Ian Rapoport: Sure Looks Like A Prove-It Year For Baker Mayfield
August 1st, 2026
Prove it.
One of the Joes has been wringing his hands for months, saying it would be prudent for the Bucs to see how Baker Mayfield finishes this season before putting a contract in front of his face.
The same Joe is shook by how the Bucs, with Mayfield captaining the pirate ship, went 2-7 to finish the season, seeing the pirate ship run aground on the rocks and miss the playoffs. If the Bucs rushed to sign Mayfield, which Mayfield are you getting, the 6-2 Mayfield who played like an MVP or the beat-up Mayfield who went 2-7 and was unable to find a way to score a key touchdown in a galling loss to the tanking Dolphins?
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network seems to think since the Bucs were unwilling to guarantee Mayfield long-term money, that suggests the Bucs have deemed this season a prove-it year for Mayfield.
Rapoport spoke last night on an episode of “The Insiders” on NFL Network.
“The fact that the Bucs were at least a little reticent to guarantee money deep into the future on Baker Mayfield, on Vita Veia, this seems interesting to me,” Rapoport said. “You really do wonder inside the Bucs organization, kind of where does this come from?
“And what you learn is that this is a team, they’re talented now. They have a good offense. … The fact that they were not quite willing, like you see a lot of teams, to put money into the future does lead you to believe they want to see how this year goes, reassess, and look where they are.
“If Baker Mayfield is a part of the future, that means he has played well, and they are successful, and it means he will be highly paid. … If that’s the outcome, that is a good outcome.”
Exactly. The Joe typing here never understood the rush to sign Mayfield after a 2-7 finish. Even Mayfield said him holding out was not on the table.
So let’s see which Mayfield the Bucs have this year. The guy who looked like an MVP with the team on his back to start 6-2, or the hurt quarterback who wasn’t very effective against trash teams as the Bucs watched their playoff chances sink overboard.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Bucs’ dueling contract situations have put all eyes on the field this season. pic.twitter.com/OjftRVxFKs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2026
August 1st, 2026 at 12:09 am
Spoiler Alert: it’s somewhere in the middle, and therein lies the problem.
August 1st, 2026 at 12:34 am
Yup, so frustrating.
August 1st, 2026 at 12:42 am
It’s crazy to go into a season with all this distraction just a bunch of questions, yup that’s the ticket to success. I’m sorry joe that don’t let it be a distraction just isnt the way it works. Was getting hyped for the season to start but all this looks like a mess. Pick a direction and hit the gas.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:09 am
The Joe typing here was pro Winston who threw 33 interceptions in a 16 game season, had zero playoff appearances much less a playoff win, & a career losing record but is skeptical about signing Mayfield.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:28 am
Joe, you are so correct. You said it shortly after the Super Bowl. He will be franchised around he same price and hold next year. No reason to throw money because the other teams do. I love Baker, but 3-5 years with a ton of guaranteed money. You pointed it out, it is win/win for both the Bucs and Baker.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:50 am
I know a few things about the Glazers.
1. They are a powerful family.
2. One or two of them have a temper.
3. They don’t like being disrespected.
Baker–Boo hoo, you got your feelings hurt. Tread lightly.
August 1st, 2026 at 2:25 am
We can all chill about Baker. He will give 100% as long as he is under contract, which is through 2027, as good Baker is well worth franchise-tag money. Last year was Licht’s failure to provide quality depth at guard, and the defensive collapse.
Who is on the hot seat is Todd Bowles. That defense straightens up this year, or we got a new head coach. And he would have the ’27 campaign to make up his mind about his quarterback. Of course, by then, the market for a quality QB1 may be around $250 million for 4 years.
August 1st, 2026 at 2:28 am
It’s a Prove it year for Bowles even more so than Baker.
And a new HC might not want Baker as our QB.
Bake should try to have some perspective and realize that and drop the grudge against our front office.
August 1st, 2026 at 3:53 am
@ David LeBar Says: “Spoiler Alert: it’s somewhere in the middle, and therein lies the problem.”
Exactly 💯. And, then, on top of that… You cannot just dismiss and ignore all of the ‘unnecessary’ stuff, that comes along with HIM. There is just waaaayyy too much BS. And, it’s not worth it. He’s not the type of “leader” for a franchise that most teams are comfortable with… Especially, at the Quarterback position. NOT when it comes to THEIR teams. All of the guys ahead of Baker, who are being paid MORE than him… THEY ALL just go about ‘their’ business and are steady, calm, cerebral, and FOCUSED. When, Baker is VERY immature, a Loose Cannon, and is focused on all of the WRONG things. You are just constantly, having to HEAR ABOUT IT from him… No matter WTF it is. It gets old FAST, and he begins to wear-out his welcome. He’s got some problems, to say the least. MAJOR issues. And, do you want to ‘commit’ to ALL of THAT LONGTERM… The answer to that question up until this point, has been a resounding, HAIL NO. And, I never see HIM trying to ‘uplift’ anyone else, either… Other than JUST HIMSELF.
