Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield met reporters Tuesday and said his contract situation is “pretty much the same,” while the numbers around 2027 suggest his franchise tender could rise to $47.97 million under 2026 cap rules.
Baker Mayfield sat down with reporters on Tuesday and didn’t dress up the message.
When asked where contract talks currently stand, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback offered one blunt answer: “Pretty much the same.”
He insisted the uncertainty won’t change how he approaches the offseason. “But for me, like I told you guys, it’s not gonna affect how I approach this. Things will happen when they should. but for now I’m worried about getting better each day. finishing minicamp. and this offseason program the right way. and going into training camp. So, just handle it one day at a time.”.
Mayfield has $27 million on his contract for this year. Some have speculated that he could be in line for $40 million in 2027, with $13 million carried over from 2025.
The contract math that matters most starts with his cap number in 2026. Mayfield’s cap number in 2026 is $39.975 million. Under the franchise-tender rule tied to that figure, his franchise tender would be $47.97 million.
For context, the standard quarterback franchise tender for 2026 was $43.895 million.
Mayfield’s relationship with the Buccaneers began after a one-year deal in 2023. He then signed a three-year, $100 million contract to remain in Tampa.
As the numbers hover and the timeline moves toward training camp, the immediate uncertainty is simple: will Mayfield take the best offer the Buccaneers make before camp begins, especially if he follows through on what he has said about halting talks once camp opens?
Some believe Tampa will eventually put more money on the table than another team might offer in free agency. But right now. Mayfield’s focus is on the work in front of him—minicamp. the rest of the offseason program. and getting ready for training camp—while the contract situation stays where it has been.
Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay Buccaneers contract talks franchise tender NFL salary cap minicamp training camp
“Pretty much the same” so basically he’s getting traded right? lol
Why are they talking about 2027 like it’s next week. If he’s got $27 million this year, just take the money and chill.
So his franchise tender could be like 47.97 million? That’s insane. But then the cap rules change every year so he’ll probably end up with 13 million less anyway.
I don’t trust the “one day at a time” thing. He’s saying it but everyone knows they’re lowballing him. Tampa always waits till the last second and then acts surprised.