Albert Breer: Don’t Be Shocked If Bucs Extend Baker Mayfield During Training Camp
July 1st, 2026
Lone issue as July begins.
So what’s the big issue sticking out like a hanging chad for the Bucs as we roll into July? There is only one.
What’s happening with Baker Mayfield’s contract?
Long-time NFL columnist Albert Breer of SI.com said One Buc Palace appears to be calm and peaceful, and not because One Buc Palace is closed as it normally is around the Fourth of July.
Calm and peaceful but for one issue. And that’s the quarterback’s contract.
Perhaps the biggest loose contractual end across the NFL for this summer is the one that the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield have yet to tie up. Tampa has a good recent history of doing deals during camp—Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke and Zyon McCollum—but Mayfield has already said he wants this settled before camp. So it’ll be an interesting July as the Bucs look to get back to the top of a division they won four years in a row before losing out on a fifth in Week 18 last year.
Breer omitted something he stated previously.
Mayfield has stated that once training camp starts, that’s it. Door’s locked. No talks until after the season. Breer doesn’t buy it. (Joe agrees.)
As Breer said two weeks ago, are we really to believe if Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht goes to Mayfield’s people on Aug. 29 with a contract Mayfield finds acceptable that he would say, “Naw, man. I said ‘Before training camp.’ See you in February!”
Highly unlikely.
Joe gets why Mayfield would say no talks after camp starts. He wants his teammates to know he’s locked in on trying to get the Bucs back to the playoffs.
But Joe doesn’t buy that Mayfield and his people would refuse to talk to Licht until February rolls around.
July 1st, 2026 at 7:04 am
Run Baker run !
I get not having a new contract before training camp
But the Bucs better have him signed by the first day of training camp.
July 1st, 2026 at 7:12 am
We could get Mason Rudolph for like a 6-pack and a pack of cheap cigars
July 1st, 2026 at 7:36 am
Bobby Bonilla got paid today.
July 1st, 2026 at 7:37 am
This guy is a Franchise QB. The Bucs are so lucky that “Born Again” Baker landed in their lap. Now let’s get him resigned and see how improved the Putrid Pass Defense of recent past has improved. LFG!!
July 1st, 2026 at 7:37 am
Baker will get signed. Jason has no options and Baker won’t risk season or career ending injuries to lose 140+ million. He’s been down and out before so pretty sure he doesn’t want to be there again.
July 1st, 2026 at 7:41 am
Also, although I am not a Todd B fan at all, you have to give him the credit for Baker signing here. He publicly and privately pursued Baker until it got done. So,
No we were not lucky, Todd deserves the credit for that.
July 1st, 2026 at 7:47 am
Mike said the same thing when his last contract was being negotiated. There was no contract before training camp. Mike went into free agency and still signed with the Bucs.
If they let a HOFer dangle out there, why would they rush to sign a player that they aren’t sure is going to be here next year? Why would they rush to sign a QB who finished the season 2-7?
July 1st, 2026 at 7:55 am
He’s also providing a deadline, real or not. It’s what a shrewd negotiator does.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:06 am
If Mayfield says he won’t negotiate once camp gets started- he won’t negotiate once camp gets started. I’ve watched the guy since he was at Texas Tech and I really do believe he says that because he’s not going to let that distract his team. And he’s gonna play really hard- because he’s making great money this year and he knows that Tampa has been good to him. And he loves his work, and his teammates. Too much of our offensive payroll was on the bench last year. Any fan should have been able to see that. Baker is smarter than the readers at JBF, I’d bet you. He knows what an injury outlier our offense was last season. He knows how good we are going to be this year. He says he’s not worried about it, because it will all work out like it’s supposed to. This is gonna be a whale of a team, and he knows it.
So teaming up with all the disrespect our team has been getting from the national media, and Stefanski at Atlanta, and Cleveland and the AFC North on this year’s schedule- Baker should have just the proper chip on his shoulder to at least set this season up to be a very special team. 32 teams are optimistic this time of year. And we thought we’d have a great year last year. And patience is hard earned. And nothing worthwhile easy. Licht, Bowles, and Baker know that. Baker will sign when he signs. For now, he’s got alot of work to do.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:07 am
The Bucs finished the season 2-7. Baker doesn’t have a record of wins and losses personally. However, he can certainly prove he does his job and very well at that.
Brady was smart enough to realize if you take too much of your team’s cap you will have a weak team around you and that led to a lot of wins. Let’s hope Baker does the same. However, the Bucs need to pay him fairly, too.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:14 am
This will get done. Licht is also working to extend Vita too and maybe others while staying under the cap. It will take a little time since multiple players are involved. At least Licht isn’t going to pull a Jerry Jones and wait until the first day of the season just to get a publicity hit.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:23 am
Towards the end Brady was making so much money outside of football that his contract was pocket change
July 1st, 2026 at 8:32 am
If the Bucs wait until after the year to come up with a new contract it might have more to do with Bowles than Baker. If the Bucs flounder, then Bowles is gone and a new Head Coach might not want to be stuck with Baker.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:35 am
@ Kenton Smith – All 💯 BS.
