Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield cut off contract negotiations with the team as he begins to focus on the upcoming season. He told reporters when he broke off negotiations that he does not expect the Bucs’ salary cap to be in a position to take on the salary cap hit of a franchise tag.
However, Bucs General Manager Jason Licht responded to that suggestion during his session with the media. Licht made it clear that the franchise tag is on the table.
He made it clear that this is just one tool or one option the team could use to keep Mayfield with the Buccaneers. He did not say that the team plans to use it, but did suggest that they can, unlike what Mayfield was hinting at.
Still, despite the two sides disagreeing so publicly, Licht was clear to say that both sides are in good spirits. Licht said that he has never seen Mayfield so locked in.
Licht also made it clear that he believes that Mayfield is a franchise quarterback. Mayfield wants to be here, and Licht wants him here, but the messy side of business has them entering the season with unresolved issues.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht Suggests Franchise Tag is On Table for Baker Mayfield
GettyBuccaneers GM Jason Licht
The reason Mayfield does not think the Bucs can handle him on the franchise tag is the dead money that he leaves behind. Tampa Bay deferred over $30M in salary to the end of his contract, and they will take a dead cap hit next year.
If they franchise tag their star quarterback, they have to take all of that cap hit in one year. The projection is over $50M. So, they would be on the books for over $80M with Mayfield. The star quarterback does not think the Bucs can eat that cap hit.
However, Licht believes they can. They can tag him and use that time to work out a contract extension. The extension would smooth the first-year cap hit. They can also tag him and then trade him, unloading his salary and adding picks.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noted that the team would be interested in that scenario if Mayfield played so well that he demanded a strong trade return.
The Bucs having Mayfield play on the tag might be the third option after the team tags him. So, it is still on the table.
Buccaneers Have Long List of Contract Extension Discussions
Mayfield is one of a couple of Buccaneers who are in the midst of intense contract negotiations, which makes the entire picture even more muddy in Tampa Bay. Vita Vea is currently holding in at training camp as he awaits a new deal.
Things have gotten so contentious that he requested to be traded from the team. Cody Mauch is also due an extension this year, but there have been no talks or movements. It might signal him leaving in the offseason. The Bucs have a lot to work out before the season starts.
Buccaneers GM Just Revealed Major Baker Mayfield Contract Option