August 1st, 2026 at 3:56 am
Bring back Jameis!
August 1st, 2026 at 4:55 am
They wouldn’t even give him 3-years NOW… But, next year they’re going to give HIM “4!?” One more time, here… There has only been ONE “Quarterback,” in the HISTORY of THE NFL (at least modern day), who has received anything more than a (TRUE) “3-YEAR CONTRACT” past the age of 30 (with a team that did NOT “DRAFT” them). And, that was RUSSELL WILSON recently, with the “Walmart-Broncos.” It was a total, complete OUTLIER. An Anomaly. And, “Russell Wilson” was a 10-YEAR “LEADER” of a franchise that went to ‘TWO’ SUPER BOWLS (should’ve won them both), & is a ‘fringe’ future HOFer. And, ZERO Distractions… BIG BIG Difference, than with BAKER. But, HOW’d it turn-out!? HORRIBLY. Could not have gone ANY worse. So, it’s going to take a very ‘special and unique’ situation, before anything LIKE THAT, ever happens AGAIN. “Cousins” is NOT a true 5-YEAR DEAL, either… It will most likely, only be a 1-YEAR Deal. The Raiders can just fully ‘walk-away’ after this season, without owing HIM a single penny. It’s all FAKERY.
August 1st, 2026 at 5:21 am
It’s only a “distraction” if Baker HIMSELF, continues to make it such. This is just the normal, everyday like of ‘professional’ SPORTS. Every team deals with this stuff EVERY SINGLE SEASON, in one way, or another. It’s just the way it is. Absolutely NOTHING has changed concerning THIS TEAM. Everything is the same NOW, as it has been for MONTHS. We don’t have the ‘injuries’ to 4-STARTERS, like Carolina does. We have the exact SAME Roster. SAME QB. SAME HC. SAME GM. SAME FO. SAME Owners. Everything ELSE… SAME. The ONLY ‘difference’ now, is that we have a BUNCHA ‘bed-wetting’ goin on. From supposed “FANS.” Who up until, only a few days ago… ALL swore on their lives, that THIS Bucs Team was an 11-13 ‘win’ roster, and true legit Super Bowl CONTENDER. Amazing, how quickly, they have all abandoned ship.
August 1st, 2026 at 5:37 am
It will actually be a lot more like, $300-MILLION+ over 5-YEARS… As soon as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, & Jayden Daniels begin to hit the market in the next offseason, or two. Just NOT for the 32 or 33-YEAR OLD Baker Mayfield.
August 1st, 2026 at 5:55 am
If it is, it is a deflection on the part of JL. He feels the pressure. Perhaps in a moment of lucidity he realized the poor job of stocking this team with talent. He sees it now and needs a scapegoat.
August 1st, 2026 at 5:56 am
Baker’s not consistent, turns the ball over way too much, has a big ego, a prove it year makes sense. But I think he’s burned too many bridges.
August 1st, 2026 at 6:07 am
Baker, love your game, if you had won a division or playoff game last year this would be a non issue.
August 1st, 2026 at 6:35 am
@melvinjunior
You suffer from BTSD.
Baker-traumatic stress disorder (BTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as Baker Mayfield playing football at an MVP level and then suffering serious injury, both to himself and multiple teammates, with serious consequence to the collective’s ability to win games. Fans suffering from BSTD lack capacity to critically recall the paradoxical events leading to a nightmare season. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the season when a talented quarterback exercises his rights to negotiate a contract that takes the “MVP” part of the equation into account and instead focus on the consequences of the injury riddled team. It’s indeed a form of insanity with the only cure being found within the Cleveland Browns fan base — where relief can be found by crying in one’s beer with a delusional fan-base that are nothing but losers.
August 1st, 2026 at 6:36 am
I really beleive the Bucs and JL are playing this VERY smart. However, I’d trade Vita and get draft compensation. Keep in mind he was part of that disastrous defense last year. Was he not mentioned in at least one of the loaf watch articles? Please keep the loaf articles going during the season Joes.
August 1st, 2026 at 6:43 am
To me, it’s more a prove it year for Bowles, with Baker and Vita unfortunately caught in the middle. Just bad timing for them.
