“It’s Going To Take Some Financial Concessions For Tampa To Get This Done”
July 27th, 2026
Update.
As always, Joe is trying to read between the lines of what is reported.
Those who read between the lines accurately often find the truth within well-crafted words and phrases to protect both the innocent and their pipelines to teams.
Listening yesterday to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN break down where things stand with the Bucs trying to ink Baker Mayfield before Mayfield’s self-imposed deadline of Wednesday, Fowler said Mayfield’s deadline is “sort of artificial.” That means Mayfield isn’t going to shut down negotiations on Wednesday. He’ll likely flip the switch in his head to football 24/7 and leave the heavy lifting contract talk to his agent.
This is sort of what Joe said the minute Mayfield announced a deadline seven weeks ago.
Albert Breer of SI.com concurred. The Bucs, as Breer pointed out, have a recent history of extending top players during training camp. If the Bucs offer Mayfield what he wants, are we really to believe Mayfield will say, “Hell no! I told you the deadline was the start of training camp! What is your major malfunction?”
Of course Mayfield won’t do that. So as Fowler seemed to suggest, the Wednesday deadline is a soft deadline. But to hear Fowler, it sounds like it is the Bucs who have a lot of ground to make up to reach what Mayfield would agree is a fair deal.
“Time is of the essence because the Bucs veterans report on Tuesday,” Fowler said. “Baker Mayfield is on record that he wants a new deal by training camp.
“Now, if they don’t get it done, it’s sort of an artificial deadline. Maybe they can keep working at it. So the Bucs need to make some progress here.
“They want to try to get something done. They are optimistic, but they’re going to have their limits. They probably won’t give him everything he wants.”
What does Mayfield want? Fowler has been pretty consistent.
“The market is 11 different quarterbacks make at least $50 million dollars a year,” Fowler said. “Mayfield feels like he’s outplayed some of those players.
“He’s got proof of concept in Tampa after three years, so it’s going to take some financial concessions for Tampa to get this done.”
Joe believes that fair and Joe would not be shocked if, sometime before the Bucs take off for New Jersey for joint practices against the Jets, the Bucs have a special announcement to make.
If they don’t, Joe is still confident Mayfield will be your Bucs starting quarterback in 2027.
-Gonzalez and the corner market
-Diggs’ free agency
-Baker and Bucs on the clock @SportsCenter with @RandyScottESPN and @KeianaMartinTV pic.twitter.com/VDHc7oDznq— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 26, 2026
July 27th, 2026 at 4:22 am
4/52
July 27th, 2026 at 4:34 am
We probably could’ve went 2-7 down the stretch with Baze at QB. We know Baker is going to report, and play without a new deal. What about Vea?
July 27th, 2026 at 5:38 am
If Rod Munch and Big Dave are correct about Baker and how he’s to blame for every Bucs loss since 1976, he’ll easily be replaced by Kyle Trask. With the dreaded Baker out of the building, the wonderful coach Todd Bowles will be able to win every game with his stout defense and superb game management.
July 27th, 2026 at 6:47 am
What’s the name of our backup QB? Pay Baker and let’s get on down the road.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:08 am
Odd thing about the back up qb is he was pretty darn good (for a backnup) taking over for Burrow a couple years ago, then turned into a pumpkin last year.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:10 am
“The market is 11 different quarterbacks make at least $50 million dollars a year,” Fowler said. “Mayfield feels like he’s outplayed some of those players.
“He’s got proof of concept in Tampa after three years, so it’s going to take some financial concessions for Tampa to get this done.”
Name the QBs he outplayed sir, don’t be shy. And wtf does “proof of concept” mean? More empty talk and vagueness. There is no rush, hes under contract and Bake won’t holdout and lose $40 million. If the Bucs play with a backup QB this season that’d be great so we could really tank and get a new GM, HC and QB next season.
How
July 27th, 2026 at 7:14 am
Baker holds ALL the cards!!
54 million per year Baker !
July 27th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Tua, Love, Hurts come to mind
July 27th, 2026 at 7:48 am
Again, Haters gonna Hate. Got to a Website that you actually are a fan of the Team. What a joke some of these clowns are. Not Buc Fans.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Hopefully, Licht and the Bucs don’t pull a Jerry Jones and wait until the eve of the first regular-season game to sign Baker.
July 27th, 2026 at 7:53 am
When you dangle a large amount of money in front of Mayfield or any player, he be whipping out his pen 🖊 to sign on the dotted line. The interested parties on all sides are ready so JUST DO IT.
July 27th, 2026 at 8:01 am
bee
PREACH!!!!!!
Bucs have to make baker prove it this year…
3year extension that allows the bucs to release him with no cap hit after the 27′ season would be ideal….
