Baker Mayfield's numbers say pay him. The Bucs are saying not yet.

Baker Mayfield just wrapped up 3 seasons in Tampa that resurrected his career, and instead of walking into training camp with a shiny new deal, he's walking in on an expiring contract, publicly saying the quiet part out loud.

Barstool Sports

@barstoolsports

“I really know what I’ve brought to this franchise…to feel disrespected a little bit…to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it” A disrespected Baker means MVP season loading

That's about as direct as an NFL quarterback gets in a contract year. According to reporting on the situation, extension talks between Mayfield and Tampa Bay have stalled, with the Bucs reportedly offering a 2-year deal worth just north of $100 million before things went cold. Mayfield is now set to play out the season on the final year of the 3-year, $100 million contract he signed back in March 2024, making $40 million in 2026 between base salary and a roster bonus.

The numbers behind his frustration are hard to wave off. Over the last 3 years, Mayfield has thrown for more than 12,000 yards and 95 touchdowns, the kind of production that turned him from a journeyman reclamation project into the guy who resurrected a franchise post-Tom Brady.

Will Compton

@_willcompton

Baker Mayfield’s stats over the last 3 years… 12,000+ passing yards 95 touchdowns 37 INTs It’s pretty wild the Bucs can’t workout a deal for their most important player who’s still got plenty of juice in the tank

That gap between production and payday is exactly what's fueling the outside noise. Fans have started making the case for Mayfield that his own front office apparently hasn't fully bought into yet.

Steven Cheah

@StevenCheah

I hope Baker Mayfield is the Buccaneers Quarterback for the next 5+ years at least. I think he’s a very good player and a guy you can build around. I’d be shocked if this was his final year here & I think they’ll figure something out that everyone is happy with after the season.

There's real belief that this gets resolved, just not on Mayfield's timeline. Depending on how 2026 plays out, Tampa Bay still has the franchise tag in its back pocket for 2027, which is either a safety net or a threat depending on who you ask. Either way, Mayfield now has every incentive to go put up an MVP-caliber year and make the Bucs' decision as expensive and public as possible.