Report: Baker Mayfield Counteroffered With Two-Year Contract Extension
August 21st, 2026
Baker Mayfield said 22 days ago that he was unhappy and slightly insulted by the contract extension offer tossed his way by the Buccaneers.
Nothing was enough, he told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. No part of the trifecta was hit by Team Glazer and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht.
“It was all three — between years, average [salary] and guarantees,” Mayfield said. “Probably the most disappointing is years. Didn’t get offered anything over two [years].
So Mayfield felt disrespected by the Bucs wanting to give him a contract for only 2027 and 2028 — before he even plays a down in 2026?
That’s interesting because, per Mike Garafolo reporter/insider of NFL Network, the Mayfield camp was ready to accept a two-year deal.
“They did go back and forth. Like Baker Mayfield and his camp did respond to the Buccaneers’ two-year offer with their own two-year proposal as well,” Garafolo told The Rich Eisen Show yesterday.
“So it’s not like they said, ‘We are adamantly opposed to a two-year extension.’ It’s just once those numbers started to go back and forth, they couldn’t get to an agreement on total money and guarantees.”
Garafolo is reputable, and sounded exceptionally confident in his words. Garafolo also was around Bucs camp last week in New Jersey.
So did Mayfield really come back to the Bucs with what he deemed an acceptable two-year conract extension and the Bucs punted?
If so, Joe would understand the Bucs’ position. If in that scenario Mayfield was seeking $55 million for 2028, then keeping him on the franchise tag in 2029 would cost at least $66 million. There’s no way the Bucs want to be in that position.
August 21st, 2026 at 7:52 am
Let’s get this done and over with. This guy is our Franchise QB. No one wants this lingering all year especially if/when we have a good year this year. SIGN the MAN!!
August 21st, 2026 at 7:53 am
Interesting. I actually believe this report. It sounds like Baker wants three years with two guaranteed and $50+/year.
And if he can’t get three, he’ll settle for two fully guaranteed.
As I’ve been saying all along, I believe he just wants to be sure a new head coach will give him time to prove himself worth keeping. He’s been thru a lot.
I don’t think he’s being unreasonable.
August 21st, 2026 at 7:57 am
He’s not a franchise quarterback he haven’t won anything he’s never played in a conference championship game. If get to a conference championship then yes snig him
August 21st, 2026 at 7:59 am
I thought this was behind us till the off season? All about ball remember? They didn’t agree on a deal, old news.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:07 am
So, you are only a Franchise B if you have won something? Really?
Please don’t tell Josh Allen or Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert….
August 21st, 2026 at 8:08 am
The problem, as I understand it, is 1) the salary cap to a lesser degree (between proration and reworking other contracts, this can likely be overcome), and 2) the NFL’s requirement that the guaranteed portion of future salaries be held in escrow. That requires setting aside today’s dollars for tomorrow’s performance interest free. I haven’t seen where a franchise has been able to do a workaround for this. I don’t know if anybody has explored posting a surety bond for the guaranteed money or if the NFL would accept that. The work around might be something along the lines of “if the team should terminate the player’s employment contract for any reason other than _______, the player shall receive ________ percent of the remaining balance of his unpaid salary over the balance of the remaining contract term; which the team shall insure by way of surety bond with ________”. I don’t know if something like this would work, but similar clauses are typical for senior executives in the corporate world.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:12 am
“Oneilbuc Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 7:57 am
He’s not a franchise quarterback he haven’t won anything he’s never played in a conference championship game. If get to a conference championship then yes snig him”
You wouldn’t know a franchise QB if one jumped up and bit you in the rear.
You called JayMiss a franchise QB after his 30/30 pick 6 filled season and moaned when the Bucs opted for door #2.
You adamantly thought Brady was washed and passing on JayMiss for Brady was a huge mistake. Oopsy.
Sit this one out. You have zero credibility.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:14 am
I was pretty tough concerning Baker when he was first brought to Tampa… wasn’t his fault. I just don’t like being lied to by the head coach.
But Baker has me invested these days. I believe he deservesa good extension with guarantees. I believe he deserves $50-54 million per year. I also believe that will seem cheap in the near future.
On the Bucs side of things, it’s a matter of cap and future plans. They don’t have enough cash right now, but they also could shift some money around to free up a portion for this year, then offload some guys next year by replacing them in the draft.
The Bucs could convert some base salaries into signing bonuses. Off the top of my head Wirfs and Winfield could be converted. So could Godwin…or Godwin could be given an entirety new deal that frees up money.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:15 am
Joe the issue is looking you right in the face and why I see with Baker. Since all sources agree guarantees were an issue its likely the second year of the extension was not guaranteed. In which case it was likely not much better than being franchise tagged
If you don’t think he’s a franchise QB thats fine. Just don’t keep harping that he is and then make an offer that says otherwise.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:21 am
@StormyInFl
“You called JayMiss a franchise QB after his 30/30 pick 6 filled season and moaned when the Bucs opted for door #2.
You adamantly thought Brady was washed and passing on JayMiss for Brady was a huge mistake. Oopsy.
Sit this one out. You have zero credibility.”
LOL….one of the most masterful take downs of the kiddie brigade I have seen. Well done.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:28 am
Hodad Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 7:59 am
I thought this was behind us till the off season? All about ball remember? They didn’t agree on a deal, old news.
BINGO!!!!!!!
again, baker and his agent have overvalued themselves!!!!…he’s not a franchise QB and his last won a playoff game 3years ago….thats not worth 55+mil per year….
gotta prove it baker…make the NFC Championship game and you’ll get the years and guaranteed cash you want
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 8:30 am
So I don’t need to screen your posts manually
August 21st, 2026 at 8:31 am
If I were advising Baker I wouldn’t accept anything with less guaranteed money than what Jordan Love got on his contract. After that it’s just semantics
August 21st, 2026 at 8:33 am
Bucaneer Bonzai: I read this the same way. Baker wanted three years, but offered to settle for two at a reasonable markup. Hopefully, the Bucs won’t have reason to regret turning him down.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:34 am
Bonzai says: I believe he deserves $50-54 million per year.
please explain how he deserves that kind of money?…
2023-won a playoff game
2024-led the NFL in INTs & Fumbles..one & done in playoffs
2025-missed the playoffs
he’s been trending down hill since 2023 lol…that deserves a raise!?!
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 8:41 am
Drunk Bucs Fan Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 8:31 am
If I were advising Baker I wouldn’t accept anything with less guaranteed money than what Jordan Love got on his contract. After that it’s just semantics
I’ll use the same argument that was used against Vita when comparing contracts to Jordan Davis/Jeffery Simmons lol….Jordan Love is YOUNGER than baker…Baker wont get that kind of cash because he’s already 31 on his 4th team
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 8:44 am
the bucs shouldnt have gotten baker in the first place if they werent willing to pay if he performed. this is getting childish with the front office dilly dallying. the nickel and diming on the core players of this team should stop.
has he not done enough to be treated as the franchise QB you were seeking when you signed him?
August 21st, 2026 at 8:54 am
He’s 28-26 in Tampa. 1-2 in the playoffs. Choke job down the stretch in 2025.
All of that in the worst division in football. Nothing about that screams franchise QB.
If $55 million is the average for top tier QB’s, Baker deserves $28 million.
Just above the halfway mark. Which is how he plays football.
Results actually matter. Doing the bare minimum shouldn’t yield riches.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:55 am
Lol…they locked the majority of the money behind milestones. A certain win total, a playoff appearance and stats probably. All this talk equals one fact, this is his last year here. If he wanted to be a Buc, he would’ve signed and thank God he didn’t. Now let’s get this season over with. If hes as good as he thinks he is he’ll get a big payday from some team next off-season.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:02 am
Maybe someone who’s more clear on how the cap works can clear this up for me.
If we extended mayfield by adding two years at 110 million, meaning that he’s signed thru ‘28 and we let him walk, why do we automatically have to tag him for ‘29?
It would seem to me, if we can get a solid B+ qb under contract thru ‘28 with flexibility for the new coach to find his guy that would be a good option.
We offered two years originally so we were willing to be in that boat.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:03 am
Bee: and the Bucs will get, what, the fifth-best QB in that year’s draft? Doesn’t sound great to me, but ok.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:04 am
I’ve always thought if they had offered him a 3-year with only the first two guaranteed, he might have signed for it. It’s a given he’s going to be in quarterback in 27, likely 28 also. The only way the bucs get burned is if he blows his Achilles this year
August 21st, 2026 at 9:05 am
31 is not remotely old for a QB. Baker is absolutely, positively a franchise qb. Properly measured he’s one of the best qbs in the league. That’s TDs and yardage. If he’s top 2 in both, some other aspect of the team is stopping us from going far in the playoffs. Those 2 things have been injuries and defensive personnel. We’ve greatly improved the latter, and it’s about time we have more luck with the former. Like 2/3 of our high draft picks and high salary players were out long term last year. You can’t hold that against Baker when judging his performance. This year if everyone stays healthy we will terrorize the NFL. For the most part anyway.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:06 am
Let BM play this season and re-evaluate in Feb/March…
BM has already stated he would like to stay in TB and I am somewhat confident that a deal could be reached even if it happens after this season.
My only question is – Who do we replace him with?
The free agent QB list is pretty bleak – rolling the dice on a high 1st round pick hasn’t really gone well for this franchise.
We won 2 SBs – both with retread FA QBs.
This should be the crux of our current debate.
Only master debaters are allowed to comment…
Go Bucs!
August 21st, 2026 at 9:08 am
It’s been reported that he was offered 2 years 100+ or slightly over 50 per year. It was vague but we know it was over 50m per year and his camp turned it down. Not sure what the guarantee percentage. His camp probably countered with 58m per year 80+ guaranteed. That’s not too far off. I always thought it would end up around 54-56m p/y with 75 guaranteed. All bets are off if he plays out this year and does well. It’s gonna cost them an extra 10m a year.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:12 am
The Mayfield contract conflict looked just as bad as Vita Vea’s contract dispute but Vita got a signed contract this week. And he’s as happy as a dog getting his favorite dog treat.
