The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The deal is worth an average of $55 million per year, putting Mayfield among the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
His $55 million annual average value ties him for the third-highest mark among NFL quarterbacks.
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Dak Prescott leads the list at $60 million per year, while Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen are also in the $55 million range.
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NFL fans reacted to the news after ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the contract on X on Tuesday.
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“Good for him but goodbye to Buccaneers’ Super Bowl chances,” wrote one fan.
“You’re joking, right 🤣🤣,” wrote another fan. “Holy overpay.”
A third fan commented:
“Baker Mayfield making $55M a year just doesn’t sit right with me man. I get the market is going up but in no world should he be the 3rd highest paid QB.”
More NFL fans shared their takes.
The new deal also makes it clear that Mayfield is part of the Buccaneers’ long-term plans.
Mayfield joined the Buccaneers on March 16, 2023. At the time, he signed a one-year, $4 million “prove-it” contract with incentives that could have increased the value to $8.5 million.
He was brought in to replace Tom Brady as Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback.
Mayfield won the starting job over Kyle Trask during training camp in August 2023.
Before joining Tampa Bay, Mayfield spent part of the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Rams. He had previously played for the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes currently has the highest average annual value among NFL quarterbacks at $63.1 million per year.
Baker Mayfield fires back at NFL doubters predicting Buccaneers’ losing season ahead of Bengals opener
Baker Mayfield is not worried about the people predicting a difficult 2026 season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mayfield spoke about the criticism on Aug. 18 during a post-practice media session at the Buccaneers’ training camp in Tampa.
The Buccaneers are coming off an 8-9 season and made several major changes to their roster during the offseason. Those changes have led many national media outlets to expect another tough season for Tampa Bay.
Mayfield, however, believes the low expectations could help motivate the team.
“Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record, so we’ll see. I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year,” Mayfield said.
Tampa Bay lost several important players during the offseason. Longtime linebacker Lavonte David retired, while star wide receiver Mike Evans left the team in free agency. Their departures have added to the doubts surrounding the Buccaneers.
Still, Mayfield sees plenty of reasons for the team to be confident.
The quarterback is especially excited about the Buccaneers’ revamped defense. He described the unit as a “group of savages” and praised the new players for bringing fresh energy to the team.
Baker Mayfield also pointed to rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter as a player to watch. On offense, he highlighted running back Kenneth Gainwell, who can give the Buccaneers another option in the passing game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open their 2026 regular season on Sept. 13 against Cincinnati Bengals.
Also Read: Baker Mayfield’s wife Emily debuts cosmetic enhancement 4 months after giving birth to baby No. 2
Edited by Oindrila Chowdhury
