Despite stalled negotiations and poaching rumors, Todd Bowles remains unfazed, praising his quarterback’s business-like focus as the veteran passer stays committed to Tampa Bay's offseason practices.
Todd Bowles does not believe Baker Mayfield's contract situation has affected him.
When news broke that Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were described as "not anywhere close" in contract negotiations, it created doubt about the quarterback's long-term future in Tampa. Other teams seemed ready to line up in an attempt to poach Mayfield away from the Bucs.
Bowles is having none of it and has completely backed his quarterback as negotiations continue, saying there is "absolutely no question" he wants Mayfield to remain in Tampa long-term, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.
Doesn't Believe Mayfield Is Affected
Even though the two sides remain far apart, Bowles doesn't believe Mayfield has been affected in any way by the contract talks.
"Baker's all business. He's all about business," Tampa's head coach said. "The contract stuff takes care of itself. That's the business side of it that you don't see, that everybody has to deal with, and I'm sure he'll take care of it, but it doesn't affect his play."
To Bowles' point, Mayfield has continued to look like himself on the practice field all week, without showing a hint of dissatisfaction about his contract. The QB also participated in the Bucs' 12th annual "Color & Cut Funds the Cure," which benefits the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, where pediatric cancer survivors sprayed his hair with red and orange spray paint.
Bowles Confident Contract Will Work Itself Out
While Mayfield has set a training camp deadline to reach an extension before cutting off talks until after the season, Bowles believes the contract situation will work itself out over time. He believes it is an issue that every player goes through during his career.
"Baker's a true pro," Bowles said. "I don't think there's any disappointment whatsoever. I mean, he loves it here. We love him here. The contract stuff takes care of itself, whether it's the quarterback or any other position that comes up -- those things get worked out over time."
Mayfield Won't Hold Out
Another reason that Bowles believes there is no animosity from Mayfield is the reporting that he is not expected to hold out during camp over the issue. Mayfield has shown up every day since the contract story broke, and will continue to do so, saying he is fully focused on the upcoming season. Bowles concurs and believes Mayfield is only concentrating on football.
"You just concentrate on what we got to concentrate on, on the field, and he's been great right there."
Final Thoughts
While Mayfield's contract will remain a popular topic until it is resolved, Bowles is completely backing his QB during negotiations. Mayfield has handled the situation about as well as anyone could hope. He is determined to let his play do the talking as he seeks a significant raise from his current contract.
Expectations are high for the Bucs this year. If Mayfield stays locked in, as expected, and has a good season, his price is only going to go up. The sooner Tampa inks Mayfield to an extension, the sooner everyone can move on.
Even if Bowles believes it won't be an issue for his quarterback.
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