Baker Mayfield to enter 2026 season on expiring contract with Buccaneers

Quarterback Baker Mayfield arrived at Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp on Tuesday without having reached a new contract agreement. Reports from the Tampa Bay Times and FOX Sports say negotiations between the player and the team have concluded, while earlier ESPN coverage suggested a deal might still be possible. Mayfield, whose contract expires after the 2026 season, had indicated that his negotiation deadline was the start of camp. Under the terms of his current deal, he will earn a cap figure of $39.975 million in 2026. Should the Buccaneers choose to retain him beyond that year, they could apply the franchise tag in the 2027 offseason, which would guarantee a one-year salary of about $48 million. The team has not indicated whether it will pursue that option.

"We remain focused on preparing for the upcoming season and will evaluate all roster decisions as the year progresses," a Buccaneers spokesperson said. Mayfield is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2027 if no further agreement is reached.