but if he’s the QB we saw from week 7 to week 18 last year, then he’s not coming back (and everyone is getting fired).
Obviously Baker would love a new deal worth in excess of $55M/year for at least 3 more years – but I have no issues with him betting on himself. And I’d love the Bucs to be in a situation where they need to give him $60M/year next offseason, since if that happens, it means he had a monster year and the Bucs probably won the SB, or at least got close to it.
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Top Notable 2027 Quarterback Free Agents
Baker Mayfield: Previous AAV $33,333,333 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Deshaun Watson: Previous AAV $46,000,000 (Cleveland Browns)
Justin Fields: Previous AAV $20,000,000 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Aaron Rodgers: Previous AAV $22,500,000 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Geno Smith: Previous AAV $3,300,000 (New York Jets)
Jacoby Brissett: Previous AAV $15,500,000 (Arizona Cardinals)
What is the Bucs best option??
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:18 pm
“Adam Schefter says “ Mayfield is within his right to say”. Hey, Schefter, Baker is within his rights to say anything he wants to say. And I’d bet the farm he doesn’t give a rats a$$ what you think. Same with you, Tannebaum. Aren’t you young enough to still be working in an NFL front office? Can’t find a job, huh.
Everyone wants to set the narrative about every decision Mayfield makes. Pitiful. A good young man and a gifted athlete who’s had to deal with debatably the 2 biggest clown show franchises in the league.
Good thing for the majority of this town’s fans, who are good, smart folks that know the difference between good football and bad football that Baker not only tunes out the nonsense noise- he thrives with it.
I wouldn’t worry about the front office or the Glazer’s getting their feelings hurt. Not a one of them has mentioned guaranteed dollars. But they’ll pay Baker. With him their ticket sales have averaged 10,000 more than the previous 25 years( all except the Brady years when they were about the same as the Mayfield years). And merchandise sales are through the roof with Mayfield. That’s why they call those guys franchise QBs.
And even though they made him a cheap as hell offer with less money guaranteed than any starting QB in this league except those on rookie contracts, they’ll come around. Maybe when their accountant lays it out for them. That usually works for cheap ba$tard$.
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:29 pm
Let Baker play out this year. Franchise him if they want to keep him and draft a QB in the 2027 draft (round 1 or 2).
If they want to get rid of him, some team will trade for him.
I see no downside for the Bucs because Baker is not a top 10, let alone Top 5 QB.
Even Mahomes, Allen, Burrow and Lamar can’t get to the Super Bowl because of their bloated salaries, making major holes elsewhere in the team’s roster.
Baker should play for less than Sam Darnold’s contract. After all he does have a Super Bowl on his resume.
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:31 pm
This is exactly why you don’t extend him, make him prove he can be better than average and let the chips fall where they may next year.
The new coach and GM can make the decisions going forward from there.
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Just so everyone is clear on what the cap impact is when they say the Bucs can just hit Baker with a franchise tag. Per Sportrac the Bucs would have to take the entire $30.15 Million in deferred money in 2027. So that tag will cost the Bucs about $80 Million in cap hit. That’s not something to ‘just do’ without careful consideration.
August 3rd, 2026 at 6:09 pm
magoobee Says: Baker should play for less than Sam Darnold’s contract. After all he does have a Super Bowl on his resume.
Yes because he had a much better TEAM and the best D in the NFL. Allow me to illustrate.
In 2024, Baker had a far better season than Darnold did in 2025, and it wasn’t even close. The ONLY stat where Darnold was better than Baker way Passing YPA.
Baker had a higher Completion %, higher TDs/att, higher 1st downs/att, LOWER INT/att, higher TD/INT %, Higher Rating, Higher QBR, Best 3rd down conversion rate in the NFL (Darnold in 2025 was 15th) , 4th in TD % in the Red Zone (Darnold in 2025 was 11th), 3rd in the NFL in point/game (Darnold in 2025 was 8th).
Context matters. Yes Darnold was the winning QB on the SB Champ Seahawks. But being on a great defensive team is why he has a SB on his resume.
