Taylor Lewan Explains How Baker Mayfield Could Become “A Cancer”
August 4th, 2026
“Ira, I can’t believe ex-players don’t get my professionalism.”
Is the Buccaneers heirarchy employing a losing strategy with Baker Mayfield and his contract-extension situation?
Former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton have a massive following on their Bussin’ With The Boys show and addressed the Mayfield situation.
Lewan thinks the Bucs are playing with fire and are somewhat misguided, as he delivered in a well-considered take Joe heard on SiriusXM.
“You need the head of the snake in order to function at a hundred percent,” Lewan said of Mayfield. “And if you have one guy who’s getting in his opinion fuc*ed — he’s feeling some type of way towards the Buccaneers. He’s gonna be a good leader. He’s gonna be ‘all ball.’ But everyone’s gonna know if you pull him into a corner and you’re like, ‘how do we feel?’ He’s gonna be pissed off at the situation.
“And you don’t want your strongest leader getting into those small groups in the locker room or the lunch table saying X, Y, and Z. Because once those things happen, that’s cancer. If you have one guy who is in a leadership position who’s been there for a while, if you have one guy that’s kind of spitting that venom throughout the facility, it can hurt the entire team that way.”
Vita Vea also demanding a pricey contract extension like Mayfield is something Lewan says he understands, but Vea is no quarterback, and can’t have the same priority. The QB is far more important to every aspect of the organization, he says.
“But when it comes to the quarterback, it’s like take care of your No. 1 guy first and then it’s on Baker to kind of go towards the Kirk Cousins role of, ‘how do we structure these contracts so it can trickle down for everybody else?” Lewan added. “So it’s like there’s a bit of a yin and yang taking place. I always lean on the fact that let’s pay our boy; let’s get our boy paid and make sure that we have the continuity of this team and this franchise. So we feel really good about it.”
Lewan played nine years and made a few Pro Bowls. He’s no clown and Joe finds this take very solid.
Mayfield’s all-ball, no-distractions attitude sounds great and Mayfield may be able to execute it. But for how long? He’s a volatile, emotional guy.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:40 pm
‘Is the Buccaneers hierarchy employing a losing strategy?’
YES!… We KNEW the moment they extended IBS as HC based on the ‘buddy’ system!
August 4th, 2026 at 6:49 pm
I listened to that entire podcast just now and at the end of the day he seemed to be saying that the Bucs are the ones screwing this up, that Baker should be paid. If the cancer thing comes to fruition then whose fault is that? We still don’t freaking know what the guaranteed money was! As though that doesn’t matter. At least us fans don’t know, maybe media insiders do.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Joe Haden on his podcast said that for all we know, maybe it was a two year deal for over 100 million with one year guaranteed, making it a one year extension.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:55 pm
Bucs should just give Baker a 4 year deal worth $200mil, 150mil guaranteed and call it a day.
August 4th, 2026 at 6:58 pm
What a freaking mess
August 4th, 2026 at 7:04 pm
Oscar Says: “I listened to that entire podcast just now and at the end of the day he seemed to be saying that the Bucs are the ones screwing this up, that Baker should be paid.”
Former players tend to support current players. Bucs offered Baker 50K Plus. Giving the cap situation, the Bucs offered Baker a fair contract extension. Baker has jumped too many teams to come out believing he’s in the right.
August 4th, 2026 at 7:06 pm
Once again people who aren’t in the building with an opinion. I believe people in the building and it’s a non issue rn focused on winning football games
August 4th, 2026 at 7:45 pm
LOL at the people that believe they know every detail about what was offered. In reality you don’t know squat. You weren’t in the room and you nor anyone outside the people in the negotiation have seen anything to do with any contract offers. All you know is what the media circus clowns are telling everyone.
August 4th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
Baker is the heart of this team. His teammates know it. The fans know it. But does the organization know it? Time to kiss and make up! Pay the man and move on.
August 4th, 2026 at 8:21 pm
Looking at last year with the 6-2 start, with all the injuries and line dance that was the injury squad, defense playing crappy and then the ST’s giving up blocked FG’s for TD’s, field position and the likes, Baker balled out and did what a quality QB does, leads the team to victories, which is why he was talked about in MVP terms. So he gets multiple injuries that make it hard for him to sustain that pace, get’s no help from the other parts of the team and the team torpedo’s to 2-7. If they are sitting in a room and the bosses are telling me that they want to see more out of me than the 2-7 finish and hang that on me after all I did? Oh hell no, I’d be pissed too. Putting my body on the line and saving this sorry A** team and you want to see more outta me than what you saw when I was healthy, got my butt beat up because of the lacky’s around me and you want to see more out of me? It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s what the Bucs are telling Mayfield, and he certainly would have every reason to be bent.