August 1st, 2026 at 6:49 am
i predict in26’ you get middle of the road baker inconsistent sometimes brilliant sometimes frustrating unable to get the team deep in the playoffs
August 1st, 2026 at 6:58 am
Melvin you keep saying this only Russel Wilson garbage has signed a 3 year contract over 30 with a new team. I just on my own thought of Dereck Carr he signed with the saints for 4 years at 32 years old. Huh what that can’t be right everything you say is 100% RIGHT. Only ONE QB OVER 30!!!! First guy that pops in my head did that. I wonder how many more there are if I google it. Just throw out garbage that is unverified to make yourself and you point come across as the truth. Spitting lies Derrick Carr. Will check with AI later and let them tell me the probably other 10 plus qbs to do what ONLY Russel Wilson DID
August 1st, 2026 at 7:17 am
Just win baby…
All these issues will go away and BM will get his bag.
August 1st, 2026 at 7:19 am
One of the issues is that Licht is not sure how long Bowles will be around. What if he signs Baker to a long term contract and the next coach doesn’t want him.?
August 1st, 2026 at 7:23 am
Guess he only plays for 30 million this year. Poor guy.
August 1st, 2026 at 7:40 am
What some of you fail to understand is that this is Bakers last season here no matter how he plays. Lets say by some miracle Baker plays out of his mind this season. What good does it do to pay him $50+ million with the rest of the roster in shambles? Hes unaffordable for this team while the roster has many areas that need improvement. Hes auditioning for other teams now.
As I’ve said many times since last season ended, they’re not spending big money on anyone. Licht spent it all Zion, Godwin and Baker a few years ago. The team got rewarded with those decisions by missing the playoffs. Now ownership wants to see what this roster can do.
Too many expensive players and not enough high level production. Enjoy the tank year. Next season hopefully this team can build something special with a competent HC and QB.
August 1st, 2026 at 7:44 am
Bee,
“Hope” is a sh—tty business strategy.
August 1st, 2026 at 8:40 am
Todd
So is continuing to go with a plan that isnt working. The Bucs have to make this team as attractive as possible for the next HC and possibly GM. To do that you get rid of expensive contracts and compile high draft picks. Thats what the Bucs are doing now.
August 1st, 2026 at 8:45 am
When exactly did Joe advocate for the Bucs to re-sign Jameis for $50 million+ a year?
August 1st, 2026 at 8:53 am
Stafford signed to a 160mil 4 year extension at 32. But, it’s an outlier. Most Old guys don’t get a lot of love.
August 1st, 2026 at 9:04 am
I’d rather distractions this year and the ability to change the roster next year if this team plays like they did last year. Why spend 80 million on Baker and Vea if we finish 8-9?? If they play bad we probably draft top 10 and get a top rookie QB on a rookie deal which gives us lots of flexibility.
August 1st, 2026 at 9:15 am
Baker couldn’t have won a playoff game with the offensive line in shambles. Making him pay for that is a huge mistake. As he will show us.
August 1st, 2026 at 9:30 am
Bee, you also suffer from BTSD (reference symptoms above).
You delusionally dismiss the MVP vs. serious mass-injury calculus.
Your dismissal may make for some good, follow the sheep soundbites, but said soundbites lack true critical thought.
Imagine someone knee-capping you and dislocating your shoulder while kicking you in the nuts, along with those in your entire support system…and come back to me and tell me “nothing to see here.”
August 1st, 2026 at 10:03 am
St Pete Matty please stop being such a drama queen.
The only “huge mistake” would be the team/GM caving to demands of a QB who is only 2 yrs removed from signing a 3 tr contract. Caving yo the demands of a QB who has been inconsistent. Caving to the demands of a QB who has gotten banged up. Caving to the demands of a QB om a team that has lots to prove with a HC that may be replaced next year.
No, you’re wrong. If Baker stays healthy and has a great season, he isn’t going anywhere. The Bucs will offer him a big fat contract after the season if he proves it. And Baker will happily sign it. They also have the power of the franchise tag.
If Baker gets hurt or has a poor season, then the new regime and make a smart decision and won’t be stuck with a massive contract that would set this franchise back for years. No good HC will come here in that situation.
There’s no down side to what JL is doing. I know in fantasyland there is this crazy scenario where Baker plays like a top 5 QB and then refuses to take a massive contract from the Bucs. He loves it here.
I believe there’s close to a 50/50 chance that scenario A or B happens. And less than 1% chance scenario C happens
“HUGE MISTAKE%…pfffft.