August 3rd, 2026 at 6:18 pm
Bucsfansince76 Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Top Notable 2027 Quarterback Free Agents
Baker Mayfield: Previous AAV $33,333,333 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Deshaun Watson: Previous AAV $46,000,000 (Cleveland Browns)
Justin Fields: Previous AAV $20,000,000 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Aaron Rodgers: Previous AAV $22,500,000 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Geno Smith: Previous AAV $3,300,000 (New York Jets)
Jacoby Brissett: Previous AAV $15,500,000 (Arizona Cardinals)
What is the Bucs best option??
————–
People act as if the Bucs have to make a decision right this second – they don’t.
The Bucs already have Baker under contract.
If he has a good year and actually wins some meaningful games, then the Bucs will resign him.
If he doesn’t, everyone is getting fired and you’re starting over anyways.
August 3rd, 2026 at 6:24 pm
First, we assuming that Baker is not telling the truth and Team Glazer is. Could be, but we have no verification so it’s just he said she said. Second, it’s about the Additional YEARS and GUARANTEED money. Third, Baker is seeking something closer to fair market value regardless of what the number is. You would do the same. If Team Glazers called him a franchise quarterback and then pony up and pay him. Some other teams will pay him for 2027 and beyond so it’s in Baker’s best interest to NOT sign an “ Extension…”.
August 3rd, 2026 at 6:45 pm
Kenton Smith, spot on correct about Baker! Whether it be the NFL, MLB or the NBA, the majority of fans are more selective than objective in nature! Some of the Bucs fans who fit that description really hate Baker. They would rather see the Bucs lose so they can tout, I told you so. From Texas Tech to OU with a bad weekend in Arkansas through the septic swamps of the Browns and Panthers, Baker has moved forward and up.
August 3rd, 2026 at 6:56 pm
Baker lost the plot in Tampa…and may never fully recover.
If he’s so insistent on betting on himself…why the heck not take a shorter ( 2 year ) yet lucrative deal ( 50 million per ) so that he can cash in again in 2029?!
So worried about disrespect…yet seemed ok with his brother & Dad cleaning out his coffers with a shady business deal.
It’s a shame…but history has shown ( I suppose ) that Baker burns brightly but eventually burns/wears out his welcome. It’s a pattern.
August 3rd, 2026 at 7:20 pm
Baker is not helping himself at all. Why the heck come out and talk crap, when he was offered 100 million for 2 years? 2-11 down the stretch bro. 100 million for a guy that has got beaten up a lot? Maybe the insult is you talking smack about disrespected when offered 100 million for 2 years. I have been a Baker fan, but his stupid comments show he is not the kind of leader he thinks he is.
Why talk a bunch of crap like that then “But I am all about ball now” Really….
How long to he ends up on the sideline because his style of play (getting beat up) will happen sooner or later.
August 3rd, 2026 at 7:39 pm
Can’t help it, always have been a fan of somebody who speaks their mind. And holy shlt, we’ve got a thousand commenters on these here interwebs complaining about Baker speaking his mind. Gotta love it!! Let’s kick some A$$!!!
August 3rd, 2026 at 7:45 pm
So many people falling for media crap. It’s like people that believe everything AI and Google says are true. Who has seen this offer and every detail in the contract offered? Absolutely nobody posting. Not a one of these talking heads either. They hear bits and pieces from their “sources” so it’s all gospel.
For the people and their yapping about Baker is under contract yes he is. So is Vea. Only he’s not on the field . That is how he is throwing his tantrum.
August 3rd, 2026 at 7:56 pm
I think letting it alone now and using the tag next year on Baker if he is decent. I think trading Vea is in the cards, hope we can get a decent draft pick and maybe a decent corner.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 7:39 pm
Can’t help it, always have been a fan of somebody who speaks their mind. And holy shlt, we’ve got a thousand commenters on these here interwebs complaining about Baker speaking his mind. Gotta love it!! Let’s kick some A$$!!!
————
Remember when he talked trash about Brady, saying how everyone on the team likes it better now because it’s not as intense and people can have fun in the locker room. Then Brady gave him a verbal beatdown on the air. That was great stuff.
With that said, I love when people talk. But because you talk – and I want more of that – doesn’t mean you get a free pass for what you say. People should always be able to respond to words, with words (and only words). That’s a fair exchange in my book.