@ Stpetematt – No one needs any W-L record. Just needed YOUR EYES.
July 1st, 2026 at 8:41 am
Last year, as team leader in my business, I sold shoes. Sold quite a few during the first part of the year, but then things went south.
When my quota was nearly half up I was left with nine pair of shoes to sell to finish a highly successful year, but I lost seven of them. Some say that was on me, but my friends blame the other shoe salesman who should have protected me from the robbers who took them. I agree with these people.
Like last year, I have 17 pairs of shoes to sell. And despite the losing of the seven at the end of last year, I still think I deserve a big raise.
The shoe store owner only has so much money to spend, and if he gives me my raise he will have to settle for more inferior salesman to be on my team.
I made a good living before, but I want more.
Am I what they call a team player?
July 1st, 2026 at 9:13 am
JA: Selling shoes isn’t a complex process, nor a team sport. Maybe building cars?
July 1st, 2026 at 9:13 am
🥱
Don’t be shocked if dosen’t sign and bets on himself. The Bucs wouldn’t wait this long and longer just to offer him more money. Where are all the other teams that see Bakers value? Surely they’d trade for him since hes a top 10 QB by some of yall standards.
That 2-7 Baker we all witnessed is who he is. We’ll see the same QB this season and no excuses will save him.
July 1st, 2026 at 9:29 am
The deal should get done before training camp. It’s a whole month. Baker and Jason could sit down over dinner and knock it out over a couple steaks at Berns.
– Baker is a franchise QB that loves this team and town. And fans love him.
– Offense is young and will be championship caliber for next 2-4 years.
– Defense investment started this year. May take 2 years to catch offense.
– Deal has to be Brady like – fair but leaving money to build the team.
(Absolutely agree with Stpetematt here.)
– Baker is the leader of this team. Jason needs to commit to him now.
July 1st, 2026 at 9:51 am
Bee, interesting that a true to the core Bucs fan you seem to be is always hoping Baker fails! Seems a true fan would want success from even the ones you hate if they make the team successful. The next six months will seal the direction of the Bucs for the next three seasons but one’s hope should be making the Bucs successful!
July 1st, 2026 at 9:51 am
Yawn.
Mike Evans knows.
July 1st, 2026 at 10:14 am
Okiejim
Sir, you have me all wrong. I don’t hope Baker fails, I KNOW he’ll fail. I know this based off of his history with the Bucs and his career as a whole. And for the record, I dont hate Baker or anyone. I dislike Baker due to his inconsistent play and him not working on his craft. Hes selfish, and I’m not fond of selfish people. Additionally, you said he made the team “successful “…how?
1-9 in primetime. 3-10 against playoff teams. 1-3 playoffs record. No playoffs last year with a 2-7 finish. Where’s the success?
The most pertinent question is why some so-called fans want to continue with a player that doesn’t lead the team deep in the playoffs. Why do so many people want to continue to watch losing football? I don’t get it. This plan is not working.
July 1st, 2026 at 10:31 am
All the haters were afraid to bet on what the Bucs coaches and owners thought of Baker. Hilarious 😂
July 1st, 2026 at 10:34 am
All I know and it might not be much, is having home team playing meaningful games in December, after that it falls on luck and injuries.Mayfield has done that since he’s been here, his time is coming ..Go Bucs! as always
July 1st, 2026 at 10:40 am
BEE, Maybe just Maybe, he was really hurt, I dont know, and say his whole o-line, his top receiver in Evans, his starting RB, and a O.C so over his head he was the first to not parlay it into a head coaching gig! When healthy and a competent O.C at the helm, he threw for over 4500 yds, had 41 tds, qb rating of 106.8 and had an almost 70% completion percentage! Read those stats again…and then once more. Why would u keep Baker!? Cmon man be better than that. Oh, and lastly his defense blew. You do realize this is not tennis, or golf and it takes the whole team to have success right? Maybe im wrong, is Trask still available??
July 1st, 2026 at 10:41 am
Without ME13 Baker is going to look very mid to worse.
That is a huge safety valve he no longer can go to in the red zone.
Godwin can be that guy but he’s an injury waiting to happen.
EE has a ton of talent but he fell off in a big way in 2025.
Ted Hurst is just a guy until proven otherwise.
Baker is not worth the money he’s likely about to get.
Lost decade 2.0 here we come.
