Buccaneers GM Jason Licht: Baker Mayfield Contract Talks Coming Soon

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured their starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield, but his contract situation remains unresolved beyond the 2025 season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht recently addressed the status of Mayfield’s future with the team during an appearance on WDAE radio in Tampa.

When asked whether contract discussions with Mayfield have begun, Licht provided a clear response:

"Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times. All of our plans revolve around Baker, and that’s something that we’ll get to at some point. I have had a lot of discussions with Baker about the team. We texted during the draft about some of the picks. I know he’s excited about the players that we took. We have a great relationship. Listen, nobody here wants Baker playing for [any] other team. So I’ll just leave it at that."

Mayfield, who played under a one-year deal in 2023, became an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Despite strong performance and interest from other teams, the Buccaneers signed him to a three-year, $100 million contract, avoiding the franchise tag route.

As Mayfield’s contract nears expiration, the question shifts to the financial terms of a potential extension. Licht acknowledged the challenges of contract negotiations in today’s NFL:

Key factors in Mayfield’s next contract:

• Market value: Mayfield’s contract must align with current quarterback market rates.
• Salary cap constraints: Rising salary caps and contract demands make negotiations complex.
• Timing risks: Delaying a deal could lead to higher costs or uncertainty.

Licht emphasized that procrastination rarely benefits either side in contract talks. "Delay never makes it any cheaper. New deals will be done to push the bar higher."

If the Buccaneers and Mayfield fail to reach an agreement before the 2026 regular season, the situation could become more complicated. A strong performance in 2025 could increase Mayfield’s value, potentially making the franchise tag a consideration again. Alternatively, if Tampa Bay opts not to tag him, Mayfield could become a prime target for teams seeking a starting quarterback in 2027.