As for Baker betting on himself – fantastic. I am, as you know, not a Baker fan – but I am a Bucs fan – and I hope to God that at the end of the year the Bucs are talking about how they’re going to afford to pay him $60M a year because he just won a SB. I don’t think that will happen, but I’d love to see it happen. From Baker’s standpoint, if he truly believes last year was just about injuries, and he’s going to have a huge season – then why would you sign a ‘cheap’ deal.
Also, to be fair to Baker, it sure sounds to me like the Bucs were low-balling Baker with a deal they could easily get out of if he continues to be a pumpkin – which, by the way, is exactly what I said the Bucs should do. The point being you’d try to get him to take the low-ball deal structured in a way that they could release him or trade him. I also said there’s no way Baker takes that deal, and I said he shouldn’t.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Starting to think this is all BS,, maybe a ploy by Baker and JL to take the pressure off Bowles this fall,,, Baker says sure I’ll take this on my shoulder for Coach,,, it’s just starting to seem silly and not making sense . And Shefty’s reporting seems to change daily on this one and I could see Baker enjoying all this leading everyone around.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:15 pm
Why is no one asking how much guaranteed money was included in the offer? I think that’s an important part of the equation. Sounds like many are very excited about how this team looks on paper and I couldn’t agree more. There are no guarantees of course. I think Jason Licht agrees based on how he talks about all the good players that will be looking to get paid in the near future. Why not go all in this year. They did it in 2020 and jeopardized their future cap and it worked. Maybe it can work again now. Sign Baker and Vea now and find another cornerback now. No risk it , no biscuit. I bet if they did all that, the salary cap going forward won’t be as bad as it looked after 2021. They’re playing scared. You don’t win playing scared.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:25 pm
Just cut this guy
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:28 pm
Not sure why Schefter didn’t throw the Steelers, Jets and, perhaps, even the Dolphins into the mix (who knows what Willis is really going to look like when the pressure of being THE starting QB is on his shoulders and Miami wouldn’t require the Mayfields to move – just ask Tom Brady). We also don’t know how well Murray will do with the Vikings. McCarthy sure has the early signs, predictably, of being a bust.
Add in an unexpected year long or career ending injury to any given QB (hello Joe Burrow) and Baker may have far more suitors than that. And no, I don’t think a single guy coming out of college next year is going to provide any team that has a win-now philosophy anything close to what Baker would provide and neither does anyone who isn’t preset as a Baker hater.
We’re still in silly season when reporters on this and other sites are throwing anything against the wall in order to generate rank-raising comments for their websites and because they need something to write about. I have a feeling any resentment perceived by those outside the organization is being sensationalized.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:36 pm
Munch said – “and I hope to God that at the end of the year the Bucs are talking about how they’re going to afford to pay him $60M a year because he just won a Superbowl”
I just can’t let statements like this slide. Teams win Superbowls, rarely quarterbacks. I don’t think Sam Darnold is worth a penny more than he was if the Seahawks had lost the big game to the Patriots. His skills didn’t change, his value to the Seahawks or any other team didn’t change because the team left the big dance with a win.
Darnold is worth more than he is being paid because he proved he is in the upper half of QBs in the league – not because “he” won a Superbowl.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:50 pm
I should point out that during the last several years, pretty much everyone in the Bucs organization – from Bowels to Licht – has lied about everything. Player injuries come immediately to mind as a case in point.
We’ve only heard AFTER Mike Evans left that the Bucs offered him far more than the 49ers. Can you really trust that is true? When the Bucs say that Baker was offered north of $50 million annualized for a whole two years (only AFTER Baker spoke to the media), why is that being bought hook, line and sinker, number one, and why would anybody think that is acceptable for a quarterback that the team claims is definitely their franchise QB?
Sorry, but if I think somebody is a franchise QB, I’m trying to sign him for as many years as I can. Otherwise, it’s not unreasonable at all for the QB to be pretty but-hurt that the team is talking out of both sides of their mouth.
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:57 pm
@ Sal Volatile Says: “You’re full of it melvin. I have read your comments and have a memory like an elephant.”
Then, you can’t read. Cause, I’ve only been saying-it since DAY-1 (DOZENS of times), that the very BEST he would get was just 3-YEARS. Period. And, he was offered 2.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:00 pm
@ doolnutts Says: “Bucs haven’t offered anyone long-term deals that I can remember.”
