Baker Mayfield: Everything you need to know

Mayfield said Friday negotiations with the Buccaneers on an extension are ongoing and he would "love to have a long-term deal" beyond 2026, but talks are currently "not anywhere close" and he considers the start of training camp a firm negotiation deadline, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Mayfield suited up for all 17 regular-season games with Tampa Bay in 2025 despite playing through biceps, shoulder, knee and oblique injuries, factors which help explain the step back his in production (3,693 passing yards, 26:11 TD:INT) compared to 2024 (4,500 passing yards, 41:16 TD:INT). While Mayfield will need to adjust to the departure of Mike Evans (signed with 49ers) in 2026, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson could provide a schematic upgrade, and the Buccaneers have added pass-catching playmakers in rookie third-rounder Ted Hurst and RB Kenneth Gainwell. It would be encouraging for Mayfield's long-term fantasy value if he were to ink a new multi-year deal with Tampa Bay -- where he has displayed a QB1 ceiling -- but the 31-year-old would be highly sought after if he were to hit the free-agent market in 2027. Mayfield is heading into the final season of the three-year, $100 million deal he signed in March 2024.

Mayfield completed 16 of 22 passes for 203 yards with a touchdown and an interception and rushed four times for 31 yards in the Buccaneers' 16-14 win over the Panthers on Saturday. He also fumbled once but recovered. Mayfield averaged an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt while connecting with both Mike Evans and Cade Otton for passes of 20-plus yards. The veteran signal-caller's only touchdown toss came early on, as he connected with Otton from 18 yards out to cap off a nine-play game-opening drive. Mayfield repeatedly focused on Otton throughout the afternoon for several more productive gains, although his one interception in the second quarter at his own 39-yard line did lead to a Panthers touchdown. Mayfield wraps up the 2025 regular season with the lowest completion percentage (63.2) and passing yardage total (3,693) of his three-year Buccaneers tenure, but he and his teammates will be pulling for the Saints to defeat or tie the Falcons on Sunday in order to be able to continue playing in next weekend's wild-card round as the NFC South champions.

Mayfield (right shoulder/knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday. One day removed from being limited at Tuesday's walkthrough due to right shoulder and knee injuries, Mayfield had no on-field restrictions. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard confirmed as much Wednesday, telling Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Mayfield is "ready to roll." Mayfield thus is set to lead a Tampa Bay team that needs a win against the Panthers on Saturday, combined with a Falcons loss or tie Sunday versus the Saints, to lock down the No. 4 seed in the NFC side of the playoffs.