Buccaneers Poised to Offer Massive Extension to Baker Mayfield Amid Strong Organizational Support

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to offer Baker Mayfield a lucrative contract extension despite a down season in 2025. Owner Joel Glazer has already signaled full support for the quarterback, calling him a “250 percent” performer on the field and saying “everybody loves him.”

Mayfield enters the final season of his current contract with a 2025 season that fell short of expectations. After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2023 and 2024, he threw for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Those numbers marked his lowest output in passing yards and touchdowns since joining the Buccaneers. His performance dipped significantly in the second half of the year as injuries took their toll.

Mayfield was listed on the injury report for multiple ailments including foot, toe, biceps, knee, oblique, and shoulder injuries. A non-throwing shoulder issue appeared to be the most impactful, affecting his accuracy and effectiveness. Over the final eight games, he threw for 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions, a stark contrast to his 16 touchdowns and two picks in the first nine games of the season.

Lavonte David recently pointed to the injuries as the primary reason for Mayfield’s struggles. The team failed to win the NFC South or make the playoffs for the first time since Mayfield’s arrival, marking a disappointing season in Tampa.

Despite the setbacks, Mayfield is set to see a significant raise. His current average of $33.3 million per year ranks 16th in the league, well behind the top 10 quarterbacks who each earn over $50 million annually. General manager Jason Licht is expected to lead the discussions on the extension.

Glazer confirmed that the team is actively considering the matter. “That's part of Jason's planning and everything,” Glazer said. “I know Jason's looking at it all. It's a constant thing that you look at.”

Mayfield’s journey to Tampa was anything but straightforward. Taken first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers before the 2022 season. His time in Charlotte was short and unsuccessful before a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams. Following Tom Brady’s retirement, Licht signed Mayfield to a one-year contract in 2022.

Mayfield responded with a career year in 2023, passing for over 4,000 yards and earning a multiyear extension. While the 2025 season did not go as planned, the Buccaneers remain committed to building around him.

“Obviously the quarterback is the highest paid position on the team, rightfully so,” Glazer said. “That means that it's going good, so if the quarterback's making top money, then your team is probably doing well and the quarterback is performing well.”

The Buccaneers will enter contract negotiations with Mayfield in the coming weeks, aiming to secure his future in Tampa.