But the contract stuff, it’s happening, it’s starting — talks and whatnot. But, not anywhere close to where we were thinking…
As I’ve said multiple times.
One aspect that has not been discussed is if the Bucs have the cash on hand to sign Mayfield to an extension. I have no idea how much money the Bucs have in reserve. But.
Hypothetically if the Bucs made cap space by restructuring the contracts of Wirfs and McCollum by a combined 30 million signing bonuses of 3 years, that would free up 20 million in cap space. Only 20 million because 10 million would go towards the 2026 salary cap. But that would be enough to sign Mayfield to an extension.
Hypothetically let's say the Mayfield extension called for a 50 million signing bonus prorated over 6 years. That is workable.
But the Bucs would have to pay out a total of 80 million immediately. If the Bucs don't have the extra 80 million in their operating budget, Jason would have to go to the Glazers and request that they provide an infusion of cash to pay the signing bonuses. If the Glaziers don't have that liquidity, they will have to borrow from the bank which raises the cost.
From Schefter:
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield told reporters that a new deal is “not anywhere close” and he won’t negotiate once training camp begins.
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently. That may be because of Mayfield's drop off in play after a great start last season.
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently.
Which is SOP in these instances.
Again, both sides are doing their jobs.
That was my takeaway after hearing the interview as well. Not great.One aspect that has not been discussed is if the Bucs have the cash on hand to sign Mayfield to an extension. I have no idea how much money the Bucs have in reserve. But.
Hypothetically if the Bucs made cap space by restructuring the contracts of Wirfs and McCollum by a combined 30 million signing bonuses of 3 years, that would free up 20 million in cap space. Only 20 million because 10 million would go towards the 2026 salary cap. But that would be enough to sign Mayfield to an extension.
Hypothetically let's say the Mayfield extension called for a 50 million signing bonus prorated over 6 years. That is workable.
But the Bucs would have to pay out a total of 80 million immediately. If the Bucs don't have the extra 80 million in their operating budget, Jason would have to go to the Glazers and request that they provide an infusion of cash to pay the signing bonuses. If the Glaziers don't have that liquidity, they will have to borrow from the bank which raises the cost.
From Schefter:
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield told reporters that a new deal is “not anywhere close” and he won’t negotiate once training camp begins.
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently. That may be because of Mayfield's drop off in play after a great start last season.
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently.
Which is SOP in these instances.
Again, both sides are doing their jobs.
Maybe. But if Mayfield had of performed better in the last 11 games, they may not be as far apart as they currently are. The organization may be willing to cough up more dough if Mayfield had continued playing at that MVP level.
You agree that is a factor in however apart the parties may be, no?
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently.
Which is SOP in these instances.
Again, both sides are doing their jobs.
Maybe. But if Mayfield had of performed better in the last 11 games, they may not be as far apart as they currently are. The organization may be willing to cough up more dough if Mayfield had continued playing at that MVP level.
You agree that is a factor in however apart the parties may be, no?
Of course that can be a factor.
Him playing at an MVP level for the entirety of the season could’ve also created a massive divide as well (his camp wanting to reset the market, with TB not wanting to go down that road).
My point, is this debunks the claims from the slower folk on here, that Tampa was wanting to wait on an extension.
They’ve been working on it for awhile. And, as I had previously mentioned before (more than once), they were most likely far apart.
Also, no one would take Pitts over Otton except Atlanta.
31 GM's in the league would take Pitts over Otton given the choice.
Take away any performance he had vs. Tampa (which is what a good GM would do). Cade is the superior TE. Not debatable.
to be clear, nobody is saying Pitts is great.
Pitts is fringing on being a top 10 tight end where Otton probably not even ranked in the top 20.
The problem with Otton's value is the Falcons re upped and brought back Hooper in addition to having Pitts. Hooper is going to be their #2 and he can provide similar value to Otton for a fraction of the cost. Woerner? Yeah Otton is better receiver but as a blocker Woerner is just about as good as Otton as a blocker in this style of offense out of 12 personnel. Durham proved to be as good as Otton in terms of blocking last season, and we may see Durham expand his role this season as a receiver if Robinson is determined to run a lot of 12 personnel here in TB too.
Otton is basically a solid #2 TE that has to moonlight as a #1 because there is no one else better which is fine. But on most teams Otton is a 2 which is reasonable. Otton is just a better version of Ken Dilger was for the Bucs but by no means he is a 1.