August 4th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
That’s the point DBS,that people outside the building don’t know squat and therefore are not equipped to make a judgement. It is interesting how the Bucs proffered that they offered Baker 2 years at 50 million plus but didn’t mention the guaranteed money. Why not say, “ We offered Baker a fully guaranteed contract for 100 million over 2 years “ ?
August 4th, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Meda is a problem. He said no discussion when camp starts. Media shows up and what’s the first question out of their mouths? He should have said no comment. But they kept on trying to make a circus until they got it started. I do put this on Baker for not keeping his mouth shut. But I also put this circus on reporters for not respecting him and letting negotiation run its course. They act like they know all the facts which of course they don’t
They always have a friend of a friend of a friend they get their information.
August 4th, 2026 at 9:32 pm
Like I’ve been saying.
August 4th, 2026 at 10:07 pm
YOU sign him!! Are we supposed to sign him to keep him from becoming a cancer? If he’s a cancer, that’s not on the Bucs. It was very immature on Baker’s part in the first place to take his negotiations public. How could that be team first? That was very selfish and self-serving. It’s this type of behavior that reminds people of his time in Cleveland and the kind of behavior that makes teams second guess his so-called leadership.
August 4th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
So Bake this is JL about that $300 for 5 yrs guaranteed ya want .. not gonna happen man lol
August 4th, 2026 at 10:28 pm
Management is paid to make hard decisions, not sit on their hands until things get worse. They’ve watched Baker play for years; if they can’t evaluate him now, another season wont make the difference. Pay him or trade him, but make a choice and stand by it.
August 4th, 2026 at 11:41 pm
@ AlabamaBucsFan Says: “Former players tend to support current players.”
Ding-Ding-Ding. And, I’m pretty sure that they are at least somewhat close. I’m familiar with the dude, and he definitely picks and chooses HIS favorites. He’s really just way too close to A LOT the guys, basically. It’s just like a lot of things… It’s one big-ole fricken CLUB.
August 4th, 2026 at 11:45 pm
Sounds like 3 year extension at 150 and add 10 to this year give him 160 total with 100 guaranteed would get it done. Let’s all face it, even the baker hater has to be honest. He is our franchise Qb and we are good to have that. He took over for the GOAT and though not perfect He is a leader, players around the league respect him and he produces above average numbers and with a healthy team can guide us to a real chance at the super bowl. Lock him up and Vita also, he deserves at least 25 a year for 2 years and a bump this year to get to 25. The message this will send would be huge. You play like a Buc and are “him” we build around that. Who else we gonna get?? PLZ JL make it happen. Like this week so we can not have excuses why this season didn’t pan out.
August 4th, 2026 at 11:52 pm
Tye Says:
‘Are the Buccaneers hierarchy employing a losing strategy?’
YES!
^^^^^^
Finally! Someone can read between the lines. They are doing everything possible to create the best situation for the next HC. Develop young talent, stockpile picks, tons of cap, pick your own QB. 5-12 is the fastest path to the next SB.
August 5th, 2026 at 12:04 am
Let’s BE REAL HERE. The Bucs gave BAKER a shot, when NO ONE ELSE wanted him. They have been FULLY supportive of HIM the whole entire way!!!! And, THEN… He became an ‘UNRESTRICTED’ FREE AGENT (during the last go-around, two years ago). When, once AGAIN… “NO ONE” WANTED HIM. And, the BUCS were only ‘bidding’ against THEMSELVES… They still PAID HIM (damn good money too), even when there were NO other offers FOR HIM from any other teams. They gave him a GIFT and said “YOU” are our Franchise-QB. They have since, FULLY supported HIM, in every which way possible. EVEN, offered him an EXTENSION, at ‘top-of-the-market’ money.
Baker should be THANKFUL and APPRECIATIVE for what the BUCS have done FOR HIM and his family. But, this little ungrateful PUNK with a “little man’s” EGO, wants to show his ass to the world, and be a lil b!tch.