The Bucs need Mayfield and Mayfield want to remain a Buc. Finding a quarterback through the draft can be difficult unless you picking in the top 5 of the draft, a place the Bucs don’t want to be.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:13 am
Baker is no franchise qb don’t be stupid bucs he is not worth that type of money yes he plays with heart but he’s just not a winner couldn’t even win this sorry ass division last year chokes in the playoffs what else do you need to see
August 21st, 2026 at 9:16 am
How the heck has Baker been trending down since 2023 bucboi???? That would mean there was a decline in play in 2024!!! If you said he’s been trending down since week 7 or 8 of 2025, at least that would be a logical statement.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:19 am
Yeah, because a thing called REALITY finally came into play… When, Quarterbacks over 30+ years-old, do NOT get deals longer than 3-YEARS. A 2-year ‘extension’ ADDED to this upcoming season would’ve equaled 3-fresh seasons. It’s basic math. And, the Bucs just had to shut that BS DOWNNNN, & FAST. Cause, it is absolutely an INSULT for Baker to be trying to ‘negotiate’ like that on what was a MORE THAN fair-deal, AFTER being fresh off of such a DISASTROUS SEASON with a 2-7 and 3-8 record to end the season with. It’s ABSURD. The ONLY team who has been willing to put ANY $$$$ up whatsoever, while ‘believing in’ HIM. And, he’ll find-out REAL QUICK that absolutely NOTHING is changing for him during the NEXT offseason, with 7-8 STUDS coming into the league and on the CHEAP, that teams can lock-up FULL control over for the next 4-7 YEARS (after factoring in 5th-year options, and future ‘franchise tags’). Unless, he has a career year, teams will NOT BE “lining up” to PAY HIM 3-years and $165+MIL with $100+MIL fully-guaranteed… It’s NOT happenin’ just like it didn’t two years ago, when once again, THE BUCS swooped in and SAVED HIS ASS and GIFTING HIM 3yrs/$100MIL. A new HC (and GM) comes to town, and it is ADIOS. C-YA.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:19 am
If Baker had more consistent “franchise” level years then he would be getting paid but his 11 OCs over 8 years with injuries and his own errors have made it difficult to be consistent. If baker does well and a more “desperate” team makes a good offer then Baker will be right and it will “hurt” Bucs more. If he does poorly it will “hurt” more for him as Bucs will offer 2 years for less and I doubt anyone will work hard to beat their offer. I hope he does well as I want the Bucs to win but if he does poorly then him and Bowles are gone which would help the team in the long run. We will know as the season progresses.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:20 am
Mike buc. What happened to Brady once AB and Gronk left 🤔 lol 😆 😂. Jason Licht knows that no other team is giving Baker a franchise quarterback contract.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:22 am
@ StormyinFL
I believe you are today’s Joe Bucs fan epitome of “keeping the receipts.” That was hilarious.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:27 am
I think the Bucs don’t want to give Baker a long term contract because of instability in the head coach future. The next coach – Gruden or Tomlin might want a younger QB, lol. Baker is a liability running around scrambling – ohhh I just told on myself how ancient I am as he gets older and more injury prone.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:30 am
Oscar Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 9:16 am
How the heck has Baker been trending down since 2023 bucboi???? That would mean there was a decline in play in 2024!!! If you said he’s been trending down since week 7 or 8 of 2025, at least that would be a logical statement.
we WON a playoff game in 2023…..
we didnt win a playoff game in 2024….
we missed the playoffs completely in 2025…..
where do you not see the decline?….
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 9:32 am
@Oneilbuc
“Mike buc. What happened to Brady once AB and Gronk left 🤔 lol 😆 😂. Jason Licht knows that no other team is giving Baker a franchise quarterback contract.
Given the age of brady you aren’t redeeming yourself. You are just making yourself look even more foolish.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:32 am
Oscar
if you cant see how he’s trending down, please explain how the arrow is pointing up after being 1 and done in the playoffs in 2024 and missing the playoffs and finishing under .500 in 2025
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 9:37 am
The organization is doing the right thing people. Mayfield’s wreckless play on the field will get him in the Blue Tent. He is also too stubborn to know when to sit, hence the spiraling record after a 6-2 start. He is to be commended for the effort but common sense needs to sit in at some point. Think TUA ~ The Dolphins are paying him 54 million this year while playing for the Falcons (1.25 mill). This make TUA the 3rd highest paid QB in the NFL for 2026.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:38 am
@ Marine Buc,
I see two outcomes. Both have baker being signed.
Outcome 1: he plays well and the team has a winning season 10+ wins. He gets paid 50+ million a year and it’s 3-4 year deal.
Outcome 2: he plays bad and the team has a losing season like the 7-10 you predict or worse. He gets paid less and only 2 years or he goes elsewhere while a new QB is drafted.
I agree that the other options aren’t really options as they aren’t better. Anyone better than baker is signed for years and 50+ million a year. The draft is a crap shoot. Under option 2 keeping baker and see what you got with the new QB.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:38 am
@Mikebuc comical that you are comparing Mayfield to Brady.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:39 am
Mark my words: Daniels will be our starting QB in 2027
August 21st, 2026 at 9:49 am
@Mikebuc comical that you are comparing Mayfield to Brady.
Try another sock puppet account Oneilbuc and enroll in some reading classes. No one compared Brady to Baker. Brady was not brought up by me
The comedy is in your lack of reading skills
August 21st, 2026 at 9:49 am
“It was all three — between years, average [salary] and guarantees,” Mayfield said. “Probably the most disappointing is years. Didn’t get offered anything over two [years].”
It’s a young mans’ game Bake and there haven’t been many QBs in the past decade that have signed long term deals after turning 30 and it worked out well for the QB & their respective franchises.
Rodgers did in ’22, then he got replaced by Jordan Love on a rookie deal.
Wilson signed that deal in Denver, which ended horribly and they went drafted Bo Nix while on the hook for his dead money.
Big Ben got 2 huge deals between 2015 & 2019. Ben signed for 3 yrs/$68M in ’19 but he had some bad injuries and his body wasn’t complying with the style of play that made him a game changer.
Detroit singed Goff to a big deal in 2024, and that’s worked out great for them in terms of value after other QBs got paid. Goff has been steady & consistent for Detroit for the most part even with a down yr last season.
Falcons with Cousins didn’t work out all that great either. Falcons are still paying Kirk about $8M this year and are on the hook for deadcap to the tune of $35M between this season and next. That’s $43M for a player that isn’t even in their building anymore, that’s crazy.
So yea, sounds like Baker is grappling with what he thinks his worth is and what the guys holding the money actually feel like he’s worth.
To anybody that doesn’t watch college ball on the regular, better start familiarizing yourselves with some of these QB prospects-just in case.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:51 am
@ Para
I agree.
Even if the Bucs are mediocre this season there is still a chance BM ends up here in 2027-2028 and maybe for a discount (especially if he gets injured again)…
I’m going to hold judgement on making a move in the draft to get a high ranking rookie QB – until after the NCAA season is over and I see who is available.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:55 am
@ warrin
“it’s a young man’s game”
I agree.
Especially when you consider the pounding and injuries little BM has taken over the years.
Plus – there have been only 2 QBs who have won SBs the past 42 seasons that are under 6’2″…
Our boy with the Saints (I can’t say his name) and Wilson.
Why?
You tell me…
Maybe – the whittle guys are more fragile?
Maybe?
August 21st, 2026 at 10:01 am
He should hold in, tweak his back and watch from the sidelines all year, then become a free agent I know he’s not built that way, but if I was his agent no way am I letting him play without an extension with guaranteed money
August 21st, 2026 at 10:01 am
Marine Buc Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 9:06 am
Let BM play this season and re-evaluate in Feb/March…
My only question is – Who do we replace him with?
The free agent QB list is pretty bleak – rolling the dice on a high 1st round pick hasn’t really gone well for this franchise.
********************************************************
I hear ya…but hear me out
-Mahomes was drafted 10th overall and won the SB on his rookie deal
-D. Maye was drafted 3rd overall with an SB appearance on his rookie deal
-Joe Burrow was drafted 1st overall & has an SB appearance on his rookie deal
-Jalen Hurts was drafted in the 2nd round and made the SB on his rookie deal
-B. Purdy drafted in the 7th round and made the SB on his rookie deal
-Russell Wilson was drafted in the 3rd round and won the SB on his rookie deal
point is you can reach and/or win the SB with a QB on his rookie deal….
Matthew Stafford was 34 when he won with the rams and he wasnt even ranked as a top ten highest paid QBs at that time…
theres more than 1 way to skin a cat…none of those ways include baker
GO BUCS!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:06 am
Rocket10
he’s under contract so he’d lose money lol….thats not an option, point blank period lol
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:10 am
Its possible Baker was upset with the two year extension. So he countered with numbers he could live with. Im speculating but if I were in Baker’s shoes and I expected a 4yr extension and was offered a 2yr extension. I would want it guaranteed. That way he has knows no matter what his family is taken care of. The Glazers tend to shy away from guaranteed money.
August 21st, 2026 at 10:11 am
@Marine Buc
“Our boy with the Saints (I can’t say his name) and Wilson.
Why?
You tell me…
Maybe – the whittle guys are more fragile?
Maybe?”
No maybe to it. Thats just dumb. a single inch makes you prone to being all beat up? because ton loads of 6 2s have won super bowls. you can make an argument for seeing the field sure but all beat up because of an inch is just asinine thinking. Still that you have any destroys the narrative height alone disqualifies from winning a ring.
