Baker Mayfield
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing a new contract with quarterback Baker Mayfield, according to Aaron Jacobsen of “The Pat and Aaron Show” on 95.3 WDAE in Tampa on Tuesday, March 5.
“I’m hearing rumblings that the Bucs and Baker Mayfield deal is essentially done and the #Bucs and Baker will be announcing on Wednesday,” Jacobson wrote on X.
I’m hearing rumblings that the Bucs and Baker Mayfield deal is essentially done and the #Bucs and Baker will be announcing on Wednesday.
This update comes 24 hours after the announcement of wide receiver Mike Evans signing a two-year, $52 million extension with the team.
It’s no surprise that the Buccaneers would move quickly on this deal. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini confirmed on Monday, March 4 that Tampa had “started negotiations to keep him and making every effort to get it done.” The veteran NFL insider also noted that Mayfield is not expected to take a “hometown discount.”
According to Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds, also on March 4, Mayfield had piqued “significant interest” from another NFC suitor if he were to hit the open market.
Baker Mayfield Now Drawing Interest From 2 NFC Suitors
Sources tell Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds ANOTHER NFC team is poised to have significant interest in Mayfield if he hits free agency.
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On February 22, Spotrac projected Mayfield’s next deal to come in around four years and $120 million total.
So, what exactly did Mayfield do to be offered an extension? Let’s have a look.
Robert Griffin III: ‘Mayfield COOKED’
Tampa brought Mayfield in 2023 on a one-year, $4 million deal, worth up to $8.5 million in incentives. The quarterback took over a team that had meager expectations after having lost Tom Brady to retirement.
Defying the odds, Mayfield managed to take the Bucs to the second round of the playoffs. During that run, Mayfield piled up an impressive 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns. To further add to his imposing performance, he only threw for 10 interceptions throughout the entirety of the 2023 season.
On February 28, former quarterback Robert Griffin III posted a video claiming that “Mayfield COOKED” for the Buccaneers.
“Watched all the tape on Baker Mayfield from the past 2 years and he had more fun while playing more efficiently than he ever has. He COOKED with career highs in passing yards and TDs because he let the scheme win for him instead of trying to show off cooking hibachi style.”
According to Griffin, “his feet were in lock step with the concepts, his accuracy was back and consistent, his confidence to take risks and make big boy throws when needed was better than ever and his effectiveness on 3rd downs was highlighted by his anticipation when under duress.”
“He planted his flag in Tampa and the @Buccaneers need to make him their guy.”
Watched all the tape on Baker Mayfield from the past 2 years and he had more fun while playing more efficiently than he ever has. He COOKED with career highs in passing yards and TDs because he let the scheme win for him instead of trying to show off cooking hibachi style. His…
The Bucs went above and beyond the expectations placed on them. Some analysts, such as Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano, even predicted them as low as 4-13 on the season.
Evans & Mayfield Are the First 2 Offseason Dominos to Fall
Evans’s signing of a two-year deal opened up a lot of flexibility for the Buccaneers to work with through this off-season. Financially, the team is in a place where they can afford to make some moves with other players.
The Buccaneers were facing some heavy lifting this off-season, as they had plenty of free agents to care for. While nothing yet has been reported on players like Antoine Winfield Jr, Lavonte David, or Devin White, the likely re-signing of Mayfield and Evans is certainly something to hang their hat on.
The Buccaneers could likely use the franchise tag on Winfield Jr, which would allow the team to try and finagle another short-term deal with David. David played his 12th season with the Bucs after Tampa drafted him in the second round (58th overall) in 2012.
For now, the Buccaneers and fans alike can bask in the accomplishment of securing two of their biggest free agents this offseason.