August 1st, 2026 at 10:40 am
I like Baker, but our offense, outside of guard, was in decent health for those last 4 games or so. Let’s just replay the last 4 to 6 games. Keep them just as they are Baker (especially the I want $50m+ for 4+ years Baker) has to be able to figure out how to win a couple more of those games. I don’t care about his injuries or how we were playing with 3rd string at best guards. In most cases, just making 1 more single throw for a first down closes out the game and a win, or not throwing that interception late in the red-zone.
I can see why the Glaziers are hesitant to pay out that kind of money. I feel like we’ve been in this emotional rollercoaster for years…We start off fast and then start tanking only to finish hot and win a bad division. I wonder how many times Bowles has been fired over the last 3years only to “win” his job back.
So part of me thinks the Glaziers are making this a prove it year, but I think they just don’t want to get straddled with a big QB contract that could impact who they could hire as their next coach.
Or
Maybe they are just cheap and don’t want to move that kind of guaranteed cash into a segregated escrow account losing cashflow for other business ventures. If they can just pay Baker year to year they get to use NFL team payout dollars for that year to pay him his weekly checks.
Going to be a Fun Year!!!
Go Bucs!
August 1st, 2026 at 10:54 am
Fanofdabucs,
There you go. You get it. This is playing out pragmatically without all the “Baker sucks” nonsense spouted by the malcontents in here.
I’m Baker agnostic.
Healthy, with those around him healthy, he has MVP potential. You will not get that with “hope” as your sh—tty business strategy.
Not healthy? Well, we’ll get more of the same of the second half of last year and we’ll have our answer. We will not have mortgaged the future, but if the healthy MVP Baker emerges, we’ll be happy to reward him handsomely on a go-forward basis.
I personally love how this is working out.
Same goes for Vita. He can prove himself this year, or screw himself financially this year. His choice. If he plays and balls out, well…he’ll likely be rewarded handsomely on a go-forward basis…or not. The key is, he’s under contract now and…there’s that.
Cheers.
August 1st, 2026 at 11:10 am
The problem is you are gonna be in crap no matter what. We have bad deals all around and yall are complaining about baker. Who are you gonna get better? For what price? QB is one place an aging player is not a bad thing. Should have got a 3 or 4 yr deal and be done with it. We are gonna be on the hook for dead money in 27 unless he is signed to a long term deal. If we let him go we are on the hook for what 20-30 mil dead cap hit. So they backed themselves into a corner with bake cause there is not a QB you can get that is better. The draft? lol where is Kyle Trask? That lost 2nd round pick.
August 1st, 2026 at 11:19 am
I can spoil the ending for you. Just like with Bowles, the team will finish with 7,8 or 9 wins and at times mayfield will look like an mvp playing elite ball and then he’ll hit a rough patch and will look like he did last year at times. That’s who he is, very inconsistent.
August 1st, 2026 at 11:23 am
In this game of “Texas Hold’em”, really need to refer to it as “Tampa Prove-It”, I say advantage goes to the Bucs! Give credit to the GM for recognizing that a 30+ Baker will have limitations, but why string Baker along with words of praise and dedication? Why not from the beginning tell him up front face to face, we want you long term, but you will have to prove it. Baker is thinking like a 20 year old in a 32 year old body. More likely than not, Baker giving that 110 percent to prove he is that “franchise” quarterback will suffer an injury ending the season”Tampa Prove-It” game!
August 1st, 2026 at 11:36 am
Stinkin’ thinkin’.
Try thinking in cans, not can’ts.
I predict Baker will ball out (if healthy…and his support remains healthy) and we’ll win the division.
That’s the extent of my predictions.
The key is health, all the way around.
I mean, you’d have to be an idiot to not consider how amazing a healthy Bucs offense can be.
Matthew Stafford experiences the same injuries Baker did last year, and if his supporting team suffers the same injuries the Bucs offense did last week…well, they too will disappoint their fans.
The teams that win Superbowls are the ones who remain most consistently healthy.
#fact
Think in cans, not can’ts.
August 1st, 2026 at 11:38 am
“last year” not “last week”
August 1st, 2026 at 11:39 am
If BM6 has a good year, he will get offers of $55 M from several other teams. Then the Buc’s can pay him, franchise tag him, or franchise tag him and trade him in 2027!
