The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield entered into the 2026 NFL offseason with a contract situation.
After three successful seasons with the Buccaneers, Mayfield is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. Many thought that Tampa Bay would work out a new contract extension with the 31-year-old star quarterback.
Unfortunately, the two sides have been unable to find common ground in extension negotiations.
Mayfield’s future with the Buccaneers is incredibly uncertain. He could end up leaving Tampa Bay at the conclusion of this season. That would mean Tampa Bay needs to find a long-term replacement for him under center.
Keeping that in mind, an interesting suggestion has been made for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linked to Potential Baker Mayfield Replacement
If Tampa Bay was to lose Mayfield, finding a win-now quarterback would be necessary. The last thing the Buccaneers want to do is enter a rebuild.
With that being said, one analyst believes that Cleveland Browns second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders would be worth looking into.
Yardbarker’s Ernesto Cova has named Tampa Bay a team who should pursue a trade with the Browns for Sanders.
“Mayfield’s seemingly imminent departure and the lukewarm seat of head coach Todd Bowles might ultimately lead to a rebuild in Florida. Sanders could be the perfect bridge quarterback for that situation,” Cova wrote.
“The Bucs have a solid offensive line and a plethora of pass catchers, and Sanders would get to develop behind an actual starting-caliber veteran for a year.”
Does Shedeur Sanders Make Sense for the Buccaneers?
Sanders has shown flashes of big-time potential with Cleveland. During his rookie season, he took over as the starter and had an up-and-down year.
When all was said and done, Sanders completed 56.6 percent of his pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 169 yards and a score.
There is no guarantee that the 24-year-old signal caller is available. Even though the Browns have named Deshaun Watson their starter entering the 2026 season, Sanders may still be in their plans. However, the presence of both Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green could make him available for the right price.
Whether or not the Buccaneers have interest in Sanders remains to be seen as well. There are some teams around the NFL who don’t think he can be a starter. Tampa Bay could well be one of those teams.
Even with the unknowns, the idea does make sense for the Buccaneers. Sanders is a young quarterback who could develop for the next year behind Mayfield. If he shows enough during that time to take over as the starter in 2027, Tampa Bay could have its quarterback.
Buccaneers Named Suitor for Potential Baker Mayfield Replacement