August 21st, 2026 at 10:12 am
If we could sign Baker for 3 years for 150 million- every penny guaranteed- that would not only be fair, it would be the smartest move the Buccaneers have made since signing Baker in March of 2023. Made the deal during legal tampering period by guaranteeing the starting job and that’s all Baker was looking for. Signing happened FIRST day of free agency March 10th. Whoever believes Baker wouldn’t have had plenty of options that free agency season don’t know enough football to be contributing to this site. I think following Brady probably juiced Baker to choose Tampa, and believe it, it was HIS choice.
5 years ago, Baker watched a lowlife pervert take his job and get 240 million dollars Guaranteed! With a team he’d inherited (winless) and brought to success it hadn’t seen in 50 years.
Baker has seen it all. He’s darn sure not in a big hurry. I’m sure he likes Tampa, but if he and the Bucs have a BIG year? Then here’s what will happen.
Teams will offer him 250 million guaranteed for 4 years. So, since Baker likes Tampa so much he’ll give them a break? Nope. But he will give the Bucs a chance to match it. And they will match every dime or find another QB.
They should have signed Baker before his deadline. Because now they’re going to have to pay. And pay they will.
August 21st, 2026 at 10:14 am
the only player to win the super bowl after becoming the highest paid QB was Jalen Hurts and that was after he already reached the SB on his rookie deal…he was proven
as @Warren Brooks Lynch mentioned, its a young mans game!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:19 am
@813bucboi
as @Warren Brooks Lynch mentioned, its a young mans game!!!!
You are all full of garbage
Bart Starr – Age 33 (Super Bowl I) & Age 34 (Super Bowl II) Len Dawson – Age 34 (Super Bowl IV) Johnny Unitas – Age 37 (Super Bowl V) Roger Staubach – Age 35 (Super Bowl XII) Jim Plunkett – Age 33 (Super Bowl XV) & Age 36 (Super Bowl XVIII) Joe Theismann – Age 33 (Super Bowl XVII) Doug Williams – Age 32 (Super Bowl XXII)John Elway – Age 37 (Super Bowl XXXII) & Age 38 (Super Bowl XXXIII) Brad Johnson – Age 34 (Super Bowl XXXVII)Tom Brady – Age 37 (Super Bowl XLIX), Age 39 (Super Bowl LI), Age 41 (Super Bowl LIII), & Age 43 (Super Bowl LV) Peyton Manning – Age 39 (Super Bowl 50)
will the adults be back for commenting during the regular season?
August 21st, 2026 at 10:21 am
@ Mike
Feel free.
Explain why only 2 midget QBs have won SBs in the past 42 seasons.
ALL eyes are on you now…
ANNNNNNNND GO!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:24 am
Bucs should do everything they can reasonably do to extend Baker. I think it is a mistake for the franchise to wait out the year.
August 21st, 2026 at 10:31 am
Kenton Smith
we’ve seen this story play out before lol
Broncos signed Russell Wilson to a 5year extension at age 33….at that point Rus was way more accomplished than baker is currently…but just like baker, he began to get injured often with seattle….
how’d that work out for both Denver and Seattle?…lol…
Denver drafted Bo Nix and he’s already reached an AFC Championship game while playing on his rookie deal….Seattle moved on and has won a Super Bowl
meanwhile, after his release from denver, Rus had “suitors”, went to the steelers and fizzed out faster than joe drinking a cold beer after a training camp practice lol…
time to move on from baker….its not like he’s a former SB Champion like Rus
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:33 am
Cool story, but since 2016 only 4 QBs over the age of 30 have played in the SB.
Tom Brady played in 4 of those super bowls
Peyton Manning
Matt Stafford
Matt Ryan
Everybody else has been under 30
and since the turn of the century, the average age of QBs who’ve played in the SB is 29.5 years old.
No adults, ain’t nobody here but us chickens
August 21st, 2026 at 10:37 am
MikeBuc
you’re missing the point lol
its about the amount of money not age clown…
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:43 am
Non issue if his father and brother would not have stolen (Missappropriated) 12.3 million dollars from 2017 to 2020. That money would be worth 51.4 million if he would have invested it in Apple Stock.
August 21st, 2026 at 10:45 am
Oneilbucs Says:
April 25th, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Bruce Arians was the wrong coach .
Oneilbucs Says:
April 28th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Jamies went to a organization waaaaay better than ours and if he gets a chance to start he will be killing us for years to come .
Oneilbucs Says:
March 18th, 2020 at 12:38 am
This hold team is old and yall think we going to win lol lol …
Oneilbucs Says:
March 17th, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Brady had a QBR of 54 in 2019 good Job Tampa bay this is why we will be at the bottom again this year .
Oneilbucs Says:
March 31st, 2020 at 1:19 pm
A.J Dillon is the guy .
Oneilbuc Says:
November 2nd, 2020 at 11:24 am
Again cookie every team we beat had a bad defense and that’s just the truth
Oneilbuc Says:
March 22nd, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Teachmerbuc 77. Trask will be the starter next year
August 21st, 2026 at 10:51 am
Truth be Told Says:
“So, you are only a Franchise QB if you have won something? Really? Please don’t tell Josh Allen or Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert…”
EXACTLY, except you forgot Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence & Dak Prescott.
Like it or not, $50M is the going rate for a starting QB with Baker’s numbers.
And paying a QB a lot more money than Baker didn’t stop the Seahawks from putting together a better TEAM than the Bucs including the the top defense in the NFL. But, but, but…Jason Licht is a great GM, (all evidence to the contrary).
The same can be said for the Rams, Chiefs and 49ers in terms winning TEAMS. In fact, the new rankings for 2026 by BSPN have the Rams #1, Ravens #2, Eagles #3, Seattle #5, Lions #6, Bills #7, 9ers #8, KC #11, Bengals #12, Pack # 13, and Chargers #15. Every one of those teams pays their QB more than the Bucs and everyone has a better TEAM ROSTER than the Bucs at #17. But, but, but…Jason Licht is a great GM, (all evidence to the contrary).
And is there anyone on this platform that can say Bowles even belongs in the same breath as Andy Reid, Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan?
And if you believe that it is all because of Baker being an inferior QB, then why is he still on he team? Trade him while his value can get you something in return. After all, I keep reading here that any QB you draft will automatically be better than Baker and lead the Bucs to the SB.
All I would like t see is the Bucs to make a commitment. Sign him to an extension or trade him. Doing nothing and if he has a good season, an $80M cap hit to the franchise him seems like a really bad idea. If you think paying a QB $50M-$55M a year will cripple a team, what will $80M cap hit do?
August 21st, 2026 at 10:53 am
I like Baker but, he’s just gonna have to walk though. Sorry 😞
August 21st, 2026 at 11:07 am
No small number of people on this here site seem heavily invested in the Bucs failing this year
August 21st, 2026 at 11:15 am
Now Vita is done get Baker Done before the year plz
August 21st, 2026 at 11:42 am
Between his reckless playing style leading to eventual injury, the QB rich ’27 draft, an affordable franchise tag, and his failed HC, I dont blame the Bucs for keeping their options open.
I have no doubt that Bowles will be fired after this season so the QB situation should remain fluid for the next HC.
August 21st, 2026 at 11:46 am
Baker is dialed in and focused because he wants to win and cash in.
If he gets a big contract extension, is he going to turn into Mr. Celebrity QB making commercials and tv appearances ? Wasn’t that what he was with the Browns and even last year to an extent?
August 21st, 2026 at 11:53 am
A 28-26 franchise QB? One playoff win in three years? You guys sound like Dallas Cowboy fans!!
August 21st, 2026 at 11:54 am
Davenport Says: “Between his reckless playing style leading to eventual injury, the QB rich ’27 draft, an affordable franchise tag, and his failed HC, I don’t blame the Bucs for keeping their options open.”
I understand your point of view, but have a whole slew of questions. Let me limit it to this one: To franchise Baker next year will carry an $80M cap hit. How is that “an affordable franchise tag” but paying him $50M a year a crippling # as so many have said here? I’m confused!
August 21st, 2026 at 11:58 am
Bucboi, the year he had in 2024 proves that he has not been trending down since since 2023. I’m sure there would be very few people that analyze NFL football for a living that would agree with you that Baker began a downward trend after 2023.
I feel sorry for you Bucboi. How bittersweet it would be for you if somehow the Bucs were to win a Superbowl with Baker as their quarterback. As such, that proves you are not a true Bucs fan. Your hatred for Baker supersedes your love for the Bucs.
August 21st, 2026 at 11:58 am
I would have taken care of Mayfield first then deal with Vita Vea. I can’t see paying a wrong side of 30 position player(except quarterback) 30 million a year who’s declining in production. But that’s me it’s not Licht.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:04 pm
I want too on after him after this year
August 21st, 2026 at 12:05 pm
813bucboi Says: lol 2024 trending down?
Games Played: 17Completions / Attempts: 407 / 540Completion Percentage: 71.4%Passing Yards: 4,500Passing Touchdowns: 41Interceptions: 16Passer Rating: 106.8Rushing StatsRushing Yards: 378Yards Per Carry: 6.3Rushing Touchdowns: 3
August 21st, 2026 at 12:08 pm
The franchise tag has only been used by this franchise 8 times.
We’ve used it only 4 times since 2013 and of those 4 times we only used it on 3 different players. Shaq Barrett, Chris Godwin x2 & Antoine Winfield jr
It’s just an option, that needs to be earned. So the $80M cap hit tied to that scenario makes it less likely and it’s still something the QBs’ performance has to merit. Also, this franchise has never used the tag on a QB
Now the SMARTER of the option would be a new deal if earned via Mayfields performance, but if not the more reasonable and less painful of the options would be to eat the $30M and grab a QB in the draft even if it takes trading up to get a targeted player.
