Former NFL Scout Has Jason Licht’s Back
August 4th, 2026
Business is a cold world.
Popular sports radio and TV personality Adam Schein likes to holler, “You gotta love sports!” Why? Because the unpredictability of sports is great theatre.
Well, Joe will take that a step further. “You gotta love drama!” And thanks to Baker Mayfield, we have welcome drama that has made the 2026 Bucs training camp, well, fun!
And the drama has transformed the Bucs since they were 6-2 last season into a nationally relevant squad.
It has even caught the eye of outspoken former NFL scout and podcaster John Middlekauff. Speaking on his “3 and Out” podcast, Middlekauff says he has Jason Licht’s back in the Mayfield contract hassle.
In short, Middlekauff said absolutely the Bucs should be cautious about Mayfield’s contract after what happened in 2025.
Mayfield is seemingly peeved over the Bucs telling him he is their franchise quarterback but not offering a competitive salary for a franchise quarterback who has gotten the Bucs to the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
Middlekauff suggested in the business world, saying one thing and doing another is common, if not standard operating procedure.
Words don’t mean a damn thing, per Middlekauff, but actions do. And that’s why Team Glazer (?) and Licht have not overreacted to the number of zeros on Mayfield’s offer.
“Words in the real world in business don’t mean sh!t,” Middlekauff said. “I’d argue words in general are pretty meaningless. Actions define everything, and right now the Bucs’ actions are. ‘Yeah, we got some question marks.’
“How could they not? Because last year in a godawful division, they couldn’t make the playoffs. I have no problem with Baker Mayfield being p!ssed off, everything he’s heard, what he feels he’s done for the organization.
“And I got no issue with Jason Light [not going overboard]. If I was in his shoes, I would do the same thing. We got to play this out.”
Middlekauff pointed out there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes indirectly affecting Mayfield’s contract. The biggest one is KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles’ job security.
The implication Joe gets from Middlekauff is that if the Bucs move on from Bowles after this season, would the top coaching candidates want Mayfield as their starting quarterback?
“I’m rooting for Baker Mayfield to do well,” Middlekauff said. “If it doesn’t go that well … things will get weird. Things will get weird fast.”
How weird? Middlekauff didn’t elaborate. The Joe typing here is in the same camp. Joe likes Mayfield but that 2-7 stretch to end the season has this-Joe spooked.
Joe is confident if Mayfield lights up the NFL this year as many predict, Team Glazer would be happy to pony up (again) for a true, proven franchise quarterback.
Too many teams don’t have a franchise quarterback. You either have one or you don’t.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:12 am
Maybe I’m in the minority, but LOCK HIM UP NOW! Let’s Bake 🥖
August 4th, 2026 at 12:24 am
Baker chose to have a temper tantrum in front of the world that will do him absolutely no good. Even if he wins the MVP and Super Bowl MVP next season he will never make Joe Burrow/Josh Allen/Mahomes money. He’s 2nd tier when he’s on his game and 3rd tier and worse when he isn’t.
He’s opened his mouth and proclaimed his franchise QB arrival. It’s really all on him now. Anything less than that and he’s right back where he started next season. Either with or without the Bucs. If things don’t work out and he moves on – every other team in the NFL is going to think twice before signing him long term after he’s bashed yet another employer.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:31 am
OR Buc Says:
Maybe I’m in the minority, but LOCK HIM UP NOW! Let’s Bake
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Are you willing to pay him $200M-$250M guaranteed if that’s what he wants? That’s the going rate for where he believes his value is at.
That’s what you pay a QB who doesn’t finish 2-7 with 10 picks and more lost fumbles at the end of the year.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:41 am
Louis
Is that what he said he wanted? The bottom line is he is a franchise QB, 12 QBs make more the 50 mil and it would be cheaper now than after a great year! 3 years 165 should do the trick. He is already late to the 50 mil club, so that’s good value for 3 more years as the salary cap continues to increase.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:43 am
LouisFriend Says:
August 4th, 2026 at 12:24 am
…….Even if he wins the MVP and Super Bowl MVP next season he will never make Joe Burrow/Josh Allen/Mahomes money…….
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Only because he’s Baker Mayfield?
August 4th, 2026 at 12:51 am
exBrowns02 Says:
Only because he’s Baker Mayfield?
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Because he’s Baker Mayfield and he plays the game like he does. One of the 10-15 best in the world at what he does, definitely. But there’s flaws that keep him from the top.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:58 am
LouisFriend: I asked “Only because he’s Baker Mayfield?” because if he won the Superbowl MVP he would automatically be in the top tier.
