Will Bucs And Baker Mayfield Reopen Contract Talks?

Training camp is in the books for the Bucs, and now the page turns to the 2026 regular season. But before the book is fully closed on a roller coaster of a camp, there’s one last chapter that still is unfinished. That would be the contract negotiations between the Bucs and quarterback Baker Mayfield.

A deadline was put in place by Mayfield that each side had until the start of camp to get a deal done or else all talks would be off after that and focus would just be on football. That didn’t stop Mayfield from airing out some grievances a couple of days into camp, saying how disrespected he felt.

General manager Jason Licht had to put out a couple of fires this camp. Not only was his starting quarterback unhappy, but a core member to the defense and a Super Bowl champion, Vita Vea, was also looking for a new deal and even requested a trade.

But as the saying goes, time heals all wounds. The Bucs and Vea agreed to a new one-year contract extension and a pay raise, while Mayfield has been in good spirits as he’s playing well in camp.

Bucs’ Jason Licht Weighs In On Potential Talks With Baker Mayfield Again

Does that mean there’s a chance that contract talks could come up again before the season begins for the Bucs? Licht left the door open while acknowledging the importance on keeping the eye on the prize for this season.

Licht spoke with local media on Tuesday morning to address the making of the 53-man roster and the expectations heading into the new season. It was there that the topic of Mayfield’s contract situation came up.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“We certainly respect him wanting to focus on this season,” Licht said. “We’re focused on this season. I’ve been here long enough to know that in this league, you don’t make decisions on what could happen, what will happen, what won’t happen. Right now, I’ve been waiting to say this for a long time – ‘It’s on to Cincinnati.’”

Asked about Mayfield’s demeanor, Licht appreciated how blunt Mayfield will be.

“We love Baker,” Licht said. “There’s nothing fake about Baker. Sometimes I wish there was maybe 10% more fake. He’s certainly motivated and we love that.”

Does Baker Mayfield Need To Protect Himself More?

One hangup on Mayfield’s long term future in Tampa Bay is his ability to stay healthy for the long haul. Mayfield is as tough as nails and will play through almost any injury. Last season is a prime example with how banged up he was on his upper and lower body.

It’s commendable that he continues to gut it out, but sometimes it’s to the detriment of the team. He goes all out all the time, which sometimes forces Mayfield to take unnecessary hits in games. There’s a big difference between trying to make a play for a first down on the opening drive in the first quarter versus a have to have it fourth down conversion to take a lead. Mayfield plays the same way, and it could be a problem as he gets older into the league.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I think he’s very mindful of that,” Licht said. “I think all quarterbacks as they have progressed through their career, I think they are a little bit more in tune with that. I think if you would ask him, I’m not sure what the answer would be, but I think he’s pretty mindful of that.”

The other side of this is how much Tampa Bay is willing to pay Mayfield on new deal. It’s going to have to be at least over $50 million, but how high would the Bucs go? That won’t be a problem if the Bucs want their guy.

“You’re always comfortable with a great player,” Licht said. “And you make things work.”