As much as ya’ll mention the yardage and TDs, it’s like “mums” the word on leading the league in INTs and having more fumbles than any skilled player by a pretty wide margin in the same span of time. While fans mostly look at the positive, pretty sure the bucs analytics department isn’t allowed to give that biased a view to the decision makers.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:09 pm
” Geno712 Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 10:45 am
Oneilbucs Says:
April 25th, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Bruce Arians was the wrong coach .
Oneilbucs Says:
April 28th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Jamies went to a organization waaaaay better than ours and if he gets a chance to start he will be killing us for years to come .
Oneilbucs Says:
March 18th, 2020 at 12:38 am
This hold team is old and yall think we going to win lol lol …
Oneilbucs Says:
March 17th, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Brady had a QBR of 54 in 2019 good Job Tampa bay this is why we will be at the bottom again this year .
Oneilbucs Says:
March 31st, 2020 at 1:19 pm
A.J Dillon is the guy .
Oneilbuc Says:
November 2nd, 2020 at 11:24 am
Again cookie every team we beat had a bad defense and that’s just the truth
Oneilbuc Says:
March 22nd, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Teachmerbuc 77. Trask will be the starter next year”
LOL… i bow to your receipt keeping skills.
It takes considerable skill and effort to be this consistently wrong all the time…..
August 21st, 2026 at 12:09 pm
The Bucs are over playing their hand.Baker is going to have a great year and the Bucs are going to have to pay 60 million a year to keep him.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Oscar
if the bucs won the SB this year BUCS should sign him to a 6year deal lol….fact is, they(glazers) dont believe he’s capable…otherwise he would be locked up
THE ARROW IS TRENDING DOWN!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 12:14 pm
citrusbuc
you forgot to mention he led the NFL in INTs & Fumbles and was 1 and done in 2024….
2023 he didnt led the NFL in INTs and actually won a playoff game….he missed the playoffs completely and was under .500 in 2025
unless you have a polk county education, its not that hard to understand lol….
2023- 1 playoff win
2024- 0 playoff wins
2025- 0 playoff appearance and finished the season under .500
wheres the improvement?
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 12:15 pm
I demur over some comments saying or implying, “If Baker really loves the Bucs, he should settle for anything.” That’s and invitation to abuse and a formula for a teenage sex tragedy, not a mature relationship. Equally unpalatable is expecting the Bucs to give Baker a blank check. That’s why we have negotiations. What makes sports negotiations in particular difficult is that they are about the future, which, as Yogi reminded us, is the hardest thing to predict. No athlete’s future performance is certain, nor is the value of the dollar (or the ability of the team to amass dollars). And yet both sides want not only performance but also security. They talk of guarantees, but there really aren’t any. That’s why there’s a Las vegas.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Oscar
obviously you’re bitter because baker isnt signed…his play hasnt justified him wanting 50+ mil lol….
stop crying and root for the bucs to succeed
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 12:28 pm
For this year, and next, they have Baker by the footballs. He can’t go anywhere for the next two seasons. Why are we still hashing this out? Why do we care if he gets a new deal now, or not? He’s playing.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:36 pm
fishhawkbuc … ‘Mark my words: Daniels will be our starting QB in 2027’.
Looks like you & I are the only 2 JBFers who see that as the most likely future for the Bucs. Daniels has impressed me thus far (for an undrafted rookie QB especially). And I’m sure he’ll get much better working with our new QB coach Chandler Whitmer.
If Baker & the Bucs do great in 2026, he’s gonna want a king’s ransom to stay here. And the Glazers won’t pay it, but someone else will. We could draft a QB high next Spring, but if the Bucs did well in 2026, we won’t exactly get the pick of the litter.
But 2027 is where things get interesting. If Daniels takes over and does well … problem solved. If he takes over and does poorly … we’d be able to draft high in 2028.
Being a Buc fan you just have to be patient. As for me, I’m ready for us to win the Super Bowl again this year, THEN we’ll worry about 2027.
August 21st, 2026 at 12:43 pm
You’re delusional as well as irrational bucboi. If you were honest, you’d admit that you’re rooting for Baker to fail. If you had the choice between the Bucs winning the Superbowl this season with Baker at the helm or the Bucs moving on from him, I know which scenario you’d choose the latter!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:06 pm
Geno, that was cruel and unusual. Nice job!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:06 pm
@Marine Buc
Feel free.
Explain why only 2 midget QBs have won SBs in the past 42 seasons.”
Good Night some of you kiddies probably need directions as to which direction to get out of bed in the morning. Already answered that nit
Vision can be a factor but not one inch lower makes you all beat up in the NFL is just lol silly. Now care to explain to us why if its impossible for a shorter QB to win the Superbowl two have?
If you guys had a brain the answer is obvious – it can be overcome.
August 21st, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Oscar
you’re dumber than i thought lol…you must be Martin County educated!!!
i want baker and the bucs to win the SB in 2026….
fact is, based on his performance from 2023-2025 it doesnt look like he’s capable…
if you’d admit that baker going from winning a playoff game to losing a playoff game to missing the playoffs completely is a downward trend you’d see reality….
you’re so busy rooting for baker that you could care less about the team
GO BUCS!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:12 pm
@813bucboi
“its about the amount of money not age clown…”
Oh thats right. you can’t read to save your life poor nit. As anyone who can read can see, age was brought up in this thread several times. the good news about being that dense is you can’t figure out you are embarrassing yourself
August 21st, 2026 at 1:18 pm
Geno with the legendary receipts of idiocy.
You’re my kind of hater, only a lot better organized.
Outstanding!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:23 pm
mike
money was brought more than age…
comprehension was learned in elementary school….not in your outhouse
another Martin County educated fan…geez
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:26 pm
That stupid Baker, I swear…..if he doesnt start playing DE, DT, OLB, ILB and tackling these teams more to keep them from scoring, he aint gonna be worh 1 million….ALL HIS FAULT we’ve lost those games….GET IN THERE AND TACKLE BAKER!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:28 pm
The stupidity and backasswards logic amazes me from some of you who…its unreal!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:28 pm
When you consider the contract already on the books for 2027-2029…You can start to understand why the FO doesn’t want to overpay Baker…But they really should have thought about that scenario before loading up on bloated contracts the last few years.
IMO, it was not ludicrous to give Wirfs his deal as he’s a HOF OT & can understand keeping Vea for 1 more season at $24m each yr (2026/2027) but I was not a fan of the numbers thrown to Godwin, Goedeke, Winfield, Otton or McCollum…Nor was I a big fan of signing up for Kancey’s 5th yr option given his lack of availability/consistency when on the field.
When you look at 2027 cap hits on those 8 guys above – it amounts to >$192M or basically nearly 60% the projected 2027 cap total of $325M…& that’s without considering a new >$50M cap hit on Baker’s new deal…Which would take that to closer to 75% of the projected 2027 cap #.
Which is also Not Considering if the FO wants to resign YaYa, Mauch, all of the current guys in the Specialist group or any other of a host of guys on 1yr 2026-only deals.
It’s a mess and there big decisions to be made in the near future regarding what longer-term roster construction looks like & whatever happens for 2027 will have major repercussions on 2028 & 2029 cap spacing / roster management necessities.
From the outside looking in, the Bucs window for contention is boxed into the 2026-2027 years & maybe 1-2 beyond that – AT MAX.
So, it’s either a win-now mantra with getting Baker extended…Or that changes dramatically if the FO moves on from Baker by rebooting the QB room after 2026 – as the rookie crop of QB’s is a heck of lot better looking right now than any potential UFA outside of Baker.
(Daniels looked good against the Jets #3’s & #4’s but I’m nowhere near ready to say he is the next Bucs QB1 if Baker leaves after 2026)
So to me, it just makes sense to re-up Baker while the Bucs winning window is open – while you have 2 of the best OT in the game locked up & several of the DEF core signed and a solid group of guys still on rookie contracts.
Otherwise….Just blow the whole damn thing up. Trade everyone under the sun next off-season and obtain as much draft capital as possible for 2027/2028 in an effort to give the next FO & Coaching Staff the tools to rebuild the roster quickly.
August 21st, 2026 at 1:32 pm
@813bucboi
“money was brought more than age…”
Poor nit. people are free to discuss everything thats brought up especially thats been brought up multiple times not just whats “err durrr brought up the most”
And quit blaming Martin County. They flunked you out for a reason which is apparent to all the adults here
August 21st, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Wait it out Tampa. Let’s see baker play like 24 and beginning half of 25 and if he does break the bank for him but if he plays like the 2nd half of 25 show him the door. Hes made some big plays and his contract shows that. The Bucs extended him once already now show us again your worth it and I know for sure they will pay the man
August 21st, 2026 at 1:40 pm
Franchise QB’s do not have a 4 game losing streak every season like Baker does
August 21st, 2026 at 1:45 pm
823 bucboi, in reality, I see little difference between you and Oscar! In his opinion, he believes Baker had the talent to led the Bucs to the Super Bowl while in your subjective opinion you say no way will he ever win a Super Bowl! So you hate Baker more than you love the Bucs and Oscar loves Baker more than he loves the Bucs but both of you would like the Bucs to win a Super Bowl! That is why most of the folks posting on this site are so convoluted!
August 21st, 2026 at 1:46 pm
catcard202 Says: “Otherwise….Just blow the whole damn thing up. Trade everyone under the sun next off-season and obtain as much draft capital as possible for 2027/2028 in an effort to give the next FO & Coaching Staff the tools to rebuild the roster quickly.”
Very logical solution, but I think the Bucs are a year too late. Clearly they don’t see Baker as a long-term solution. Be it his style of play, injury history, plans to move on from the HC & maybe GM or whatever the rationale. So why wait out 2026?
If they just let Baker walk, they get nothing for him (other than the remains of the $30M left on the books). If that’s the thinking in the room, then why extend VV? And with what is believed to be a QB rich 2027 draft, move the pieces now and accept a poor 2026 season, getting a better draft position.