Your statement on this was nonsensical.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:59 am
OR Buc Says:
August 4th, 2026 at 12:41 am
Louis
Is that what he said he wanted? The bottom line is he is a franchise QB
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Whats your definition of a franchise QB? All I see is 28-26. What kind of franchise has ax 500 qb as its franchise qb?
August 4th, 2026 at 1:00 am
OR Buc Says:
Louis
Is that what he said he wanted? The bottom line is he is a franchise QB, 12 QBs make more the 50 mil and it would be cheaper now than after a great year! 3 years 165 should do the trick. He is already late to the 50 mil club, so that’s good value for 3 more years as the salary cap continues to increase.
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He wouldn’t accept a 2 year extension at $50M+ which would have given him around $150M in guaranteed money counting this season. If he wants a 3 year guaranteed extension at $50M+ thats $205M committed. If he wants a deal like Dak Prescott that’s a 4 year extension at around $280M in cash paid by the Bucs.
I’m certain he wants at least $200M in guaranteed money based on what he rejected. What none of us know is whether he wants something closer to $300M. Whatever he wants he threw a tantrum over the Bucs offer and that tells me they were very far apart. Bad sign.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:06 am
exBrowns02 Says:
LouisFriend: I asked “Only because he’s Baker Mayfield?” because if he won the Superbowl MVP he would automatically be in the top tier.
Your statement on this was nonsensical.
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Being a Super Bowl MVP doesn’t guarantee you get top tier pay, just top tier recognition for winning. Unless you know something I don’t about NFL contracts that somehow guarantees such a perc lol.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:09 am
Yeah, man, I was firmly in the Baker camp but have to say the whole “I feel disrespected” shtik is not sitting well. TB gave you a shot when no one else would and would community opened up our arms with warm welcome. Them turn around, talk sh1te, lie about what was offered+ then throw more shade on how Vita needs to get paid too It’s not like Glazers aren’t spending the entire cap every season…u want to get paid + VV+ OL + everyone else – well dammitboy so do I/everyone else. It’s just not how a cap works works. “Deadline is training camp – then that’s it. All ball. Don’t want to be a distraction”…then intentionally creates national media headlines – after training camp has started. Disrespected? Rules for thee and not for me.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:10 am
I think this guy has been reading my posts since he’s making the same case I’ve been making since January.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:13 am
Rod: Come on man, I knew it was you all along! Love ya Brother!
August 4th, 2026 at 1:24 am
Rod Munch Says:
I think this guy has been reading my posts since he’s making the same case I’ve been making since January.
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Too much time reading dead money horror stories the last couple of years. I’m glad the Bucs aren’t bidding against themselves like the Cardinals, Dolphins, Browns and others have done.
I love Baker’s heart, but like others I’m not sold on his ability to survive his own style of play and excel. Great that he’s willing to play with cracked ribs, torn meniscus (?), bum shoulder, bad back, sprained ankle, hand injury, eye poke, large contusions etc – bad that he puts himself in position to endure some of them.
August 4th, 2026 at 1:31 am
LouisFriend: Baker has no residual/legacy injuries impeding his play. His willingness to take a beating manifests his leadership and loyalty to his teammates. He’s healthy and raring to go right now. Don’t bet against him.
August 4th, 2026 at 2:03 am
Lock him up now. It would be so easy and make it a lot easier on the team! Making him angry is not going to make future negotiations any easier. You could get him for 53M AAV this year for the length of the contract. Next season will probably be 65M AAV. QB salaries rise rapidly! And there’s so many teams desperate for a QB, it’s going to be a nightmare negotiating for his services…
August 4th, 2026 at 2:03 am
No offense to Middlekauff who seems like he could be a good dude, but he’s genuinely one of the least intelligent people I’ve ever heard speak, his read/record on situations/predictions is consistently terrible and it’s easy to see why he lasted only 5 minutes as a scout.
August 4th, 2026 at 5:05 am
I’ll leave the drama to the drama queens who argue over how much Baker is worth.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:18 am
I’m loving the no-contract thing. Next year is gonna be exciting
August 4th, 2026 at 6:19 am
I’m of the mind that we ought to wait and see what happens this year. We don’t know who the coach is going to be just yet. And that erratic streak after the bye made me nervous. I’ve seen way too many teams sign a streaky QB to a mega contract and then look to be rid of them the very next year. Tua Tagoviola comes to mind right off the bat and Kyler Murray is another. Let me get some coffee and I’ll thing of a few more.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:46 am
Fred. If you spill a hot cup of coffee on your crotch, you’ll say “that was dumb, Fred!”
