The projection of what the cost will be for the Bucs to re-sign quarterback Baker Mayfield or for another team to sign him in free agency when he hits the market after the season grows bigger and bigger by the day. The only thing that’s agreed upon is that the minimum number that it’ll take to get Baker Mayfield to line up under center for their respective team is at least $50 million.

But is the Glazer family willing to commit that type of money should the situation arise? Apparently so, because it means that he’s playing good football.

Glazers Don’t Mind Writing The Check For Bucs QB Baker Mayfield

Bucs co-owner Joel Glazer spoke at the NFL annual meeting in Arizona recently where he was asked about the prospect of opening up the checkbook for Baker Mayfield with the understanding that many, many, numbers were going to be put on it. The general consensus essentially was as long as he’s playing well, they’re more than happy to sign him and keep Mayfield in Tampa Bay.

Bucs GM Jason Licht and Co-Chair Joel Glazer – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Obviously the quarterback is the highest paid position on the team, rightfully so,” Glazer said. “That means that it’s going good, so if the quarterback’s making top money, then your team is probably doing well and the quarterbacks performing well. That’s obviously a key component to success. That doesn’t hurt at all to write that check, it’s something that all the teams do when you have good quarterbacks.”

Contract Extension Coming?

Baker Mayfield is going into his fourth year as starting quarterback of the Bucs. Overall, it’s been a positive experience for he, the Glazers and the Bucs fanbase since his arrival. But the team is coming off of a sour note where they missed the postseason for the first time in six seasons. Mayfield’s play took a big drop from his monumental season before, although that wasn’t the only reason why the team faltered.

And that’s what makes for an uneasy time with Mayfield and the Bucs. Does either side ask for a contract extension? Would each side agree or want to see it play out? Tampa Bay is coming off of an 8-9 season with not much to hang their hat on. If that type of season happens again, they might just want to rebuild the whole team and not commit all that money to one player.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

But, with new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in the fold, if he gets the best out of Mayfield like his good buddy Liam Coen did, then Tampa Bay is looking at a high-flying offense that can be salvaged as a team. Mayfield would be well worth the money, and it if he isn’t paid just yet, the price goes up even more, forcing the Bucs to franchise tag him or get into a bidding war with other teams.

It’s a damned if you do and damned if you don’t situation on both sides. While Jason Licht commented on the possibility of a Mayfield extension, Glazer elected to just leave it in Licht and the front office’s hands when asked about it.

“That’s part of Jason’s planning and everything, Glazer said. “I know Jason’s looking at it all. It’s a constant thing that you look at. That’s something that Jason and Mike (Greenberg) and staff, Jackie (Davidson), they’re carefully evaluating. There are a time and a place for everything and everything always takes care of itself.

Baker Mayfield Has Full Support Of Bucs Ownership

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Nathan Ray Seebeck

There’s a reason why so many in Tampa love Baker Mayfield. It’s because of his energy, playing effort and willingness to put everything on the line to win. That sentiment is shared by ownership, too. They are fully supportive of Mayfield and have enjoyed what’s he’s done for the team so far during his time with the team.

“He’s gone above and beyond anything we could’ve asked or hoped for Baker,” Glazer said. “Everybody loves him, performs, gives 250 percent when he’s on that field and that’s all you can ask for.”