Otton is basically a solid #2 TE that has to moonlight as a #1 because there is no one else better which is fine. But on most teams Otton is a 2 which is reasonable.
yes
Cade Otton is the better of the two for one reason. Cade Otton is the more consistent of the two.
+1This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently.
Which is SOP in these instances.
Again, both sides are doing their jobs.
Maybe. But if Mayfield had of performed better in the last 11 games, they may not be as far apart as they currently are. The organization may be willing to cough up more dough if Mayfield had continued playing at that MVP level.
You agree that is a factor in however apart the parties may be, no?
Of course that can be a factor.
Him playing at an MVP level for the entirety of the season could’ve also created a massive divide as well (his camp wanting to reset the market, with TB not wanting to go down that road).
My point, is this debunks the claims from the slower folk on here, that Tampa was wanting to wait on an extension.
They’ve been working on it for awhile. And, as I had previously mentioned before (more than once), they were most likely far apart.
Mayfields play over the last 11 games may be a consideration, but cash/cap management may be more of a consideration. It sounds as if there is tension developing, at least on Mayfield’s side, which seems like the opposite of what the Licht was trying to mitigate by discussing the topic in the media.One aspect that has not been discussed is if the Bucs have the cash on hand to sign Mayfield to an extension. I have no idea how much money the Bucs have in reserve. But.
Hypothetically if the Bucs made cap space by restructuring the contracts of Wirfs and McCollum by a combined 30 million signing bonuses of 3 years, that would free up 20 million in cap space. Only 20 million because 10 million would go towards the 2026 salary cap. But that would be enough to sign Mayfield to an extension.
Hypothetically let's say the Mayfield extension called for a 50 million signing bonus prorated over 6 years. That is workable.
But the Bucs would have to pay out a total of 80 million immediately. If the Bucs don't have the extra 80 million in their operating budget, Jason would have to go to the Glazers and request that they provide an infusion of cash to pay the signing bonuses. If the Glaziers don't have that liquidity, they will have to borrow from the bank which raises the cost.
From Schefter:
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield told reporters that a new deal is “not anywhere close” and he won’t negotiate once training camp begins.
This shows there is some validity to notion that organization and Mayfield are viewing the QB's value differently. That may be because of Mayfield's drop off in play after a great start last season.
The market is pretty much set. Either the team wants a discount, or Baker’s agent is pressing.
Baker seems to have turned up the pressure a bit. He didn’t bring it up, he just responded to a question from the media. But it’s not hypothetical anymore, it’s now an issue.
Have the answer right in their face and still claiming victory 😂😂😂
working on extension with low offer and you are claiming victory like it isn’t posturing by the Bucs
baker playing like dog shit to end the season cost him his contract extension
you can hear it in his voice
thanks Olaf for atleast giving credit
let’s go Baker! Show the Bucs they made a mistake by not throwing you the 50/year now! I want to see you at $55m next year due to your phenomenal 2026 season!
The Bucs are handling this perfectly
sure baker is a likable guy. Nothing more awesome than him extending a drive on a 3rd and long scramble! Pumped up!
but this is business and there’s no reason to extend him now. If he was dominate last year like he was in 2024, then hell yeah, you reward him.
but since he wasn’t, nah you show him that last year was not the standard and you let him earn it
and with franchise tag, his ass ain’t going anywhere
I saw the same Mayfield quote earlier today in an article on SB Nation.
They also said "The fact that Todd Bowles will be on his way out is the worst-kept secret in football. Heck, it's not even a secret at this point. The only thing that has blocked the Bucs from moving on at head coach is a fear they can't get anyone better right now, and the idea of Bowles being axed has been stoked by rumors that the organization is already looking ahead to 2007, potentially luring Mike Tomlin down to Tampa to take over the team."
The article goes on about uncertainty with Licht's status as well. And Mayfield's status as well.
I believe that there won't be a Mayfield deal until after this season. And the season results will drive that one way or the other.
Yeah, Tampa was afraid they couldn't find anyone better to coach them, that's why we stuck with Bowles. Of all the dipshit comments, this one takes the cake.
Go look at futures and tell me what pays out more Mayfield/Licht/Bowles all being here next year, or Mayfield/Licht/Bowles being somewhere else
Really small minded analysis.