Off the top of my head… Wirfs. But, definitely NOT 30-YEAR OLDS. Though, that is pretty normally typical, in most instances for most all franchises.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:17 pm
I really think he pulled this with Cleveland, Panthers and the Rams. And now this behavior with the Bucs. Just my two sense. He would still be in one of those organizations other than the Bucs. He’s good. It he’s not the best, and might be suffering from a big head and delusions.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:21 pm
Kenton Smith Says: “Good thing for the majority of this town’s fans, who are good, smart folks that know the difference between good football and bad football that Baker not only tunes out the nonsense noise- he thrives with it.
HORSE CRAP. He rolled into practice HOT after gettin all JACKED-UP over it with HIS WIFE LoL. Yeah, “Tune-It Out” My ASS. It’s all they BOTH do all day, everyday, is scroll social media, & etc. YOU ‘tried’ this SAME BS narrative last season and immediately after it (just like you have with ALL the many others), & HE proved YOU WRONG once again. Literally, right AFTER you ‘tried’ saying the SAME thing after 5-2 and “MVP. And, what does HE immediately fricken DO… He could NOT WAIT to grab that mic to start ‘poppin-off’ BS about the people in the past calling him immature, but NOW it’s moxie. Well, you know WHY it just so happened to be THAT WEEK… Because, Colin Cowherd LITERALLY, dedicated an entire segment to HIM” ABOUT IT JUST THAT VERY WEEK. I can seriously list a MILLION other examples, to just completely DESTROY YOUR BS. I mean, it happens on EVERY friggin’ false-narrative, that YOU continue to INVENT… As HE continues to EXPOSE you people, every bit as much as he does HIMSELF. Every. SINGLE. Time. I mean, you’d THINK that it would get old. DISCOUNT. TEAM-FIRST. TRUE LEADER. HOF. He just “TUNES-IT ALL OUT.” Ummmm, NO HE DOESN’T. That is another fricking LIE, with ZERO EVIDENCE to back it up. I mean, it’s SO RIDICULOUS. Especially, by now, at this point. It’s DELUSIONAL. The pressure is really gettin’ to The Bois. They’re crumbling before our eyes. They can’t take-it. THEY’RE PANICKING. It’s SO PATHETIC.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:26 pm
@ Oscar Says: “So you work for a company in a position that pays 250000 a year for 9 others but you only make 150000, which is still pretty good. You would just let it slide then? I highly doubt it. It is all relative isn’t it?”
It’s irrelevant, number one. But, number two… NONE of those other deals, all just happened in a vacuum. There are MANY different circumstances in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Baker already KNEW THAT, and you did, too. So, you’re only being DISINGENUOUS at the very least, by just so conveniently refusing to acknowledge it.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:29 pm
Short term deal for a QB with likely a few good years left in him, and I see nobody is reporting the guaranteed money – which tells me they guaranteed essentially nothing outside of 2027… why on earth would Baker take that deal? The tag would get him a similar salary in ’27 without being tied down for ’28 without guarantees.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:33 pm
MelvinJunior. YOU-LOL need to Chill…this VERY MINUTE your CRUMBLING b4 OUR very EYES!Ot’s SO PATHETIC.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:38 pm
Winny Testeverde said – “If he’s so insistent on betting on himself…why the heck not take a shorter ( 2 year ) yet lucrative deal ( 50 million per ) so that he can cash in again in 2029?!”
Because he knows the Bucs are on the books for nearly an $80 million cap hit next year with his dead cap money thrown in. He definitely is betting on himself for this year only, forcing the Bucs to either up their extension offer in order to absorb that extra $30 million or hit the open market next year (i.e. betting on himself this year). He knows that there is absolutely no way the team is going to take nearly an $80 million hit on Baker for a one year franchise tag deal after the season – even if he does ball out.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:39 pm
P.S. … Even if the Bucs let Baker go after the season, they still take a $30 million cap hit next year on him.
