What happens with the Bucs and Baker Mayfield in 2027?

Key Points:

• If Baker Mayfield does not sign a new contract with the Buccaneers before the 2026 season ends, the team will hold exclusive negotiating rights with him until the free agency window opens in March 2027.
• The Buccaneers could use the franchise tag on Mayfield in 2027, which would carry a cap hit of $47.7 million, but this would add to a substantial dead-money charge, resulting in a total cap hit of $77.85 million.
• The team might tag and trade Mayfield, but they would need to manage the large cap space required until a trade is completed, or they could let him enter free agency and test the market.
• Mayfield’s potential market value in 2027 is uncertain, with comparisons to top quarterbacks earning over $50 million annually, but such deals typically go to players developed by their teams; however, exceptions like Kirk Cousins exist.
• The Buccaneers need a contingency plan for quarterback options in 2027, as current backups are unproven, and Mayfield’s future with the team could hinge on his performance in the upcoming season and strategic decisions by both sides.