Bowles Backs Mayfield Long Term as Extension Timeline Looms

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Thursday there is “absolutely no question” the team wants quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay for the long term, even as extension talks have not progressed as quickly as Mayfield anticipated.

Mayfield said last week that he and the Buccaneers are “not anywhere close to what we were thinking” on a new deal as he approaches the 2026 season, the final year of his current contract. Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million agreement last year.

Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, have said they want a new contract completed before training camp. They added that if an agreement is not reached before Mayfield’s reporting date—expected in the final week of July—they would pause negotiations so he can focus on football.

If no new deal is reached, Mayfield would be set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Bowles framed the situation as part of the sport’s business side and indicated he does not expect it to affect the quarterback’s day-to-day approach. He described Mayfield as a “true pro” and said contract matters are handled away from the practice field.

Bowles: Contract talks shouldn’t affect preparation

Bowles said he has not seen any change in Mayfield’s focus during the offseason program. The coach said the quarterback has remained consistent in meetings and on the field, and that the organization expects the matter to work itself out over time.

Bowles also reiterated that the club values Mayfield’s fit in Tampa Bay. “We love him here,” Bowles said, adding that discussions at quarterback are no different from negotiations at other positions when contracts come up.

OTAs offer a snapshot as July deadline approaches

Mayfield joined Tampa Bay on a one-year “prove it” deal worth up to $8.5 million in 2023 and helped the Buccaneers win the NFC South in both 2023 and 2024, in the seasons following Tom Brady’s retirement. The Buccaneers are 27-24 with Mayfield as their starter.

During Thursday’s organized team activities, Mayfield connected with veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. on consecutive touchdown throws during 7-on-7 work, according to practice observations cited in the report.

Later Thursday, Mayfield attended the Buccaneers’ 12th annual “Color & Cut Funds the Cure” charity event benefiting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Cancer survivors colored his hair with red spray paint at the event, and he appeared in good spirits.

The next key date is training camp in late July, when Mayfield and his representatives have indicated they want clarity on whether negotiations will continue into the season.