About as dumb as comparing Baker Mayfield to Tua Tagoviola and Kyler Murray.
I don’t want you to spill coffee down your crotch, Fred. I swear.
August 4th, 2026 at 7:11 am
Let’s let it play out ,, we will say the going rate is 50 million ,, if I’m baker and im betting on myself then every win I start is plus a million , every loss is minus a million , if we are 10-7 I want 53,, if we are 7-10 I’ll take 47,,, but that’s a gamblers mentality , Maybe a few extra incentives a million for each playoff win and 2 million for a SB appearance ,, incentives that will never come into play according to some here . But incentives someone who bets on himself would take
August 4th, 2026 at 7:25 am
Its so funny to see so many “fans” say “lock him up” when Baker decided that $50+ million annually is too low and didn’t sign. Baker fans I know it hurts your feelings that Bake doesn’t want to be a Buc but its the truth. Thank God he didnt sign or be stuck with damaged goods.
Enjoy the next 17 games Baker fans, its the last time you’ll see him as a Buc.
August 4th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Bucs will lose him in free agency after the season. If he has a poor season they will gladly let him go and rebuild. If he has a great season he will be looking to go elsewhere.
August 4th, 2026 at 8:06 am
Baker put his foot in his mouth and he wrote a check his @$$ cant cash!!!!
Baker is only a bridge QB at this point in his career…he’ll sign a 1year deal with another team next year who will also draft a QB….
because of his mouth and poor play, baker’s time in tampa is up!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
August 4th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Kinda pizzes me off that 100 million is being disrespectful. C’mon Baker. Be satisfied. 🙁
August 4th, 2026 at 8:43 am
JoeBucksfan you started this whole mess with Baker Mayfield when you wrote this article on June 3, 2026- Why Is Baker Mayfield Avoiding Media?
August 4th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Baker ain’t it.
August 4th, 2026 at 9:23 am
LouisFriend Says:
August 4th, 2026 at 12:24 am
(Baker) “is 2nd tier when he’s on his game and 3rd tier and worse when he isn’t.
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What exactly is your “tier line?” Compare Baker’s stats to Mahomes over the past few years. Baker’s comparable in most columns of the stat lines. I’m not saying they should be paying him Mahomes money (mainly because I think Mahomes’ pay eats up too much of the salary cap, forcing the team to go cheap in other areas). I’m just saying I don’t think he’s necessarily 2nd tier unless you define what the “tiers” are.
Are they 4 players in tier 1, 4 in tier 2, etc.? I’d argue he’s 3rd tier in that set-up. Are they top 10, next 10, then bottom 12? Because I’d argue that he’s 2nd tier even on his worst day.
August 4th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Tampa2ATL Says:
“Deadline is training camp – then that’s it. All ball. Don’t want to be a distraction”…then intentionally creates national media headlines – after training camp has started. Disrespected? Rules for thee and not for me.”
Well put. Thats how I see it as well.
Baker is under contract for $40M this year. I don’t care who you are – $40M is a LOT of money. Even Musk or Bezos or Warren Buffett would agree that $40 MILLION dollars is a LOT of money.
That $40M was NOT guaranteed…. until the Buccaneers – as a sign of loyalty and good faith decided on their own to Guarantee the $40M. And the Bucs have already paid Mayfield more than $75M (including incentives) over the last 3 years…
The team then offers over $100M for a 2 year extension – likely guaranteeing about $60M of that – which means Baker would be under contract for the next 3 years with $100M GUARANTEED over the next 2 years.
Considering what happened the 2nd half of last season – I see that as a VERY generous offer. It puts Baker in the over $50M per year club starting next year- while he is already guaranteed the $40M for this season.
But instead of coming back to the Bucs with – “that’s in the ballpark – but I really wanted at least 3 or more years in that range” – Mayfield chose to stand in front of microphones and tell the world the Bucs “disrespected” him – with what all can see is a very FAIR offer considering the circumstances….
Who is disrespecting who??? I think it is pretty clear who the disrespectful party was in this case.
Baker needs to fix this if he truly wants Tampa Bay to be his “home”. He needs to apologize to the team publicly – admit that his previous comments were based in hot headed emotions – and get real about the fact that he is fortunate to be playing for a team that has such a great OLine and so many great skill players… a team that WANTS him to be here and WANTS to pay him $50+M per year – despite the fact that he sh!t the bed last season and helped torpedo a 6-2 start into no playoffs and a losing season by insisting on playing hurt.
August 4th, 2026 at 9:44 am
LouisFriend Says: He wouldn’t accept a 2 year extension at $50M+ which would have given him around $150M in guaranteed money counting this season.
