Baker Mayfield Reflects on Contract Situation and Commitment to Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback, feels disrespected by the team regarding his contract situation. He remains focused on delivering his best performance in football. Despite not receiving the contract extension he desired, Mayfield plans to play out the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal.

Mayfield expressed his feelings candidly, emphasizing Tampa’s significance as his family’s home. He had set a deadline for contract negotiations, making clear his intention to focus entirely on football afterward.

“I’ve been pretty up front and honest about my feelings about Tampa, it being home for our family, raising kids here,” Mayfield said Thursday. “We love it here. I wanted a deal done and set the deadline and told them it was going to be all ball after that, and I did mean that.”

The quarterback acknowledged his contributions to the franchise, both in leadership and performance. His career revival in Tampa Bay saw him replace Tom Brady in 2023. His efforts led the team to consecutive NFC South titles and Pro Bowl selections in his first two seasons. Despite injuries impacting his performance last season, he remains confident in his upward trajectory.

Mayfield, the top pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland, expressed disappointment over the perceived undervaluation of his contributions.

“It’s disappointing in that regard, to feel disrespected a little bit,” he said. “That’s really the disappointing part to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it. This is not a ‘poor me’ thing. There’s a lot of other people who have it way worse off.”

Mayfield set a deadline for a new deal by the start of training camp. He assured teammates the situation would not distract him and stated money should not be a motivating factor.

Mayfield emphasized his dedication to the team and his competitive nature, confident in betting on himself despite contract setbacks.

“Money should never be the motivation in football,” he said. “It’s how do I help this team win? It’s never going to be the motivation for me. 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.”

If Mayfield performs as he did in 2024, the Buccaneers might have to increase his compensation significantly. His performance included 4,500 yards passing, 41 touchdown passes, a 71.4% completion rate, and a 106.8 passer rating.

Offensive lineman Ben Bredeson praised Mayfield’s consistent focus despite external distractions.

“Baker hasn’t missed a beat or changed one bit through anything that’s going on,” Bredeson said. “He’s still our quarterback, he’s still the same leader, friend, guy that we all love.”

Vita Vea, a defensive tackle and two-time Pro Bowl player, also faces contract challenges and a back injury. Mayfield hopes for Vea’s timely return and contract resolution.

“Vita deserves that. He’s the anchor of our defense. I hope they take care of him,” Mayfield said.