Baker Mayfield enters Buccaneers training camp without new contract

Baker Mayfield arrived at the Buccaneers' training camp in Tampa Bay without a revised contract, and sources said negotiations with the team have made little headway. The quarterback, who has one year left on his current deal that runs through the 2026 regular season, is expected to play under the existing terms for the start of camp on July 29.

Mayfield and his agent are seeking a contract that reflects his performance, including leading the Buccaneers to playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, and aligns with compensation for quarterbacks of comparable caliber. His current average salary of $33.33 million per year ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks.

"We are not anywhere close on a new deal," Mayfield said in June, adding that the situation would not affect his on-field performance.

The franchise tag for quarterbacks is projected at $43.895 million for 2026 and could rise to about $50 million in 2027, according to league calculations. Sources indicated Mayfield is prepared to play the season under his current contract or under a potential franchise tag in 2027.

The Buccaneers have historically taken a measured approach to contract talks, a pattern observed previously with wide receiver Mike Evans, who delayed negotiations until after the season before reaching a new agreement. Evans later signed with another team in free agency, though sources said his prior negotiations did not influence that move.