August 1st, 2026 at 11:53 am
I said this a while back, I love Baker Mayfield. But Baker has failed the Bucs fans when we needed him the most. Baker’s record is what it is. And he is what his record is. We Bucs fan get paid for what we have done. Not what we might do. We everyday joes do not have Bonus Clauses. Baker plays with passion, grit, energy and love. But We need Wins. I say to Baker, produce in “CRUNCH TIME” this year, and next year it will be “PAY ME TIME”. So, I am giving you a new name for this year, “CRUNCH TIME”. So with the weapons you have on offense if you can produce in “CRUNCH TIME”. If you can, then next year will be “PAY ME TIME”. So Baker take on this nick name and run with it. Produce and set yourself up to be the Bucs QB for the future. Go Baker, Go Bucs.
August 1st, 2026 at 12:39 pm
The new coach will decide on Mayfield. Keeping Bowles put the entire team in limbo for a season — bad mistake.
August 1st, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Todd
You’re not making sense and you’re not being specific. What exactly are you talking about?
Its very simple sir, you get paid for performance in the NFL. No matter the excuse, valid or not Baker didn’t perform well last season. Last season is the only season that matters in negotiations. Baker chose to play and since the checks cashed hes expected to win. Going 2-7 cost him a longer extension. Saying he won’t adjust his game cost him a longer extension.
And obviously, Baker not signing is effectively saying he doesn’t want to be here. Baker fans need to come to grips with that.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:08 pm
In-depth no sh*t Sherlock analysis from Rappaport. Good grief.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Agreed wit this JOE doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks. It’s a prove it year. If the Bucs thru a bunch of money at baker and he didn’t play well then the hypocrites would jump all over licht saying I told you so but if he plays well then the Bucs just have to pay a little more money. Licht is doing the right thing. Same with vea. Aging beast who is not the same player but wants top dollar sorry bud play on your current contract and show us what you got.
August 1st, 2026 at 1:41 pm
“Why rush out and extend your QB, after he finished 2-7 for the 2nd half of the season? Just wait & see what this season looks like and reassess”
Because you’re self-described “franchise QB” that’s turned in 3 of the best years of anybQB you have ever had – not named Tom Brady – just put you on blast, and notice.
If he balls out, he holds the cards. Think after a stellar season your franchise QB won’t ask for a trade at that point? Think he won’t hold out when he now knows you’re playing hard ball – but you forgot to draft a QB to play the season?
Tag him, he may play, he may not. He took a full season transferred to Oklahoma without a scholarship offer and played his way to Heisman. Try him now, after you dithered and wasted 2 seasons trying to force him into bridge QB role. He’s already figured out how to take advantage of media to highlight skills he can use after his career is finished.
These owners have never signed a contract this big, to a player who demonstrated he can be what you need – IF you have built your offense, special teams, and DEFENSE – to maximize his opportunity. Tom Brady needed ALL of those pieces too, so don’t give me the excuse that Baker needs a lot around him in order to be successful. He needs as much as Sam Darnold needed to be successful. The problem is, this team ignored the importance of playing defense AND special teams and caused Baker to have to be perfect. Darnold didn’t need to be perfect, his defense meant that he just needed to be competent.
Your starting QB also said “on to Cincinnati”… and you can add Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York Jets, and Arizona to the list – if you want.
But if you do, and you let this cat ball out, you’re going to pay.
And I hope he makes you sweat. You play hardball when you’re prepared. When you’ve drafted a QB that you KNOW you can develop. You don’t, you didn’t prepare, so you just created more volatility at QB and you pissed your starter off anyway.
Leverage only works if you’re not scared. It only works if you’re prepared. We are not prepared but they played hard ball anyway.
Baker knows who he’s negotiating with, and it ain’t Jason Licht.
August 1st, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Yes, exactly. Kind of smart. Bad for vibes.
August 1st, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Imagine the bucs record over the last 3 seasons without baker. Probably 4-13 or worse!
August 1st, 2026 at 4:15 pm
Bee, I kick you in the nuts, bust your shoulder, smash your knee and then hold you to a standard where you gut it out so that we don’t have to suffer Teddy Bridgewater throwing more hospital balls to other receivers and you get sh—t from “fans” like you that you are somehow “less than” … when prior to all the injuries, you were MVP material. Good Lord, I don’t want to question your IQ, but I gotta. Think, man. Think.
August 1st, 2026 at 4:15 pm
“The Joe typing here never understood the rush to sign Mayfield after a 2-7 finish.”
So is that Joe in a rush to make Jake Browning the next starting QB? Or maybe bring Kyle Trask back and make him Baker’s replacement?
As for the 2-7 finish, don’t forget Bowles and his defense gave up a ton of leads during that stretch.
Franchise QBs are pretty rare and pretty expensive. The Glazers just need to bite the bullet and pay Baker what the market would pay him.