GO BUCS!!!!
July 27th, 2026 at 8:11 am
Why every time I see a new story about Baker or Todd, my minds eye envisions the comment section looking like the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby. LOL
July 27th, 2026 at 8:13 am
I look at Deshaun Watson’s guaranteed money and still shake my head. I highly doubt that salary is the sticking point in Mayfield’s contract. More than likely it’s the length of the contract and the total of guaranteed money. I’m sure he’d like to finish his career here in Tampa and the Bucs are unsure of which Mayfield they are getting. Don’t be fooled though, they’re both motivated to get a deal done!
July 27th, 2026 at 8:27 am
How does Baker hold all the cards with a Franchise Tag in their pocket?
July 27th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Billy franchising Mayfield gives him $55 million which is a win for sure. Signing Mayfield for say $53 million is also a win for Mayfield. The only way Mayfield doesn’t come out great is if the Bucs for some reason want to part ways. Then another team will just pick him up and pay him anyway!
July 27th, 2026 at 8:42 am
My theme song for Baker:
You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar
When I met you
I picked you out, I shook up and turned you around
Turned you into someone new
Don’t, don’t you want me?
You know I can’t believe it when I hear that you won’t see me
Don’t, don’t you want me?
You know I don’t believe you when you say that you don’t need me
It’s much too late to find
You think you’ve changed your mind
You’d better change it back, or we will both be sorry
Don’t you want me, baby?
Don’t you want me? Oh
Don’t you want me, baby?
Don’t you want me? Oh
LOL!
July 27th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Billy… the Bucs need him
He doesn’t need the Bucs to get paid market value
Sure tag him and be left holding the bag looking for a starting quarterback
Bucs NEED Baker and the management is foolish to think otherwise.
Another thing since we are on this topic
All the contract numbers used for comparison are not reflective of 2025 so there is a false comparison.
Baker will get paid in 2025 contract numbers reflecting 2025 and the future years.
Simply can’t compare to contracts signed in recent YEARS
July 27th, 2026 at 8:46 am
@ Billy
From what I have come to understand – if the Bucs franchise Baker his $30M in dead cap $ will be paid along with that $50M.
So (I believe) the full cost against our cap in 2027 will be @ $80M.
Not a very good option IMO.
Anyone can please correct me if I’m wrong. Some of these cap rules are very confusing to follow at times. I’ve already heard several different opinions on this.
July 27th, 2026 at 8:49 am
The Bucs should and will let him play out this season without the extension. I personally think that he peaked two seasons ago. Injuries will stack up which will reduce his availability. He will also try to play games injured which will also result in losses. Baker is trending downward. Hell, I noticed that he is undrafted in several mock FF drafts.
July 27th, 2026 at 8:56 am
BillyB,
If they use the tag, they either pay 80 mil in ’27 or have to sign him to a new contract of several years to defer the dead cap money over the years of the deal. Baker could choose to play out the tag. It’s going to be hard to resign all the Buc’s own FA coming up for new deals in ’27 if you HAVE TO pay Bake 80 mil for 1 year. The list of deals coming up is extensive – Diaby, Mauch, Vea, A’Shawn, Bredersen, AQM, Tucker, McLaughlin and a few others.
It’s not all the cards, but, it’s a pretty good hand.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:02 am
If you think Baker holds all the cards you are CLUELESS
Bucs can franchise him after 26
Bucs can franchise then trade him in 27
Bucs can franchise him again in 27
Bucs basically control where Baker plays for 26, 27 and 28.
Baker’s future is in his hands, play well in 26 and the Bucs or another team will pay you. Play like he did in the last 8 or so games and he’s competing with Bryce Young or another under performing starter for a job
I like Baker but not the last 8 or 9 games of 2026 Baker. That guy crapped down his leg with a chance to secure the division
July 27th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Baker says he’ll bring 100%, regardless, and I’m sure he believes it. But he’s a proud guy who plays on emotion,and it’s impossible to know how he’ll perform if he feels disrespected by the people he works for. Yes, he plays his best with a grudge, but I think that grudge has always been carried over from his +previous+ situation, not his current team. I think the Bucs need to decide whether or nott Baker is their QB. If he is, get a contract done that says so. If not, then plan to trade him ASAP; don’t rely on the franchise tag.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:24 am
Sounds good @Fire the Cannons.
Who do you want to cut loose – Vea, Mauch, Diaby or all 3? Controlling Baker with FT is not the total picture. 80 mil cap hit is devastating….
July 27th, 2026 at 9:26 am
@ Just
Baker will be solid this season.
Until (@ week 3) he attempts to over-compensate for his mental short comings and begins to LARP as a fullback – lower his shoulder into a 245 lb LB then will play with ANOTHER shoulder injury the rest of our highly frustrating 7-10 season.
