Baker Mayfield says Buccaneers contract talks far from agreement

Speaking for the first time this offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said long-term extension talks with the team are not progressing as he and his camp expected. Mayfield added that he has set a personal deadline for a deal by late July, when training camp opens. He emphasized he will focus solely on football once camp begins and will play under his current terms if needed. He remains under contract with Tampa Bay through the 2026 season.

Mayfield said he wants long-term security in Tampa, noting the roots his family has established in the community. He reiterated that his approach, leadership and preparation will not change regardless of contract status. The quarterback said discussions have started but are not close to the figures or structure he anticipated, while stressing his priority remains helping the Buccaneers compete for a championship.

Team officials have previously indicated there is no set timeline on the club’s side. General manager Jason Licht has said this offseason the Buccaneers are not working from a hard deadline, while Mayfield’s agent, Tom Mills, continues to handle negotiations. The quarterback framed his late-July cutoff as a personal boundary to avoid contract distractions once camp begins.

Mayfield’s current deal averages $33.33 million annually, placing him in the middle tier among starting quarterbacks by pay. He said the goal now is alignment on a longer horizon with the organization, not only on compensation but also on commitment and structure. He underscored that the locker room knows what to expect from him regardless of when an agreement is reached.

Training camp deadline sets the pace

By pointing to the start of training camp as his cutoff, Mayfield made clear he does not plan to engage in contract talks during preseason practices. He noted that once camp starts, his focus turns fully to installation, timing with receivers and refining the offense. He said he hopes talks gain traction before then but is prepared to proceed without a new deal if necessary.

The late-July marker provides a practical runway for both sides. It allows the front office to continue roster planning into the summer, while giving Mayfield clarity on when to pivot entirely to on-field work. He indicated he would revisit the topic after the season if no deal is reached by his stated deadline.

Front office keeps flexible timeline

The Buccaneers have maintained that they are not operating under a club-imposed deadline. That stance provides the team latitude as it manages cap planning, evaluates internal extensions and monitors league-wide quarterback contracts. Mayfield acknowledged that ultimately the timing is not solely up to him and that he will be ready to play under his current agreement.

Agent Tom Mills is involved in the talks and remains Mayfield’s point person in discussions with the club. While neither side disclosed specific terms, Mayfield said the sides are still apart from his expectations at this stage of the offseason.

Evans’ departure reshapes receiver room

Mayfield also addressed the exit of longtime wide receiver Mike Evans, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. He called the move disappointing given Evans’ stature and tenure but said it opens the door for others to step forward. He pointed to veteran Chris Godwin as a key leadership presence who can help set the tone for a reconfigured receivers group.

Mayfield said his rapport with the returning pass catchers — and the overall depth at the position — will be critical as the team transitions without Evans. He expressed confidence the offense has enough options to distribute targets and maintain production.

With training camp approaching in late July, both sides have a clear window to continue talks. If no agreement is reached by then, Mayfield said he will table negotiations and turn fully to preparation for the season.