Hall of Famer Ronde Barber warns that stalled contract negotiations could haunt Tampa Bay's season, potentially fueling a massive distraction if the quarterback's self-imposed deadline passes.
Baker Mayfield's training camp deadline to sign a contract extension is getting closer.
If no deal is reached, Tampa's quarterback insists he will cut off negotiations until after the season so he can focus on football. The clock is ticking. Time is running out for the Bucs and their QB to reach an agreement before Mayfield's deadline.
One Bucs' legend doesn't believe Mayfield's extension will happen before camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, who still works for the team and has relationships with the Bucs' decision-makers, doesn't think Mayfield will sign an extension before the season starts. Speaking on his The Ronde Barber Show platform, Barber offered his opinion on the situation.
“I would find it hard to believe that they do,” Barber answered when asked if he thinks the sides will wrap up negotiations by Mayfield's deadline.
Barber then expressed that, if he were in charge of the organization, he would find a way to pay Mayfield and ensure he is Tampa's quarterback of the future.
"Find a way to pay him. Make him happy, whatever that number is,” Barber said. “It’s not 60, 65 [million per year,] somewhere in the $50 million range. It’s a decent amount of [salary] bump. But I just hope it doesn’t distract this team going into this season, because I think this is a big year for a lot of people in this organization.”
Barber Thinks Mayfield Contract Will Be A Distraction
Barber thinks that if Mayfield goes into the season without a new contract, it will become a distraction. Not just for the QB, but for the entire team.
It's hard to disagree with him. The Bucs have the potential to be a good team this year. They are expected to win the NFC South. With the division still considered weak, Tampa could be set up to rule it for the foreseeable future.
That all goes away if they lose their franchise quarterback. Having that possibility hanging over the Bucs' heads all season would certainly be a huge distraction for the entire organization.
Even now, Bucs players and coaches are constantly having to answer questions about Mayfield's contract situation. Instead of just focusing on football, they are being forced to talk about the business side of the game.
Imagine that going on for the entire season, which it will if no agreement is reached.
Even though Mayfield has been able to brush aside any feelings he may have over his contract and is determined to not let it affect him, that may become impossible the longer this drags out. Mayfield is only human. There are very few people who wouldn't dwell on trying to secure a nine-figure payday.
Final Thoughts
Barber is absolutely right to believe this ordeal could become a major distraction for the Bucs this season. Is he right in his belief that a contract extension won't be signed by Mayfield's training camp deadline?
If the two sides are still far apart, as Mayfield has suggested, there may not be enough time to close the gap before camp starts. If Mayfield sticks to his guns and won't negotiate during the season, there will be a dark cloud hanging over the team all year.
Let's hope Barber is wrong and this will all be over with in the next few weeks.
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