Baker Mayfield Secures Long-Term Future with Buccaneers, Inks Three-Year, $100 Million Contract Extension
In a move that solidifies the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ commitment to quarterback Baker Mayfield, the team announced a groundbreaking three-year contract extension reportedly worth $100 million. Mayfield, who played the 2023 season on a one-year deal after a tumultuous 2022 campaign with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, has now found a stable home in Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers and Mayfield finalized the deal just three days before the quarterback was set to become an unrestricted free agent. The contract, negotiated amid ongoing efforts to keep key players, includes $50 million in guaranteed money and a maximum value of $115 million, showcasing the team’s confidence in Mayfield’s ability to lead.
Mayfield’s journey to this lucrative extension has been nothing short of remarkable. Originally drafted as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, he spent four seasons with the Browns, leading them to an 11-5 record and the Divisional Round of the playoffs in 2020. However, a blockbuster trade in 2022 sent him to the Carolina Panthers, where his season quickly unraveled amid coaching changes and roster turnover.
The turning point in Mayfield’s career came when the Buccaneers, seeking a replacement for the retired Tom Brady, signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal in 2023. Mayfield’s impact was immediate, helping the team secure a 3-1 start and earning the trust of his teammates, who voted him as a team captain in early October.
Mayfield’s leadership became increasingly crucial during a challenging stretch, as the Buccaneers faced a 1-6 slump that dropped them to 4-7 and the fringes of the playoff race. In December, Mayfield rallied his teammates, urging them to treat every remaining game as a playoff contest. The result? A remarkable turnaround, with the Bucs winning five of their last six regular-season games, ultimately clinching the NFC South title with a 9-0 win at Carolina in Week 18.
The postseason showcased Mayfield’s resilience and skill, as he contributed 686 passing yards and six touchdowns. Notably, in the playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, he became the first Buccaneers quarterback to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a postseason game. His exceptional performance continued in Detroit, solidifying his place as a key contributor to the team’s success.
The new contract marks a significant commitment from both Mayfield and the Buccaneers, providing the team with stability at the quarterback position and allowing Mayfield to build on his career-best 2023 season. The extension comes on the heels of the Buccaneers also securing star wide receiver Mike Evans with a two-year contract extension, further solidifying the team’s offensive core.
As Tampa Bay gears up for the 2024 NFL season, the Mayfield-Evans duo remains intact, promising an exciting chapter in the Buccaneers’ quest for a fourth consecutive NFC South title. With Mayfield’s leadership and proven performance, the Buccaneers are poised to make a strong push in a competitive division, setting the stage for another thrilling season in Tampa Bay.