July 1st, 2026 at 10:45 am
The Bucs need to get him signed and put the drama behind them. There’s plenty of other drama to worry about insteada worrying about Baker.
July 1st, 2026 at 11:17 am
baker will be forced to play 26′ on his current deal….
if we make a deep playoff run, he’ll get paid handsomely…..if not, he gone lol
GO BUCS!!!!
July 1st, 2026 at 11:20 am
Bee Says:
July 1st, 2026 at 10:14 am
Okiejim
Sir, you have me all wrong. I don’t hope Baker fails, I KNOW he’ll fail. I know this based off of his history with the Bucs and his career as a whole. And for the record, I dont hate Baker or anyone. I dislike Baker due to his inconsistent play and him not working on his craft. Hes selfish, and I’m not fond of selfish people……
********************************
Bee: Please explain to the group the reason that Mayfield is “selfish”.
July 1st, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Well well well. Baker, don’t deliver an ultimatum unless you fully intend to follow through on it. If it was your agent who gave it, without your consent, kick him to the curb. If was you that gave the ultimatum, beware of that new rookie behind you. Remember the skinny kid who took over for Drew Bledsoe. Yeah that guy. If Baker pulls some crap and refuses the 60mil I think he’s going to get, tell him to pack his trash and hit the road now. Go with the rookie because 50-60mil will buy some serious free agents for other positions. Never let anyone who works for you, hold you hostage or try to control your decisions. I personally can’t see Baker ever doing that but you never know until you know.
July 1st, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Kidfloflo
Sir, if Baker was hurt, tell me what injuries he had to where he started every game? Baker hasn’t mentioned his injuries and there’s been no reports of off-season surgery or procedures. So what injuries? Be specific. Also last year, the OL was so bad they gave up 36 sacks which ranked 17th. The OL was middle of the pack last season with 9 different lineup changes. Thats not an excuse. For the last 9 games of 2025
Total Offense: Ranked 21st in the NFL (averaging 320.4 total yards per game).
Total Defense: Ranked 19th in the NFL (allowing 337.2 yards per game).
But yeah, defense was the biggest problem. You mentioned Baker’s 2024 season but you left out Bakers league leading 18 turnovers. We saw him turn the ball over in 4th qtr of the WC game that same season. You like stats so here’s what Baker did in a home playoff game vs the 24th ranked defense: 15/18 185 yds 2 TDs 1 FL. Read that stat line again, then once more!
No this isnt tennis or golf, this football where the QB touches the ball every offensive play so his decision making is very important because jobs are on the line due to his play. The team can’t have success when the QB constantly chokes.
July 1st, 2026 at 1:03 pm
Exbrown02
He’s selfish because he’s not doing everything he can to improve his game to help the team. He’s selfish because hes content with eating 20%+ of the cap leaving the Bucs practically unable to build a good team around him. Brady played for less and did way more because he wanted a great TEAM not to just be great himself. He’s selfish because he wont run less to stay “healthy” so he can play better.
Has Baker mentioned taking less to help the team after hes made $100 million? Didn’t he call out the defense a few weeks ago talking about he wont have to score 30 ppg when he threw pick after pick in the 4th qtr last season?
Baker is all about Baker.
July 1st, 2026 at 2:07 pm
Bee-
You often post insightful and thoughtful things about other subjects concerning the Bucs.But when it comes to Baker Mayfield, you come undone.
About 3 weeks ago you shared the fact that you blame Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield for Mike Evans leaving, and that Mike was your favorite player. That’s when i finally understood why you fly off the handle with Baker. about anything and everything.
Your posts are based on hate. And that’s a dark road to go down. It will hollow you out inside and not really accomplish much. Baker will be here for at least another year, and most likely more.
Some advice for you – get NFl Sunday ticket and go follow the 49ers. You can root for your favorite, Mike Evans, and most likely they will be a playoff team. There are plenty of 49ers boards like JBF so you can share thoughts with other SF fans.
Basically, take a time out from the Bucs this season. It will do you good.
Peace.
July 1st, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Jcscycles
You wrote all of that and didn’t refute one factual point I posted. I laid out the exact reasons why I don’t prefer Baker and after all of that, you call me hater. Thats it? No counterpoint? No facts or stats showing how he’s improved as a passer and getting better? No insight into how he’s going to elevate this offense without his main target, especially in the redzone. What his completion % without Mike’s wingspan, what do you think will happen there?
Yes, Mike was my favorite current Buc but I dont put any player over the program even though I wanted him to stay. And the fact the Glazers wanted to overpay Mike to stay, shows you who ownership truly values.
Once again, I dont hate anyone, its not that deep for me. I just don’t think Baker is a good QB, and if the Bucs thought so, they’d have overpaid him by now. I’m already good and when Baker plays like Baker, I’ll be here to say I told you so.
Peace.