That is how it will probably go.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:29 am
Give Baker the tag or a very short contract. No reason o get locked up for ever.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:30 am
Just win Baker win and you can pull a Lebron free agency. The haterz are National trolls with a sinister agenda. Ignore them.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:30 am
Just win Baker win and you can pull a Lebron free agency.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Always fun to fantasy book another man’s money, so here we go, let the season play out. If he stays healthy and does great with yet another OC, then pay the man. If he craps the bed again, is injury riddled, it’ll be adios to him, Kit Kat and AC/DC
July 27th, 2026 at 9:36 am
2-7
Prime time failure
Playoff game gag
Let’s see. Show us.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:40 am
@ mark
“Just win Baker win and you can pull a Lebron free agency.”
I agree 100%.
BM has a history of betting on himself…
In college he transferred to OU without a scholarship and ended up winning the Heisman.
And he has continued that trend throughout his NFL career.
I respect the dude.
But he has to learn to better protect himself and cut out the BS cowboy routine.
It’s just a facade.
Everyone is “a tough guy” in the NFL…
GIVE ME A BREAK!
Get smart. Slide. Avoid unnecessary contact.
PLEASE!
July 27th, 2026 at 9:42 am
Until BM matures…
7-10.
July 27th, 2026 at 9:44 am
Baker is a starting quarterback
The Bucs don’t have a starting quarterback without Baker
Baker is in control
Don’t disrespect him 😆😆😆😆😆
It’s NOT that I am a diehard Baker fan, his is just the most recent since I watched Steve Spurrier step out on the field for the first time.
Bucs are in between a rock and a hard place.
Clown show front office and ownership…has been selling hopium
and business is good.
July 27th, 2026 at 10:15 am
@Marine, now I have that damn song stuck in my head. Thanks a lot!
As a Baker fan, my biggest complaint is the recklessness. Burrow is hurt a lot, but he isn’t looking for it. Baker has all the heart anyone could ask for in a qb, but he tries to play like Josh Allen with Drew Brees’ body.
If he can ever find the right balance it will only benefit him. Otherwise he is going to shorten his career.
July 27th, 2026 at 10:16 am
SIGN HIM!!!!!!!!!
July 27th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Let him and Vea play out their contracts and see how the season goes and their production. If we win and progress with the D vastly improved, we might pay a little more, but have the franchise to use for either. If we have results like last year, losing record, a reset will be done. Just please, if we have a top 10 offense, but a D that can’t stop a bottom 10 offense…Don’t let another OC walk to another team.
July 27th, 2026 at 11:41 am
“Sign Him!”
“Pay Man!”
“He holds all the cards!”
And this one tops the list … “pull a LeBron in free agency.”
I come here for laughs, but a little thinking too. And I far more receive the former in lieu of the latter.
—Sign him? And then what? What’s that gonna do to the cap? THINK!
—-Pay the man … Pay him what? Don’t just write stuff to see your name in print. Think! How much, how long and what effect it will have on the Bucs??
—Short of a ransom demand, the person with the money holds all the cards, not the person asking for it.
—Pulling a LeBron would be just fine with me. The Sixers just signed him to a 2-year, 8 million dollar contract. LeBron will make around 3 million from Philly this year. I’d go for that in a heartbeat, a guy actually trying to win by sacrificing money. Is that the point you were trying to make?
I never liked LeBron—far too egocentric, but I like his new contract.
July 27th, 2026 at 11:47 am
This draft has about 10 quarterbacks coming out this year so it ain’t no rush if he plays good franchise him if we get to the NFC championship and see if we get to a superbowl. If not move on from him . This is not a superbowl roster and that means the team has to depend on him to much and Baker doesn’t elevate the players around him.
July 27th, 2026 at 11:58 am
@Marine
100% correct. Baker has to get smart in a hurry. Throw the damn ball away and learn how and when to slide. Watch Brady film. He was a master at throwing it away in time. Baker is not alone in that getting smart idea. We have a bunch of guys who love to get untimely penalties. Bucs beating Bucs I think Arians used to call it. Coaching matters.
July 27th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I’m thinking the Bucs offered him 2 years or something, (that allows them to push some of it out a few years) and he’s not having it. If they DO draft a QB in ’27, he’d need a couple seasons to be ready anyhow
July 27th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
“The market is 11 different quarterbacks make at least $50 million dollars a year,” Fowler said. “Mayfield feels like he’s outplayed some of those players.”
According to Above The Cap, those 11 players are: Mahomes, Prescott, Burrow, Allen, Love, Lawrence, Stafford, Goff, Purdy, Herbert, Jackson, and Hurts. (Count them up- it’s actually 12 players).