Plus, if the only way they keep Baker is if he balls out, it is going to cost even more. I don’t believe this team will eat an $80M cap hit to franchise him. I could be wrong but hat seems untenable to me.
Just make a damn decision now and live with it. Extending VV tells me they have, with more long-term downside than up. Time will tell I guess.
August 21st, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Dumbests comments in history ate idiots saying he is not a franchise QB because he hasn’t won. Is lamar a franchise guy? Herbert? Dak? Purdy? Just a few to name. Most franchise QBs will not win a SB or even a championship. Grow up.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Okiejim. You are convoluted as the rest. Nothing wrong with that, you’re as naive as a babe in the woods. Again, nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s refreshing.
What I’m saying, Okiejim, is you believe anything 823 bucboi says, there are concerns (red lights flashing, sirens, gutteral screaming) about your judgement. Both Oscar and 823 bucboi want the Bucs to win the Super Bowl?
No way, Okiejim. If we’re in the final seconds of the Super Bowl with time for a game winning touchdown, 813 bucboi will be secretly crossing his miserable fingers for an interception. And I’ll bet he would deny that vehemently.
Didn’t someone once say something like “Thou dost protest too much”, or something similar? That’s 813 bucboi to a tee.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:05 pm
poor MikeBuc lol
doesnt even know what county 813 is in lol
you might be from Holmes County lol
GO BUCS!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 2:19 pm
@813bucboi
doesnt even know what county 813 is in lol
know exactly where it is and why your parent had to relocate after you flunked from Martin County.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:20 pm
if i’m baker, i just ask vita for a loan…
vita must be feeling good with a knot in his pocket…
i’m sure vita will pull a few 20’s or 100’s off the top if bake needs some pf changs, and is going hungry…
if it gets real bad, guys can bring baker in gas station snacks and leave them in his locker so he has something to eat…jerky, chips, ring dings, etc…
after al,l we do not want baker to starve in the process…
things are tough all over for your basic millionaires
August 21st, 2026 at 2:21 pm
Kenton Smith
i dont have to cross my fingers lol…throwing 4th quarter INTs is who baker is…do you know how many 4th Quarter INTs baker threw last year!!!!
-vs ATL
-vs CAR(49 sec left)
-vs MIA(also lost a fumble in the 4th quarter)
not to mention his 4th quarter INT vs DET in the playoffs(3years ago) and his 4th quarter fumble vs WASH(2024)
baker wets the bed in crunch time!!!!
if bucs are in the final sec of the SB with the ball, i want them to RUN Bucky or Gainwell!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 2:21 pm
if i’m baker, i just ask vita for a loan…
vita must be feeling good with a knot in his pocket…
i’m sure vita will pull a few 20’s or 100’s off the top if bake needs some pf changs, and is going hungry…
if it gets real bad, guys can bring baker in gas station snacks and leave them in his locker so he has something to eat…jerky, chips, ring dings, etc…
after all, we do not want baker to starve in the process…
things are tough all over for your basic millionaires
August 21st, 2026 at 2:22 pm
#BasicMayfield
August 21st, 2026 at 2:27 pm
Okiejim
i dont hate baker…not 1 bit…
his performance is not at an elite level to justify being paid 50+mil per year…and if glazers offered him a deal, after missing the playoffs and last winning a playoff game 3years ago, he shouldve took it and been happy
GO BUCS!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 2:28 pm
There is no downside to letting Baker play out his contract this year.
There are huge possible downsides to giving him a huge new contract right now.
There is ZERO chance that Baker has a great season and then is allowed to get to FA. Sure it might cost a bit more next season, but they will gladly pay him if he has a great year. And Baker will happily sign a new fat contract after the season.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:31 pm
You stay out of that 2029 $66 million scenario by offering a contract with more years. Of course, by 2029, $66 million will be today’s $50 million.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:33 pm
Stormy . It was all true at the time and nobody knew AB and Gronk was coming. And yes Trask should have been the starter according to the training camp in 2023 . Baker haven’t done nothing but choked in big games especially the playoffs. Let’s bet that the bucs ain’t going to the superbowl?
August 21st, 2026 at 2:38 pm
Oneilbuc checks in. Hahahaha!
August 21st, 2026 at 2:39 pm
And yes that year in tge regular season at the time we lost to all good teams and Bruce is a overrated coach and that’s why Brady told him let’s win another way and they changed the offense. It’s well documented!!
August 21st, 2026 at 2:39 pm
The war rages on….
August 21st, 2026 at 2:40 pm
“especially the playoffs”. Oneilbuc. He’s the best passer rating in the playoffs with 5 or more playoff appearances. Hahahaha!
August 21st, 2026 at 3:04 pm
Fanofdabucs Says: “There is no downside to letting Baker play out his contract this year.”
I respectfully disagree.
Scenario 1 – he plays poorly and the Bucs don’t want to resign. Downside – he walks away and the Bucs get nothing, with still $30M on the books spread across 3 future years.
Scenario 2 – he balls out and the Bucs want to resign. Downside 1 – it costs them more than extending him now. Downside 2 – they hand Baker all the leverage. If they don’t give him what he wants, he forces them to either let him walk or franchise him. Cost to franchise, $80M cap hit in 2027. Logic says if he plays that well that the Bucs want to keep him, other teams will want his as well.
I have read all the franchise tag rules. I am not a lawyer but I believe that once they apply the tag, all $30M of future monies hit the 2027 cap EVEN IF they subsequently come to an agreement. Now they can play all the cap games with the new agreement but that likely means pushing more dead money out to future years after he is gone, yet again.
August 21st, 2026 at 3:05 pm
Kenton Smith
Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield are tied for the most regular-season turnovers by a quarterback since 2023, with 45 total turnovers each.
and he wants a raise?!?!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
GO BUCS!!!!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 3:51 pm
One thing is for certain, Baker is no Brady. Not only in that he’s not even remotely in the same category of player, but he’s also no Brady in that Baker cares first and foremost about his pocketbook over winning. Brady took lowball deals to build a championship team around him. Baker isn’t that guy, has a 2-11 record in playoff and primetime games to show it.
August 21st, 2026 at 3:58 pm
813bucboi Says: “Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield are tied for the most regular-season turnovers by a quarterback since 2023, with 45 total turnovers each.
and he wants a raise?!?”
No offense intended but choosing one stat and ignoring all others is a silly approach. But if that is the game we want to play, let’s go:
Mayfield had more yards in since 2023 than Josh Allen, Pat Mahomes, Prescott, Love, Herbert, Lawrence, & Darnold. And he can’t get a raise?
Mayfield had more TDs since 2023 than Josh Allen, Pat Mahomes, Prescott, Love Herbert, Lawrence & Darnold AND Stafford. And he can’t get a raise?
The pendulum swings both ways!
August 21st, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Critmark Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 3:58 pm
813bucboi Says: “Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield are tied for the most regular-season turnovers by a quarterback since 2023, with 45 total turnovers each.
and he wants a raise?!?”
No offense intended but choosing one stat and ignoring all others is a silly approach. But if that is the game we want to play, let’s go:
————-
Here’s a stat: 2-11 in playoff and primetime games.
Personally choking last year, losing 4-games in a row to singlehandedly cost the Bucs the playoffs when it mattered most.
Baker was terrible from week 7 and on last year, was truly a terrible QB during almost that entire span. With the playoffs on the line, needing a single victory, time and time again he choked – came up short.
If Baker was a sure thing the Bucs would have locked him up to a long-term deal. They didn’t, because Baker isn’t a sure thing. He’s a very inconsistent, streaky player who performs his worst when it matters most.
The Bucs simply were fishing to see if he’d take a cheap extension – just in case he has a good year. If Baker does have a good year, then the Bucs will give him a giant extension. But if we get the Baker who singlehandedly cost the Bucs the playoffs last year, then he’ll be gone – along with the entire coaching staff.
August 21st, 2026 at 4:14 pm
To the folks wanting to get rid of Baker…yeah…we can always go out to the QB tree and grab another one, right?
August 21st, 2026 at 4:47 pm
Sorry Rod Munch but you lose all credibility when you say Baker single-handedly cost the Bucs a playoff spot, as if he played all 22 starting positions on the team. The offense scored 4 points less per game after the bye AND the D gave up 4 more points per game. There were several games after the bye that the Bucs lost by 4 points or less.
Yes, had the OFFENSE, not just Baker (you know, the other 10 guys on the field), scored 4 more points, in just one of those games, the Bucs make the playoffs. AND had the D not given up on the HC and held an opponent to 4 points less in just one of those games, the Bucs make the playoffs.
You see, it’s a TEAM game. Apparently when you watch the Bucs the only player on the field is Baker, on offense or defense.
For the record, I have been saying for months that the Bucs should trade Baker. They should have traded VV as well. Get something for them, lose more games in 2026 and get a better draft position in 2027.
The Bucs have chosen a different path. Come Jan the Bucs may look like idiots or maybe not. Honestly my fear is they end up in Jan caught in no man’s land. The Bucs TEAM gets to the playoffs, wins a game or two, but no more. Then what do you do at QB?
August 21st, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Critmark Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 4:47 pm
Sorry Rod Munch but you lose all credibility when you say Baker single-handedly cost the Bucs a playoff spot..
———-
Nope, those are the rules. The Baker Boi(s) very clearly told me that (week 6) “MVP” Baker Mayfield was singlehandedly winning every game early in the year. So it only makes sense he also singlehandedly cost them the playoffs. Those are the rules – I didn’t make them.
August 21st, 2026 at 4:57 pm
80sBucsfan Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 4:14 pm
To the folks wanting to get rid of Baker…yeah…we can always go out to the QB tree and grab another one, right?
————–
The vast majority of “folks wanting to get rid of Baker” are simply saying if he’s not going to take a big discount, there is literally zero reason to hand him a new deal since he’s already under contract and is coming off an awful year.