And, let’s FACE-IT… Outside of his ONE ‘outlier’ season under COEN, he has NOT been “great.” Actually, he’s been FAR FROM IT. The ONLY THING that saved HIM (and Bowles), was that WEAK AF schedule down the final stretch of the season, AND “Winfield Junior” morphing into “ED FREAKING REED.” Baker was mostly BADDDDD… Hell, it’s the reason for WHY that 90% of the fanbase wanting to at least SEE what the hell TRASK could do. Baker couldn’t move the ball, pick up first-downs, OR sustain drives. The offense was STAGNANT. And, we all witnessed the SAME exact thing just this past season. So, LETS BE REAL-REAL.
August 5th, 2026 at 1:18 am
MelvinJunior Says:
August 4th, 2026 at 11:41 pm
@ AlabamaBucsFan Says: “Former players tend to support current players.”
Ding-Ding-Ding. And, I’m pretty sure that they are at least somewhat close. I’m familiar with the dude, and he definitely picks and chooses HIS favorites. He’s really just way too close to A LOT the guys, basically. It’s just like a lot of things… It’s one big-ole fricken CLUB.
************************
That’s correct Mel. This club is comprised of men who have been there and done it. That’s something that you haven’t accomplished.
August 5th, 2026 at 1:22 am
MelvinJunior Says:
August 5th, 2026 at 12:04 am
…..But, this little ungrateful PUNK with a “little man’s” EGO, wants to show his ass to the world, and be a lil b!tch. ……
—————————————-
Dude, this is just pure, unadulterated hate. And you expect everyone else in the forum to to respect your opinion?
August 5th, 2026 at 4:09 am
“MelvinJunior Says:
August 5th, 2026 at 12:04 am
The Bucs gave BAKER a shot, when NO ONE ELSE wanted him.”
He was offered a contract by the Rams, the Ravens and the Bucs. The Bucs gave him a better opportunity to start versus being Matthew Stafford or Lamar Jackson’s backup.
“He became an ‘UNRESTRICTED’ FREE AGENT (during the last go-around, two years ago). When, once AGAIN… “NO ONE” WANTED HIM. And, the BUCS were only ‘bidding’ against THEMSELVES…”
He would have become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2024…..he was signed by the Bucs on March 10, 2024 prior to any other teams being able to speak with him without violating the tampering rule. He never became an unrestricted free agent. If he had, however, the Patriots, Vikings and Falcons had all expressed an interest in speaking to him.
The truth is what one chooses to believe….the problem here is that most of the truth you seem to believe in is devoid of facts.
…….and turn your cap lock key off…..it’s annoying
August 5th, 2026 at 6:16 am
0Dude, this is just pure, unadulterated hate. And you expect everyone else in the forum to to respect your opinion?“
I’ve never respected yours for what it’s worth
August 5th, 2026 at 6:19 am
Dude has a poor take–Baker won’t be a ‘cancer’, He’s locked into a goal that will be realized in January or so: Having a GREAT season and getting PAID
August 5th, 2026 at 6:45 am
Baker has been a cancer to this team from day one. He took over a roster that was considered a Super Bowl contender, and each year the team has taken a step backward under his so called leadership. The franchise even lost one of its best players, in part because of him, yet now he wants to act like he saved the organization instead of the organization saving his career.
At this point, this team will be lucky to make the playoffs with Baker at the helm.
August 5th, 2026 at 9:59 am
Baker’s passion is what makes him a good QB, but its also what gets him into trouble.
August 5th, 2026 at 10:02 am
JustVisiting Says: “Management is paid to make hard decisions, not sit on their hands until things get worse. They’ve watched Baker play for years; ***if they can’t evaluate him now, another season wont make the difference.*** Pay him or trade him, but make a choice and stand by it.”
***GREAT take. If the Bucs aren’t convinced that Baker is their guy, and they clearly aren’t, then move on. Drafting in the middle of the draft with him or drafting top 10 or even top 5 without him with extra draft capital seems like a far better path than the one they are taking.
And while we are talking long term, Jerry Jones is ripe for the picking with Vita Vea. He has said he will sacrifice the future to win now. Take him up on that.
Given where we are today, that seems like a better way to reboot than letting both Baler & VV walk for much loess, or nothing!
August 5th, 2026 at 11:23 am
Players usually look at things from a wage earners perspective so I read their take with a grain of salt.
Like his fans Mayfield has been “disrespected” his whole career so will always do things to get attention or to be noticed, playing great football is not enough. His past antics and recent public outcry of his “dispute” is proof enough of that.
Since he put finances on front street he should show how much he has actually earned on and off the field because of his NFL stardom, it can paint a different picture of what he’s “earned”
He was properly paid in 2023, signed a new contract for three years and between 2023 & 2024 it kind of evened out and he was over paid last year. Between 2026 and their 2 year offer he has a chance to make +$50mil/yr.
