Overview
- Baker Mayfield cut off contract negotiations when training camp opened and said he felt disrespected and undervalued by the offers he received.
- The Buccaneers publicly reaffirmed that they view Mayfield as their franchise quarterback and general manager Jason Licht said Thursday the franchise tag is an available option for 2027.
- Tampa Bay reportedly offered a two‑year extension worth slightly above $100 million in total, which Mayfield rejected because he wanted a longer term and more guaranteed money.
- Reporters and insiders say some people inside the organization were unhappy with Mayfield’s public comments while a longtime scout sharply criticized his claim of being disrespected and NFL insiders believe Mayfield will honor his pledge not to resume talks during the season.
- Using the franchise tag would pay a projected one‑year QB salary around $50 million but would add large cap and dead‑money consequences because of deferred salary and other pending extensions, creating pressure to either extend, tag‑then‑trade, or revisit talks late next offseason.