A deal that looked like it might not get done got done Tuesday.
The Buccaneers announced Baker Mayfield’s three-year extension, which reportedly will pay him $165 million and keep him under contract with the team through the 2029 season.
“Baker’s arrival marked an important new chapter for our organization, and over the past three years he has established himself as the unquestioned leader of our franchise” Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said in a statement. “This contract — the largest in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — reflects our belief in Baker, and his leadership both on and off the field. His competitive spirit, resilience and commitment to winning embody everything we want in our players. Baker and his wife, Emily, have made a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay community and we are thrilled their family will continue to call Tampa Bay home for years to come.”
After Mayfield’s imposed deadline passed without receiving a new contract at the start of training camp, the quarterback said he felt disrespected and undervalued. The sides continued to talk, though, leading to Tuesday’s outcome.
It is the third contract Mayfield has signed with the Bucs, following a one-year, $4 million, prove-it deal in 2023 and a three-year, $100 million extension a year later.
In his first three seasons as the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback, Mayfield ranks second in the NFL in touchdown passes (95) and third in passing yards (12,237) and has led the team to a pair of division championships.
“Baker is the ultimate competitor, and the guys in our locker room feed off the energy, confidence and toughness he brings every day,” coach Todd Bowles said in a statement. “He prepares the right way, holds himself accountable and is an unquestioned leader for our team. His belief in himself and this team never wavers, and he sets the tone for us every day. That is what you want from the person leading your football team, and we are excited to continue building with him as our quarterback.”
Mayfield was set to enter the final year of that contract in 2026.