Where did you hear, other than your own echo chamber, that the Bucs were guaranteeing both years? For that matter, what makes you think they ever guaranteed even half of that?
A lot has been said about the $50M/year, but NO RELIABLE source has said anything about what of that was guaranteed. And how is it that he is not close the $50M/year club currently but if you add 2 years and $100M he is now magically at $150M for three? No need to answer that last one, I know exactly how.
August 4th, 2026 at 11:26 am
BuccoMarty how’s this for a tier grouping when taking into account all stats seen and and perceived?
Tier 1
Top 10 qbs, frachise qbs who have been CONSISTENTLY good/great their whole career, guys who don’t need superlatives to describe their play and that experts teams and team fans(not boyyz) know that the team always has a chance to win with them under center.
Qbs who don’t need excuses and can pass the “eye test”.
Tier 2
Next 11-20 Qbs who’ve never been consistently great but with a good team around them can win, get teams to the playoffs and maybe get to the Super Bow. A a good possibility/maybe/perhaps is better than a never. Missing certain qualities that keep them from being a good franchise qb. The ebb and flow of their career is marked by many highs and lows, who’s lows can be as great as their highs and teams are wary offering them those long term contracts because sometimes they’re not sure of what they’ll get year to year.
Tier 3
The bottom dwellers. Qbs who’ve never even been consistently good, bounce around different teams and will never take your team far. Consumate back ups and journeymen who never could get over that hump to make them tier 2. Qbs that bottom dwelling poorly managed and coached teams are forced to take because they still win games along the way.
I know these are my ideals and opinions vary but how can anybody outside of his Moisty Boyyz look at the entirety of Baker Mayfield’s career and say he’s not a high/solid tier 2???
He has been all three throughout his career, seasons and games.
In 2024 his greatest he still almost led the league in turnovers.
He will look like he floats like a butterfly stings like a bee,
walking in quicksand or
walking on water with cement shoes.
He feels pressure and cannot read defenses .
Worst of all he hasTodd Bowles as his HC/DC
August 4th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
August 4th, 2026 at 9:44 am
LouisFriend Says: He wouldn’t accept a 2 year extension at $50M+ which would have given him around $150M in guaranteed money counting this season.
Where did you hear, other than your own echo chamber, that the Bucs were guaranteeing both years? For that matter, what makes you think they ever guaranteed even half of that?
A lot has been said about the $50M/year, but NO RELIABLE source has said anything about what of that was guaranteed. And how is it that he is not close the $50M/year club currently but if you add 2 years and $100M he is now magically at $150M for three? No need to answer that last one, I know exactly how.
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LOL, pretty defensive reaction to what’s being passed around as the basis for where Mayfield and the Bucs ended their contract talks. If you think no numbers are reliable information why bother commenting at all?
The Bucs leak what helps their case. Schefter and others make sure it gets out.
Some of you guys need to work at understanding the difference between a contract *extension* and tearing up an existing contract and replacing it with a new deal. If you can’t understand the basic financials of how that works it’s on you.
August 4th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
@ LouisFriend – Since when is trying to get to the truth defensive? Please share with everyone your source for the Bucs guaranteeing all three years in their offer. A link would be great!
Per NBC Sports “Mayfield publicly expressed disappointment because the team would not offer a deal longer than two years or MEET HIS DESIRED GUARANTEE and market structure preferences.” If the Bucs had really offer to guarantee all years, Baker would not have included their failure to meet his ‘desired guarantee’ but would have only mentioned length and structure. Why? Because the Bucs would have shot back immediately that they had offered a guarantee for the duration of the agreement. They did not!
August 4th, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Joe is very confident he had zero influence over what Baker Mayfield wants in an extention and what Team Glazer is willing to pay.
If Joe really does have this sort of influence, Joe wants a cut from either Mayfield’s agent or the Glazers!
August 4th, 2026 at 3:09 pm
What is a franchise quarterback? I think it’s a player who represents the franchise in every game over a period of time. He may not be an All-Pro and the team may not even make the playoffs, but if he’s out there, he’s the franchise guy. He will probably be a good player because in the NFL there is a big churn of average players seeking starting positions. More than one or two consecutive seasons as a starter is serious continuity for quarterbacks. In four straight years in Cleveland, Baker started 13, 16, 16, and 14 games. In three seasons with the Bucs, he has started 17 in each year. How many quarterbacks have so dominated their positions in their lineups in recent history, especially in Cleveland and Tampa? Specifically, how many have started every game for their teams for the past three years? That’s the kind of consistency many people don’t notice.