If we get the Baker from last year, that cost the Bucs the playoffs, then the team is going into full rebuilding mode – and the next coach can decide if they want to bank their future on Baker or not.
August 21st, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Rod Munch Says: “Nope, those are the rules. The Baker Boi(s) very clearly told me that (week 6) “MVP” Baker Mayfield was singlehandedly winning every game early in the year. So it only makes sense he also singlehandedly cost them the playoffs. Those are the rules – I didn’t make them”
So what your saying is you are just as delusional as they are????
I have never been a fan of the approach “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with facts”. But, you be you!
August 21st, 2026 at 5:03 pm
Critmark Says:
So what your saying is you are just as delusional as they are????
—————-
Or perhaps I’m just mocking them… who can tell for sure.
August 21st, 2026 at 5:19 pm
Rod Munch Says: “Critmark Says:
So what your saying is you are just as delusional as they are????
—————-
Or perhaps I’m just mocking them… who can tell for sure.
————
So the possibility of you being delusional is still on the table? At least I know I am sometimes or often or, what the hell!
August 21st, 2026 at 5:34 pm
Trade!! This is not what Tampa Bay is about!
August 21st, 2026 at 5:37 pm
I agree with Critmark By not extending Mayfield and keeping Bowles they’re basically wasting this year. Should have extended QB and fired HC, or traded QB and gone into full tank mode
August 21st, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Crit, the ‘ Single-Handedly lost those games’ idiocy is myopic and obviously impossible, and basing it on his interpretation of what the so-called ‘Baker bois’ rules are, is just as idiotic. He knows it, it’s just the game he plays as often as he can since he seems to derive some weird pleasure from it. Strange one, that dude.
August 21st, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Joe: You hit the ball out of the park with this one!
I can’t believe I’m coming in to a 120+ post about the Mayfield contract. Baker hasn’t been talking about it. Who cares? This is a year that he needs to perform well in — both for his team, and himself. He knows that and everyone else knows that.
Even if he has an outstanding year, Mayfield will make a team-friendly deal that enables the continued growth of the team. He simply does not want to move on to yet another team.
Did all of you forget that his current deal was also team-friendly? The Bucs were dealing with a cap hangover and Mike still needed to get signed. Mayfield’s market at the time was the high thirties, not the low thirties.
August 21st, 2026 at 6:12 pm
Rod just knows how to get the Krewe going with his “single-handedly” line. It’s great! First he says Baker lost games “single-handedly” about 20 times, so someone comes back and says that that must mean that he won games “single-handedly” during the early season. Then Rod comes back and says “see, the Baker boys are delusional because they think he won games “single-handedly”; totally circular!
Munch is laughing, Joe’s loving it, and I’m signing out for happy hour!
Looking forward to tomorrow night. Z-Rob has to deal with having his starters on the field without showing his hand!
Go Bucs!!!
August 21st, 2026 at 7:10 pm
kind of seems like Baker creates drama for himself so he has something to be angry about because he plays best when he’s angry. and honestly, I don’t hate that.
August 21st, 2026 at 7:11 pm
“Interesting. I actually believe this report. It sounds like Baker wants three years with two guaranteed and $50+/year.
And if he can’t get three, he’ll settle for two fully guaranteed.
As I’ve been saying all along, I believe he just wants to be sure a new head coach will give him time to prove himself worth keeping. He’s been thru a lot.
I don’t think he’s being unreasonathey already offered him 50m a year so what was he asking for 60? 65? There is no incentive to overpay him or commit when you can franchise tag him. He can’t even play a full season uncompromised because of his play style and refuses to sit when hurt and cost games. Do you think he is going to get hurt more or less no that he is in his 30s
August 21st, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Truth be Told Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 8:07 am
So, you are only a Franchise B if you have won something? Really?
Please don’t tell Josh Allen or Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert….
—————————————————————————————–
EXACTLY!!! Those QB’s already have the bag and aren’t winning squat!!! Us that what you want here??? A highly paid 28-26 QB? I just don’t understand how so many so-called fans are willing to settle for less.
I think these are former Browns fans who are really Baker and not so much the Bucs, fans.
August 21st, 2026 at 7:28 pm
So it follows if someone single-handedly wins games sometimes and then single-handedly loses games sometimes, that person doesn’t have any support.
August 21st, 2026 at 7:42 pm
Hey Rod. In 17 regular season games in 2025 for all 4 NFC South teams the Bucs offense averaged 22.4 points. The Saints and Panthers dragged up the rear with 18.0 and 18.1. The Falcons kicked some butt with 20.8.
So in 2025 the Bucs were, by far, the highest scoring team in the division.
Want to hear how the Panthers, Saints, and Falcons were 15,18,19 in points allowed defensively and we were- guess?
The Buccaneers were, by far, the worst points against defense in the NFC South Division in 2025.
So let’s get this straight. Our offense, by far the most injured in the division, led the division, by far, in points scored.
And our defense, was by far, the stinkiest points against defense in a pretty darn stinky division.
Thank God Mayfield singlehandedly won us a bunch of games- that’s why we had as many wins as anyone in our division.
The Bears were the only team that made the playoffs with as stinky of a defense as ours- we gave up 411 points, they gave up 415.
The Bears first year head coach was the best offensive coordinator in the league with Detroit before going to Chicago. Our offensive coordinator never called plays in his life before last year.
You’re dumb as a box of rocks, Rod.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:04 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 7:42 pm
Hey Rod. In 17 regular season games in 2025 for all 4 NFC South teams the Bucs offense averaged 22.4 points. The Saints and Panthers dragged up the rear with 18.0 and 18.1. The Falcons kicked some butt with 20.8.
————-
Wow, the shiniest turd in the toilet bowl… amazing, you won me over!
But wait, despite his stellar output, he still lost 4 games in a row to knock the Bucs out of the playoffs. Turns out 122 yards, and 145 yards, and lots of 4th quarter turnovers aren’t a winning formula I guess.
August 21st, 2026 at 8:17 pm
Ex-Browns02 Says:
Even if he has an outstanding year, Mayfield will make a team-friendly deal that enables the continued growth of the team. He simply does not want to move on to yet another team.
Did all of you forget that his current deal was also team-friendly?
————-
LOL! Now that’s some Baker Boi(s) revisionist history right there. No, what happened was after 2023, he wanted a giant new deal, and the Bucs said no thank you. But they did say feel free to shop yourself around. He did, and no one was interested in paying him what he wanted, and frankly the Bucs could have given him even less money I think.
He didn’t take a “team friendly” deal in 2023 or 2024, he bet on himself in 2023, then got the best deal available in 2024. He’s not Tom Brady, he’s not a win first guy, he’s a me first guy. Nothing wrong with that, no one who isn’t insane would ever mention Baker in the same breath as Brady, but don’t try to rewrite history.
This time around, the team threw out a lowball offer to see if he’d take it – he said no. I said back in February that this is the same thing I’d do, if you can lock him up on a cheap deal with limited guarantees, then why not do it, you can always just trade or even cut him later if you need to, so long as the guarantees are limited. But if Baker isn’t going to take a big discount (and I said he shouldn’t), then there’s literally no reason to do anything now.
Baker wants to be paid $55M+, like a top 3 QB, so why would you do that? If he turns in a career year and is a top 3 QB, then all you’re doing is paying fair market value. Anything less than that and you’re overpaying. What is most likely to happen?
August 21st, 2026 at 9:08 pm
@ Critmark Says: “Like it or not, $50M is the going rate for a starting QB with Baker’s numbers.
And paying a QB a lot more money than Baker didn’t stop the Seahawks from putting together a better TEAM than the Bucs including the the top defense in the NFL.”
Ummm, though I wouldn’t had… But, THAT IS WHAT THE BUCS OFFERED HIM. More than that. And, that is NOT TRUE about DARNOLD. He got THE “BAKER DEAL.” Literally.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:33 pm
And, all of those other guys who got $50+MILLION, are ALL ADULTS. If you’re a person who likes where this current Bucs regime is and has been for the past 3-4 YEARS (which has been complete FRAUDS residing in the NFC SOUTH – all Smoke & Mirrors), then you will want the Bucs to SIGN BAKER to a longterm 3-YEAR DEAL, worth over $165-MILLION. I mean, YOU BETTER LIKE-IT, cause it ain’t gettin’ any better than THIS RIGHT HERE. The rest of us might as well just FORGET IT then, cause it’s OVER with NO END in sight. As long as they stick with being committed to the THREE of Lickt, Baker, & Bowles… We are going NOWHERE. You’re NEVER getting better. You’re STAGNANT. Stuck inside the Twilight Zone. While, every other franchise is moving forward to the MODERN DAY NFL. Sure would be fun to actually be EXCITED about our football team again, and having a HOT young coach, sharp, slick, and aggressive GM with a plethora of 2027 and 2028 PICKS, a clean salary cap, and a FRESH new beginning, with a QB in the CHEAP. Then, make your move on DRAFTING ONE in 2028 or 2029… The 2028 and 2029 Free-Agency Periods, & YOU ARE STACKED with a LOADED ROSTER and 4-FULL YEARS LEFT with your young STUD QB’s ‘rookie level’ DEAL. And, did I say “HOT YOUNG Head Coach” – I believe I DID.
August 21st, 2026 at 9:49 pm
🚨 🚨
Man, this thread needs a concussion protocol.
Apparently Baker’s career is judged like this:
Bucs WIN = “team accomplishment.”
Bucs LOSE = “BAKER CHOKED!!!”
Baker throws 41 TDs and 4,500 yards = “doesn’t matter.”
Baker throws an INT = “NOW THAT’S A QB STAT!!!”
🤣🤣🤣 Pick a lane.
And my favorite is the “downward trend since 2023” argument.
2024: 4,500 yards, 41 TDs, 71.4%, 106.8 rating.
