Bucs GM Licht on Mayfield: ‘He has earned the respect of everyone in our building’

After the Buccaneers called off contract negotiations with Baker Mayfield earlier this summer, it appeared the veteran quarterback would have to play out the final year of his deal without a guarantee of an extension.

Mayfield was unhappy with how the negotiations had progressed, and he said he felt “disrespected.”

However, the two sides eventually returned to the negotiating table, and a deal is now complete.

On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that they had agreed to terms with Mayfield on a multiyear contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the agreement is a three-year extension worth $165 million.

With one year remaining on his existing contract, Mayfield’s three-year extension keeps him under contract with Tampa Bay through the 2029 season.

Last season, the 31-year-old threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns while being intercepted 11 times. He also rushed for a career-high 382 yards.

Over three seasons with Tampa Bay, Mayfield, who originally joined the team on a one-year, prove-it contract in 2023, has led the Buccaneers to two NFC South titles and a postseason victory.

He has set Buccaneers single-season records for completion percentage (71.4%) and passer rating (106.8), and currently ranks second in franchise history in passer rating (97.4) and completion percentage (66.3%), third in passing touchdowns (95), sixth in completions (1,114) and seventh in passing yards (12,237). He is the only quarterback in club history to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls.

“From the moment Baker arrived, he brought a belief and competitive edge that has had a tremendous impact on our football team,” said Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht in a statement. “He has earned the respect of everyone in our building with the way he prepares, competes, and holds himself accountable. His toughness and ability to deliver in big moments are a big part of what makes him special, but what really stands out is the leadership he brings every day. Baker is the heartbeat of this team, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have a quarterback and leader like him.”

Since joining the Buccaneers, Mayfield ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (12,237) and second in passing touchdowns (95).

Originally selected by the Browns with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield has played eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams and the Buccaneers. He has started 120 of 123 career regular-season games, completing 2,500 of 3,938 passes (63.5%) for 28,525 yards and 197 touchdowns.

Mayfield is clearly the Buccaneers’ best option at quarterback, and his extension gives the organization stability at the position. At his best, he is a top-10 quarterback capable of leading Tampa Bay into the postseason. The larger question is whether he can lead the Buccaneers on a deep playoff run or to a Super Bowl.