Of those 12, one could argue Baker’s performing similarly to at least Mahomes and Stafford. He’s outperformed Goff except in the win column, but you can chalk that up to being on a better team. The Lions are inarguably better than the Bucs over the past 3 years.
The side-by-side (because there’s a difference in games played, it’s only fair to break attempts, completions, yards, TD’s and INT’s down to single game averages):
TD’s 1.9 to 1.6, advantage Baker.
INTs .8 to .7, advantage Baker
Yds 254.3 to 239.9, advantage Mahomes
Att 36.5 to 32.9, Mahomes has more per game
Comp 24.1 to 21.8, Mahomes has more per game
Comp Pct 66.3 to 66.0, advantage Baker
Like him or hate him, he does have a point. I’m not paying “pay him Mahomes money.” Just that he’s got a point.
I would do a similar comparison to all 11, but
July 27th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
^^but the post would take up the entire comment section.
July 27th, 2026 at 1:11 pm
This whole debate is mostly driven by recency bias. Everyone (understandably) has the second half of 2025 top of mind, and it’s distorting overall appraisals.
July 27th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
The Bucs need to make concessions and pay him average starter money
July 27th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
1000% DON’T RE-SIGN BAKER … FOR ALL NFL FANS!!!!
If Baker doesn’t take what the Bucs offer … He’s living 100% on the edge.
Every time he drops back, runs, and gets hit there is +$100M on the line!!!
If he doesn’t run for a 1st, he’s soft and not a franchise QB.
If he runs, he’s heroically stupid.
The media will be all over this story. Baker and the Bucs will be the headline ever single week.
PLEASE DON’T RE-SIGN HIM. SO MUCH ENTERTAINMENT AT STAKE.
July 27th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Baker is our franchise QB and I want to see us sign him for a 4+ year deal right away. It’s foolish not to and will cost this team a fortune or our competitiveness if we don’t. If Baker leaves, we will no longer win our division. If we force Baker to stay with franchise tags he will be unhappy. Just sign him- it will maintain the morale of the team and with a little luck with injuries we can go far in the playoffs. Since people are measuring the strength of this team bases in our Kate season losing streak when tons of players were in the training room instead of on the field, people are vastly underestimating the strength of this team. With that elite offensive line, we will be able to run the football at will and will consequently have play action available and effective. We will win *a LOT* of games with that formula! SIGN HIM!
July 27th, 2026 at 3:20 pm
*based in our late season
July 27th, 2026 at 3:27 pm
He’s the eleventh or twelfth best Quarterback? That’s funny, because if you look at the last three years, he’s arguably the best Quarterback in the NFL.
Hurts some of you nimrods to see that. Tough. They use stats like touchdown passes, and yards throwing, and yards per carry. You know, Stats.
The Bucs defense and special teams has had a certain kind of a suck to them the last several years. But not Baker Mayfield. He’s led a team to 3 consecutive contending seasons that really had no business contending for anything.
July 27th, 2026 at 3:36 pm
Oh, yeah. He’s been to 3 playoff games in 3 years here. 8 TD passes and 2 interceptions. Hmm. That’s a kick in the gut for a guy to perform at that level and still be blamed for not winning the Super Bowl every year.
Mental midgets around here talking like Baker is a top 15 QB in the league? I’ve been saying since following Baker over here that he’s one of the top 15 QBs in the history of the game. And if he puts together 8 more years like the last eight years, stat wise, he’ll be one of the ten best QBs in the history of the game.
Put that in your pipes and smoke it. We’re gonna win a bunch of games this year. A whole bunch.
July 27th, 2026 at 3:46 pm
Started 51 of 51 games. Fools say any backup would have done better than Baker’s last 6 games last year. No! We wouldn’t have been in position to win any of them. Probably.
Started every game for 3 years. Over 12,000 yards throwing, 95 touchdown passes, 37 interceptions. And the best yards per carry of any QB in the league the last 3 years.
Let me explain what those numbers mean. Those kind of numbers mean we may just have the best QB in this league. I’m glad to help some of you guys out with that.
July 27th, 2026 at 10:50 pm
Let’s remember he played injured quite a lot, esp after week 6. I dont think the Bucs can do better right now with a different QB coming in instead of Baker. Again it’s a business, and not everyone is going to be able to remain. But he should until we get someone who can take over at the position.
July 27th, 2026 at 11:17 pm
Hey Joe
Can you name all the NFL teams with an uncertain contract on their starting QB. I’ll wait.
If Baker walks, who replaced him?
How many teams would Baker be an instant #1?
Pat Kirwin says you replace talent with talent.
We let Baker walk, who is the starter next year and did we get better?
To quote Joe Madden if you only have one QB you have none.