August 3rd, 2026 at 9:46 pm
@ Stpetematt – And, another thing… You’d been saying 5-YEARS” all along, which would’ve really been 6-TOTAL, after accounting for THIS season. So, don’t think I didn’t notice when you tried to ‘quietly’ LOWER-IT to being just 4-YEARS (I never said anything, since YOU at least did that). NOW, it’s “3-YEARS” all of the sudden lol, with the “4TH” being this season included. At least a little bit of REALITY, has somewhat caught up and affected YOU. Though, your argument is only based off of everything going just absolutely perfect FOR BAKER, for the next 4-6 SEASONS. It has taken into account a ZERO % CHANCE of him having an injury, playing poorly, (&/or) falling off a CLIFF. When, ALL are very legitimate, MAJOR concerns with very high possibilities, only given HIS HISTORY. I’m just very glad that YOU are NOT our GM, and have absolutely NOTHING to do with the BUCS, their FO, or any freaking thing ELSE, to do with this franchise.
August 3rd, 2026 at 10:02 pm
@ Scott McKirahan – Exactly. He (and his agent) thought he could use that to strong arm the team into caving. It did not work. They didn’t fall for it, and are instead, holding THEIR GROUND.
August 3rd, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Scott McKirahan Says: Sorry, but if I think somebody is a franchise QB, I’m trying to sign him for as many years as I can.
NOT when they are NORTH OF 30, you don’t. And, just given BAKER’S HISTORY ALONE, it was a total GIFT. Committing to the next 3-YEARS (and at THAT kind of MONEY), sure sounds-like a “Franchise” Quarterback to me. It’s absolutely ABSURD to suggest otherwise, and is ONLY playing into BAKER’S OWN (made up) BS. So, YOU are obviously just a “BAKER FAN” then, and NOT a Bucs Fan. 💯
August 3rd, 2026 at 10:21 pm
@ Scott McKirahan Says: “P.S. … Even if the Bucs let Baker go after the season, they still take a $30 million cap hit next year on him.”
Yes. EVERYONE is fully aware of this. They will have to eventually pay-it REGARDLESS, and it’d be A LOT SMARTER to be left with ONLY the $30-MILLION, versus say $150-MIL in DEAD CAP over the next 4-5 YEARS, if you extend HIM and HE craps the bed, gets injured, or etc. And, It’s entirely, IRRELEVANT in a complete REBUILD. Since, you are going to take the hit immediately anyway, in order to rid it from your cap, and to clear up as much cap space as humanly POSSIBLE. So, that your next STUD HC can start-over fresh with a clean cap. It’s a WEAK friggin argument or EXCUSE (to sign your boy) to begin with. Because, you NEVER allow ANY ‘one-player’ to hold YOU hostage that way, or ALLOW HIM or something LIKE THAT, to dictate your decisions (&/or) moves, concerning YOUR FRANCHISE.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:16 am
Scott McKirahan Says:
August 3rd, 2026 at 8:36 pm
Munch said – “and I hope to God that at the end of the year the Bucs are talking about how they’re going to afford to pay him $60M a year because he just won a Superbowl”
I just can’t let statements like this slide. Teams win Superbowls, rarely quarterbacks. I don’t think Sam Darnold is worth a penny more than he was if the Seahawks had lost the big game to the Patriots. His skills didn’t change, his value to the Seahawks or any other team didn’t change because the team left the big dance with a win.
Darnold is worth more than he is being paid because he proved he is in the upper half of QBs in the league – not because “he” won a Superbowl.
——————
I’m mean the Bucs win the SB because of Baker, because he has an MVP season. But hey, if the Bucs win the SB, I’m OK with whatever they want to do. Heck, if they want to waste another 2nd rounder on a kicker or QB, go ahead, Licht gets a free pass from me.
But yes, I agree, you don’t give Darnold $60M because their defense on the SB, but I don’t really see the Bucs defense winning the SB by dragging Baker across the finish line. If they did somehow win the SB, it almost certainly would be because the defense got hot down the stretch (which is what happened in 2020) and Baker played at an insane level for most of the season.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
I love Baker Mayfield. However, the Bucks need help in so many other areas including the defensive line if they lose Vita Vea. I’m not sure that Baker is worth top five quarterback money. If we were perennially contending for division championships, then it would be a different story. However, we did okay for 2 years and horribly the third year. So, as much as I love Baker Mayfield, I’m not sure he’s worth mid-50s on a long-term deal. At the end of the day football is a business. Baker doesn’t seem to get that. I say that if he thinks he can get more money somewhere else than he should go. Good luck Baxter. Go Buc, go Canes.