Tensions flare in Tampa as Baker Mayfield shuns a massive extension, betting on himself after feeling disrespected by the front office’s initial tactics entering a pivotal season.
One of the biggest stories for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into training camp was whether or not an extension would be granted to starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield had made it clear that once training camp began, he would cease negotiations for the time-being and focus strictly on football.
On Thursday, Mayfield had strong remarks about not getting the extension.
"It's disappointing," Mayfield said. "I'm not the first one to go through it like this. This is kind of historically how they've done negotiations. It's disappointing when you think you're a cornerstone of the franchise to be treated like that. But disappointing, I know the contract and salary cap, what's going on. Franchise tag isn't exactly in play for them. There'd be a lot of dead money. So it is what it is. And like I said, I'm fortunate, but on the side -- I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, in a really good place."
Entering this season, Mayfield will play out the final year of his 3-year, $100 million deal, which is definitely a bargain for Tampa.
But, reports on Friday surfaced that Mayfield's $50 million+ that he was seeking in a new deal was not out of reach, as NFL senior insider Adam Schefter said "The Buccaneers were offering Baker Mayfield over $50M a year... They felt their offers in the final days of the negotiations were competitive.“
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gave more specifics, saying the offer was a two-year deal worth north of $100 million.
But, Mayfield felt "long dismayed" by the Bucs' lower initial offer earlier this offseason and reportedly wants a more structured deal with longer tenure.
As far as production goes, having an upset Mayfield with something to prove is not the worst situation for the Bucs, who need a big year from their starting QB to reclaim the NFC South title.
Mayfield has not shortage of confidence and belief in himself, but this situation could be the push he needs to get back to his 2024 form, where he led the NFL in passing touchdowns (41).
Through the first week of camp, Mayfield assured media and fans that the money will not affect his play, and his whole focus is producing on the grass.
"When it comes to having a chip on your shoulder and all that, for me it just puts me in the mindset of betting on myself. That’s something I’m pretty familiar with, and it’s a good place to be. As a highly competitive guy, sometimes you have to put yourself backed into a corner and fight your way out. I have a lot of guys and a lot of staff around me that are with me, so I’m not alone in it. We’re fighting for the same goal, and that’s to be playing in February.”
Nonetheless, openly shunning the organization is usually not a good move, as rifts can grow between the front office and player.
Mayfield has talked about his appreciation for the Bucs helping revitalize his career and General Manager Jason Licht has confirmed that he is who they want signal calling in the backfield.
But, Schefter reported that members of the front office are "not happy with the way he spoke about the organization," which could lead to conflict during the season.