“SEE!!! HE DECLINED!!!”
That’s not quarterback analysis. That’s reading the playoff bracket and pretending you watched the games.
Then we get: “He hasn’t won a conference championship, so he’s not a franchise QB.”
Somebody better notify Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott and every other franchise QB who apparently had their membership revoked. 😂
Then there’s the magical rookie-QB plan:
“Just draft one!”
BRILLIANT! Why didn’t every NFL franchise think of that?
Apparently you simply walk into Publix, aisle 6, right between the Gatorade and Doritos, and grab a franchise QB on a rookie contract. Never mind that Tampa spent DECADES searching for one. And please stop with the 31-year-old retirement-home nonsense. We’re talking quarterback, not running back. Baker isn’t applying for Social Security.
Here’s where I stand:
I’m a BUCS FAN FIRST. I want Baker here because I believe we can WIN with him.
Is Baker perfect? NO.
Does he turn the ball over too much? YES.
Did he struggle down the stretch last year? YES.
Should that erase everything he’s done since arriving in Tampa? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
And this “Baker single-handedly missed the playoffs” argument might be my favorite.
Apparently Baker was QB1, CB1, safety, linebacker, pass rusher, special teams coordinator AND defensive coordinator. 😂
Somebody get that man seven game checks.
If you want to replace Baker, fine.
Just answer ONE little question:
WITH WHO?
Not “a rookie.”
Not “the draft.”
Not some imaginary future superstar.
Give me the NAME of the quarterback who is realistically available and gives Tampa a better chance to win.
I’ll wait. ⏳
Until then, I’ll take the guy who actually wants to be here, produces at a high level, has the locker room, plays hurt, competes his tail off and gives Tampa a legitimate chance every Sunday.
And if Baker lights it up in 2026, watching some of you suddenly explain why $55M “isn’t really that much under the new salary cap” is going to be MUST-SEE television. 🍿😂
Save the receipts.
BoriMex 813
GO BUCS!!! 🏴☠️🔥
August 21st, 2026 at 10:01 pm
BoriMex 813. What you got wrong- “$55M”. What will be right-“$65M”.
Other than that, BoriMex 813. Well Done, Sir!
August 21st, 2026 at 10:03 pm
This is making the Buccaneers look bad in my opinion. He has proved himself since he has been the starter. Especially two years ago when he had a relatively healthy offense, he was a top five QB in the league.
Last year, the injuries on offense and bad OC were not representative.
The Buccaneers should offer him 4 years, 200 million. 45, 48, 52, 55 each year with about 80% of it guaranteed.
Get it done!!
August 21st, 2026 at 11:14 pm
Who has time to keep receipts on blog post comments? Ya’ll need to get a grip. Loserville.
August 21st, 2026 at 11:34 pm
@rod Munshsck
LOL! Now that’s some Baker Boi(s) revisionist history right there. No, what happened was after 2023, he wanted a giant new deal, and the Bucs said no thank you. But they did say feel free to shop yourself around. He did, and no one was interested in paying him what he wanted,
_____
You never fail to be consistent in your incompetence on all things football and reading comprehension.
Poster said “present contract” nit
Baker never reached free agency in 2024 so he never shopped around to receive free agency offers.
this is why only kiddies take you seriously
August 22nd, 2026 at 12:06 am
Through all of this back and forth….Bowles still sucks!
August 22nd, 2026 at 2:42 am
Bor
I don’t care about stats to me this team is to young on offense and Baker ain’t the type of quarterback that can put a team on his back he’s shown that his whole career. If the team was superbowl ready then cool . This is year 4 now Baker and Bowles and the never even gotten to a NFC championship yet at some point the excuses has to stop and you have to look at the reality at situation. I get it you guys love some Baker and to criticize hikv
August 22nd, 2026 at 3:00 am
And to criticize him about his play you guys call it hate . I don’t know Baker personally so we don’t have a reason to hate him . And I think when it’s said and done we all want the team to win . Now that’s for the real bucs fans the Baker fan boys don’t count to me because they’re only here for Baker. As long as Baker have good stats that’s all they care about just like the Brady fans remember NEBucs fan where is he now back with the Patriots just like all of those Patriots fans some of you were teaming up with against the real bucs fans and now some of you are doing the same thing with the Baker fan boys. Us real bucs fans want the bucs to win so we don’t keep the bar low and celebrate 8-9 9-8 season. And we know all of it ain’t Baker fault but when it’s cluch time in playoff games or to close out division and the ball is in Baker hands he’s choked every time. And the crazy part is if all these people have so much faith in Baker and this team then why the stadium stays empty of bucs fans why is the visiting team has more fans than bucs fans in our own stadium? It has to be NFC championship or bust win it or lose it but at least get their that will bring some type of hope in getting to a superbowl.
August 22nd, 2026 at 3:04 am
Rocket10 Says: “I agree with Critmark By not extending Mayfield and keeping Bowles they’re basically wasting this year. Should have extended QB and fired HC, or traded QB and gone into full tank mode”
Yeah… But, they didn’t. Shoulda promoted COEN… But, they didn’t. We are where we are and Bowles is the head coach. It is what it is. 2027 & 2028 are the years anyway, with the DRAFT CLASSES… 2027 is every bit a LOADED with WR’s, D-Linemen, and EDGE Rushers, as it is with QB’s. You will be able to get ELITE 1st-Round Grades until LATE into the 2nd (even 3rd) Round. There are SO MANY Quarterbacks and players at other positions, that through NIL alone, will return to school and then filter back into the following draft in 2028. THOSE are the 2-YEARS to stockpile the roster with a brand new HC and GM. That’s why it will be CRITICAL to offload EVERY available piece with any value that WE CAN, before the Trade Deadline. And, the LAST thing you do is REACH on a Quarterback and start his ‘rookie contract’ CLOCK with a totally DEPLETED roster during YEAR #1 of a complete REBUILD. Most everyone else will be getting THEIR Quarterback in 2027, leaving 2028 OPEN with just a few teams in need. You’ll have PLENTY of Draft Capital remaining, if your new GM is slick and SMART. THAT is when you POUNCE, with your pick of the litter, and “the guy” your HC WANTS… The RIGHT GUY. The 2027-Draft is just waaaayyy too LOADED at too many other valuable positions, to REACH on anyone. Especially, on a Quarterback. Even, if you hold off until 2029. Who Cares!? You’re NOT winning the SUPER BOWL in 2028… You’re still RELOADING. You’re signing a bridge on the CHEAP, and tanking the first year anyway, in 2027. You’re building ASSETS. Who knows maybe your bridge and new HC hits lightning in a bottle, and allowing you to hold off until 2029… There are LOTS of factors between now and then, but I would be shooting for 2028 on a QB… There will be some VERY good ones, and less teams to compete with for their services. I’m just hoping to have enough Draft Capital, to come out of 2027 with at least 6 of the TOP 100-Prospects. I’d like to be able to have at least two 2’s and two 3’s, AT LEAST. And, a BUNCH of 4th, 5th, and 6ths… To use for moving up, flipping for additional 2028’s (your QB year), and more depth.
August 22nd, 2026 at 3:57 am
@ BoriMex – He’s had one ‘outlier’ year, under COEN. And, it was farrrr from perfect. He was SO BAD early in 2023, that over 90% of the fanbase WANTED to give KYLE TRASK (who looked really good tonight) A LOOK. The ONLY thing that saved HIM was a bunch of empty STATS in games at the end of the season against the NFC SOUTH Division, and those games were even a HUGE STRUGGLE. He was SO BAD that he FAILED to find EVEN ONE DEAL that following offseason, other than the BUCS 3-years/$100-MIL. And, we ALL KNOW what happened last season… Clearly, easy to see.
August 22nd, 2026 at 7:17 am
@oneil..Your sure are being ” independent” with all those posts! Get a grip!
Id start Daniel’s week 1 to shut all you idiots up..Simple
August 22nd, 2026 at 8:20 am
I hate this argument. It is a weak endorsement of your candidate and a lazy pov. So you want people to argue both sides for you just because you fish with “suckers” lure. This is the AI justification argument. “Who’s better? So we may as well settle. Why bother trying?” News flash: unless you’re Brady, there is always someone better. And eventually, someone was better than Brady. The game, team, and position will continue to exist when Mayfield retires. And while you sit back and virtually guarantee Baker’ greatness, I I will double down and spew unfounded rubbish too. I guarantee that Baker will never get in the HOF
August 22nd, 2026 at 9:27 am
ChiBuc 😂😂😂
That was a whole lot of typing just to completely dodge the ONE question I asked.
WITH WHO?
You called the question “lazy” and then somehow managed to write an entire paragraph without naming ONE quarterback. 🤣
That’s impressive.
And apparently asking who replaces your starting QB is now an “AI argument.”
No, brother. That’s called ROSTER MANAGEMENT. 😂
NFL teams don’t get to click:
“Generate younger, cheaper, better quarterback.”
…and have Patrick Mahomes Jr. delivered to One Buc Place.
You actually have to identify the player.
Then you hit me with:
“Unless you’re Brady, there is always someone better.”
😂😂😂
OUTSTANDING ANALYSIS.
There’s someone better than Tristan Wirfs too.
CUT HIM!!!
There are better defensive tackles than Vita Vea.
WHY SETTLE?!?!
See how ridiculous that sounds?
The question isn’t whether a better quarterback than Baker Mayfield exists.
Of course one exists. The question is whether a BETTER quarterback is realistically AVAILABLE TO THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS.That’s the part you conveniently drove around like a pothole on I-4. Then somehow we arrived at the Hall of Fame.
WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT CANTON?! 🤣🤣🤣
Now Baker has to be a Hall of Famer to justify keeping him?
That goalpost just moved from Raymond James Stadium to Clearwater Beach.
I never guaranteed Baker greatness.