Mayfield is a me first guy and he loves all the great attention he receives, as does his fans. Only his fans are allowed to use injuries for why he doesn’t play well but when the owners use it to gauge how much they’re willing to pay a qb who has the propensity to get injured because he “lays it all on the line” by doing things that smarter qbs won’t do to stay healthy he and his fans feel disrespected.
He is an investment and no investor feels easy investing into something that shows the “knack” of tanking profits as well as sky rocketing them no matter how much “moxie” it shows. One thing Mayfield has never done is sky rocket. As his nicks and dings turn into injuries his play always takes a dive and his need to be in the spotlight will not allow him to “ride the pine” to heal up sufficiently so he can play better sometimes to the detriment to the team. Last year even though it sucked to watch Bilgewater play and lose horribly we might have made the playoffs if B&B had sat his butt on the bench for a few games. A more attractive kiss is like lipstick on a pig if you get my drift. A healthier Mayfield would’ve been much better down the stretch.
Mayfield can become a cancer when his best buddies on the oline start “doing this for Baker” and the pre snap and other penalties will start to pile up.
August 5th, 2026 at 2:57 pm
Lots of noise. Pretty simple, it is risk vs. reward. Bucs after 3 years did not believe in Baker so they gave him another prove it deal to limit their risk. Sort of disrespectful to ask a guy that got paid $107M over 4 years period, a deep discount for Veteran starter QB not on rookie contract. Bucs were rewarded with playoffs and relevance after Tom Brady void year cap hits. To do another prove it deal had to sting. Too bad Kirk Cousins or another veteran free agent QB didn’t replace Tom Brady. Would be interesting to see how they would have faired compared to Baker and the revolving OC. Didn’t Matt Stafford win a Super Bowl at age 34 and MVP at 37 even though he hadn’t won a single playoff game until 34? I don’t think it’s really the age, just simple lack of belief. Baker is 33 in 2 years.
Baker would rather play with no injury guarantee in 2026 and get paid for the next 3 years by another team. He’s done with being pasted over as a franchise QB in terms of money and respect. I would too after looking at Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones and Justin Herbert paydays with less playoff success. I doubt Baker is asking for Top 5 money. He is a team player and knows how cap space to surround the QB works. He cares much more about winning and team than money. Asking for franchise QB money is $50-$57 APY guaranteed at least 3 years.
Bucs know franchise tag year 1 is $50M and year 2 is $60M. That’s basically $110M for 2 years with really only the year 1 $50M guaranteed but at $80M cap hit due to previous Baker contract void years used to pay for Mike Evans and others. The math isn’t really that hard to decipher. When Baker says disappointed with 2 year offer and the reporting says $100M+ for 2 years that means 2 years guaranteed at $100M+ guaranteed at signing. Teams don’t just offer 2 years for $100M+ guaranteed and contracts finish. They want trade and negotiation leverage for their assets. There is probably year 3 and year 4 with accelerators that are not guaranteed. Baker wants 3 years guaranteed at franchise QB $50-$55M APY, basically $150-$165M guaranteed.
If they don’t agree before season starts, Baker is going to want a premium for playing 2026 with no injury guaranteed and he will be asking for $60M APY for at least 3 years guaranteed. He knows the Bucs using the franchise year 1 $50M + $30M void cap hit will cripple the team. The Bucs franchise tag Baker then on March 11 2027 the Bucs have to account for all $80M against their cap. And they have to be cap compliant by March 11 or face stiff penalties. That means restructuring lots of contracted players with void years credit card spending and cutting other players. And more ju-jitsu to cover draftee and free agency cost.
For all those who think the Bucs have leverage, that is only true if Baker gets injured. They have ZERO leverage if Baker plays well. They have some leverage if Baker plays less than well. If he doesn’t have a great year, I think he moves on to another more setup team like Sam Darnold did with Seattle. He will get his respect by winning playoff games. I am thinking Pittsburgh or Minnesota. Maybe Atlanta but I think he hates Stefanski’s offense.
August 5th, 2026 at 3:36 pm
I love how some of the really “smart” people on this site like to act like they can read minds. When they do this, that it exposes 1 of 2 things: either they are really dumb or they think you are really dumb and sometimes it’s both. It is never they are really smart because all the smart people never act like they can read others minds, becausetheyknowthey cant. . 😂 what a living joke