Baker Mayfield to play 2026 season without new contract with Bucs
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Baker Mayfield's deadline to agree on a new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has passed, and he has reported to training camp without a new deal.
- Reports from the Tampa Bay Times and FOX Sports confirm that contract talks have ended, contrasting with earlier ESPN reports suggesting negotiations were still possible.
- Mayfield is set to carry a $39.975 million cap hit in 2026, the final year of his current contract, after which he will become a free agent in March.
- The Buccaneers have the option to franchise tag Mayfield in 2027, potentially paying him $47.97 million for one year, but may decide against this based on resource allocation.
- For now, Mayfield will play the 2026 season on an expiring contract with no new agreement in place.