I said something much simpler:
If you’re getting rid of a productive starting quarterback because you insist Tampa can do better, NAME THE BETTER OPTION.
That’s not “settling.”
That’s what grown-ups call having a PLAN.
Draft somebody? Great.
WHO?
Trade for somebody? Great.
WHO?
Sign somebody? Fantastic.
WHO?
Because “someone better will eventually exist” isn’t a personnel strategy.
That’s a fortune cookie. 🥠😂
And here’s the best part:
You accused ME of “unfounded rubbish” and immediately followed it with:
“I guarantee Baker will never get in the HOF.”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
My man prosecuted himself, presented the evidence, and delivered the guilty verdict in the SAME PARAGRAPH.
I don’t need AI to respond to that.
I need a shovel.
You buried yourself. If you’re gonna come at me, come at me with greatness, not stupidity.
BoriMex 813
GO BUCS!!! 🏴☠️🔥
August 22nd, 2026 at 9:36 am
@ChiBuc 😂😂😂
That was a whole lot of typing just to completely dodge the ONE question I asked.
WITH WHO?
You called the question “lazy” and then somehow managed to write an entire paragraph without naming ONE quarterback. 🤣
That’s impressive.
And apparently asking who replaces your starting QB is now an “AI argument.”
No, brother. That’s called ROSTER MANAGEMENT. 😂
NFL teams don’t get to click:
“Generate younger, cheaper, better quarterback.”
…and have Patrick Mahomes Jr. delivered to One Buc Place.
You actually have to identify the player.
Then you hit me with:
“Unless you’re Brady, there is always someone better.”
😂😂😂
OUTSTANDING ANALYSIS.
There’s someone better than Tristan Wirfs too.
CUT HIM!!!
There are better receivers than Mike Evans.
MOVE ON!!!
There are better defensive tackles than Vita Vea.
WHY SETTLE?!?!
See how ridiculous that sounds?
The question isn’t whether a better quarterback than Baker Mayfield exists.
Of course one exists.
The question is whether a BETTER quarterback is realistically AVAILABLE TO THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS.
That’s the part you conveniently drove around like a pothole on I-4. 😂
Then somehow we arrived at the Hall of Fame.
WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT CANTON?! 🤣🤣🤣
Now Baker has to be a Hall of Famer to justify keeping him?
That goalpost just moved from Raymond James Stadium to Clearwater Beach.
I never guaranteed Baker greatness.
I said something much simpler:
If you’re getting rid of a productive starting quarterback because you insist Tampa can do better, NAME THE BETTER OPTION.
That’s not “settling.”
That’s what grown-ups call having a PLAN.
Draft somebody? Great.
WHO?
Trade for somebody? Great.
WHO?
Sign somebody? Fantastic.
WHO?
Because “someone better will eventually exist” isn’t a personnel strategy.
That’s a fortune cookie. 🥠😂
And here’s the best part:
You accused ME of “unfounded rubbish” and immediately followed it with:
“I guarantee Baker will never get in the HOF.”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
My man prosecuted himself, presented the evidence, and delivered the guilty verdict in the SAME PARAGRAPH.
I don’t need AI to respond to that.
I need a shovel.
You buried yourself.
BoriMex 813
GO BUCS!!! 🏴☠️🔥
August 22nd, 2026 at 10:04 am
Baker is in people’s heads so much they lay awake at night trying to come up with arguments for Baker threads.. truly sad.
August 22nd, 2026 at 2:27 pm
@boringmex
[Paragraph 1] Ironic you blather on about 1 paragraph then proceed with a a 49 paragraph diatribe. But, you likely don’t even realize that those double spaces indicate a new paragraph. Then, you’re so proud of your pedestrian logic that you post it 2x.
[Paragraph 2] Did you see Sam Darnold winning a SB? Doubtful. Did you ever think Mr Irrelevant, Purdy, would be paid better than number one picks, Mayfield or Winston? Not likely. I’m not going to dance for you. It would be foolish to speculate when there can be an entire regime change next year. You play dress up GM and leave the logical thinking to the adults. And please do learn some grammar before you try to weaponize it.
[Paragraph 3] I’m not anti-baker. Prior to the 2nd half of last yr, he was working his way to top 10 pay. However, the HC is tenuous and Baker truly was awful for 9 weeks of last yr. It would be foolish to chase that bet….that he regains form, that he doesn’t grab the bag and then get hurt (easier to sit when not chasing the bag), that Bowles is not fired at the end of the season. Instead, of me playing dress up GM for you, why don’t you tell me the odds of any of the aforementioned scenarios. Then factor them into a contract value and tell me how likely you would be to invest your own money into these unknowns. But no, you want me to spoon feed you names like a babbling puppet. No thanks
August 22nd, 2026 at 2:39 pm
Are you truly too dense to realize how I was illustrating how ridiculous your conjecture looks? Sad. And you clearly didn’t process the AI reference either. Good thing you’re around to stroke your own ego. Really sad
August 22nd, 2026 at 3:07 pm
MikeBuc Says:
August 21st, 2026 at 11:34 pm
@rod Munshsck
LOL! Now that’s some Baker Boi(s) revisionist history right there. No, what happened was after 2023, he wanted a giant new deal, and the Bucs said no thank you. But they did say feel free to shop yourself around. He did, and no one was interested in paying him what he wanted,
_____
You never fail to be consistent in your incompetence on all things football and reading comprehension.
Poster said “present contract” nit
Baker never reached free agency in 2024 so he never shopped around to receive free agency offers.
————-
Dummy, I was responding to his CURRENT contract. Maybe you should revisit how the 2024 deal went down and get back to me.
August 22nd, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Mex813 says And my favorite is the “downward trend since 2023” argument.
2024: 4,500 yards, 41 TDs, 71.4%, 106.8 rating.
******************************************
Did those stats win the Bucs a playoff game like the year before?
Did the Bucs make the playoffs this year?
Yeah, the arrow is pointing down buddy
GO BUCS
August 22nd, 2026 at 10:44 pm
@Chibuc
I’m in your head buddy. Rent FREE!! Two posts, a grammar lesson, “BoringMex,” “dense,” “babbling puppet,” “dress-up GM,” an AI accusation…and after ALL THAT, you still didn’t answer the question: WITH WHO? But here’s the beautiful part: you accidentally explained exactly why my question matters. You brought up Darnold and Purdy as examples of quarterbacks nobody predicted would become what they became. EXACTLY!
Thank you for making my argument for me. 🤣 Purdy becoming a star as Mr. Irrelevant doesn’t prove you dump a productive veteran QB because somewhere, someday, somebody unexpectedly might become better. It proves quarterback projection is incredibly difficult. That’s precisely why replacing a proven starter requires an actual PLAN, not “maybe we’ll find the next Purdy.” And I’ll actually meet you halfway: Baker WAS bad for stretches during the second half of 2025. His turnovers need to improve, his durability and playing style are legitimate considerations, the uncertainty surrounding Bowles matters, and the guaranteed money matters. Those are REAL arguments against handing Baker a blank check.
But I never said “pay Baker anything,” “Baker is Brady,” “Baker is a Hall of Famer,” or “Baker is guaranteed greatness.” Those are straw men you built because they’re easier to tackle than what I actually said. My position is painfully simple: I want Baker in Tampa unless Tampa has a realistic path to something BETTER. And apparently asking what that path is caused a two-post existential crisis. Here’s my favorite part: you say it’s “foolish to speculate” about who could replace Baker because there might be an entirely new regime next year, then immediately speculate about Baker getting paid, getting hurt, Bowles getting fired, Baker not regaining form, and what some unknown future regime might want. 🤣 So speculation is foolish when I ask you a question, but sophisticated analysis when you do it? Gotcha. And spare me the grammar lecture. We’re arguing quarterbacks on JoeBucsFan, not defending dissertations at Harvard. Call me BoringMex, AI, dense, pedestrian, whatever makes you feel better. After two responses, the scoreboard remains: Realistic Baker upgrades named by ChiBuc: ZERO. That’s why “WITH WHO?” bothered you so much. You don’t have an answer. You have a theory. And theories don’t take snaps on Sundays.
🏴☠️ BoriMex 813 — GO BUCS!!!
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:44 pm
@borimex,
“Boring” was an auto correct, sorry. And I think we feel exactly the same re Baker. I simply do not like the argument where someone puffs up and asks “then who.” It is a distraction from the real question(s): Is baker worth a guaranteed $50 million contract; and should he play out the old contract? If Baker walks or Licht balks, then we ask “WHO.” The “who” question is the ACTUAL strawman in this debate. There is no reason to cross that bridge. A) Baker is under contract B) the organization has stated they want to retain Baker C) franchise tag is in play D) there could be a coaching change which would scramble any preconceived thoughts. Your behavior is exactly the definition of the strawman fallacy.
Everything else is either twisted perception or extremely low reading comprehension. Half of the name calling you list are me saying im not you puppet. You gave the grammar speech when you ignorantly complained about a 3 sentence paragraph and then wrote a 49 paragraph reply. I also agree with you re grammar on this site.
You don’t get to put yourself on a pedestal and dole out nongermane questions and then proclaim “victory.” It is a ridiculous debate tactic and a waste of energy to answer that question at this point. Dude, I have 3 kids in college; I will accept “rent free” anywhere it’s offered. Trust me though, you wouldn’t want to live in my head, I barely have enough room for my own thoughts….it’s like a hoarders house in there, you’d get lost or buried alive.
Have you ever heard the adage “measure twice, cut once?” Try reading twice before you reply
August 24th, 2026 at 8:11 pm
BoriMex I’m with you 100%. I want the Bucs to be good as long as possible and Baker is the best chance of them remaining that way for a while. It’s really quite simple and when you look at the actual QB numbers (passing yards and TDs) he’s a truly excellent qb. Saying the team did worse in the playoffs is also a straw man since Baker is not the team.