09/08/26 09:01:00
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09/08 20:59 CDT Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers agree on a $165M, 3-year
extension, AP source says
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers agree on a $165M, 3-year extension, AP source
says
By ROB MAADDI
AP Pro Football Writer
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) --- Baker Mayfield got the deal he wanted.
Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed on a new contract Tuesday, five
days ahead of the season opener. A person with knowledge of the deal told The
Associated Press it's a $165 million, three-year extension.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team didn't announce the
terms.
"Baker's arrival marked an important new chapter for our organization, and over
the past three years he has established himself as the unquestioned leader of
our franchise" Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said. "This contract -- the largest
in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- reflects our belief in Baker, and
his leadership both on and off the field. His competitive spirit, resilience
and commitment to winning embody everything we want in our players. Baker and
his wife, Emily, have made a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay community and
we are thrilled their family will continue to call Tampa Bay home for years to
come."
Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. He
was entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal with the
Bucs.
Mayfield, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland,
made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Tampa while leading the
Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles. He was an MVP candidate through the first
half of last season when the team started 6-2, but struggled with injuries and
tailed off.
"From the moment Baker arrived, he brought a belief and competitive edge that
has had a tremendous impact on our football team," Buccaneers general manager
Jason Licht said. "He has earned the respect of everyone in our building with
the way he prepares, competes and holds himself accountable. His toughness and
ability to deliver in big moments are a big part of what makes him special, but
what really stands out is the leadership he brings every day. Baker is the
heartbeat of this team, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have a quarterback
and leader like him."
Mayfield had set a deadline for getting a new contract by the start of training
camp, and felt "disrespected" when he didn't get it.
Now, it's done.
"I've been pretty up front and honest about my feelings about Tampa, it being
home for our family, raising kids here," Mayfield said in July. "We love it
here. I wanted a deal done and set the deadline and told them it was going to
be all ball after that, and I did mean that. I don't know if they thought I was
gonna take some of the offers that they gave.
"I'm at the point in my career, understanding what I've brought to this
franchise. One, I'm very thankful for the chance they gave me --- do not get me
wrong on that. But I also know, I really know what I've brought to this
franchise, leadership-wise and even play-wise. It's been some of the best years
of my career, and I think it's only going to trend upwards."
The Buccaneers, who open the season on the road against Cincinnati, will try to
bounce back from an 8-9 record that caused them to miss the playoffs. The Bucs
are the consensus betting favorites to win the NFC South for the fifth time in
six seasons.
"Baker is the ultimate competitor, and the guys in our locker room feed off the
energy, confidence and toughness he brings daily," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles
said. "He prepares the right way, holds himself accountable and is an
unquestioned leader for our team. His belief in himself and this team never
wavers, and he sets the tone for us every day. That is what you want from the
person leading your football team, and we are excited to continue building with
him as our quarterback."
Mayfield, who injured his left shoulder in a late November game against the Los
Angeles Rams, started all 17 games last year for the third season in a row and
passed for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions. It was his
first season in Tampa Bay with less than 4,000 yards and his lowest TD total.
Now Mayfield will be without Mike Evans, the all-time franchise leader in
receiving with 866 catches for 13,052 yards. Evans signed with San Francisco in
the offseason.
But the Bucs could have one of the league's top offensive lines if the front
can stay healthy.
___
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