This question is a tough call. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a history of almost never granting second contracts to quarterbacks, and this approach hasn’t always served the franchise well. However, they also haven’t had many quarterbacks who played well enough to merit a second contract throughout their history.
Then we have Baker Mayfield. He arrived on a low-risk, prove-it deal after being passed around three franchises in one season, leaving him with little leverage. The Bucs and Baker needed each other.
In his time with the Bucs, Baker has performed admirably. Under Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales, his first year was solid—not spectacular, but effective. Operating within Canales’ run-first scheme, Baker capitalized on opportunities when they arose. In 2024, he truly shone under the guidance of Liam Coen. Coen’s play-calling provided Baker with quick, straightforward reads and opened up space in the running game, resulting in a top-five offense. At times, Baker even looked like a potential MVP.
But the question remains: Was this success due to Baker’s talent or Coen’s coaching? Is it akin to how Kyle Shanahan can achieve success with nearly any quarterback in his system (think Brock Purdy and Mac Jones), or how Sean McVay maximized the abilities of Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford? Coaching can significantly impact the performance of mid-tier quarterbacks. Unlike elite talents like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, who can succeed independently of coaching, many quarterbacks thrive under the right system.
The challenge lies in determining whether Baker fits into that group. Do the Bucs believe he can continue to perform at a high level, or is he simply benefiting from a favorable coaching situation? His last 9 games last year were less than desirable. He was inaccurate and ineffective. It was so bad that he better have been playing with injuries. If not, what would be the excuse.
I like Baker, the player. He’s gritty, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and will die for his teammates. How can you complain about that? But I’d like to see him play with a lot more success in the pocket this year. If he can do that, then he’d be worth a top 15 salary.
If he can do that, then he’d be worth a top 15 salary.
Look at his numbers over the last 3 years.
He's already well within Top-15 territory.
@donkey_hunter if he’ll take top 15 qb money then let’s do it. If he’s asking for top 5, wait.
This has been discussed in other threads and other forums. Nothing said by fans for or against extending Mayfield is going to change the plans of the Bucs. I think I will just wait and see what the Bucs do.
He already has more playoff wins than Jordan Love, and a few others, so I’d say that makes your point he’s inside that Top 15 range.If he can do that, then he’d be worth a top 15 salary.
Look at his numbers over the last 3 years.
He's already well within Top-15 territory.
Why would a QB who has demonstrated that, put himself and the bottom of the pile?
Sorry, the Bucs owe something more to the fans for keeping Bowles too long, for not capitalizing on locking down Coen when they had the chance, and since the era of the GOAT - for constantly looking for the cheapest answers at edge & ILB.
Boneheaded moves cost your team, and waste the fans time, waiting for subpar talent to develop at critical positions.
You don’t escape the cap by making your QB take less because otherwise, you won’t have enough cap space to keep all the almost shiny marbles you’ve collected.
You better sign the players that move the ball, because this organization really doesn’t know how to draft/develop specific positions.
Nope, this Buc fan has wasted the last lost decade I ever plan to waste.
His last 9 games last year were less than desirable. He was inaccurate and ineffective. It was so bad that he better have been playing with injuries. If not, what would be the excuse.
careful bud, the mob on this board doesn't like when we talk about the last 6, 9, or 11 games ;)
His last 9 games last year were less than desirable. He was inaccurate and ineffective. It was so bad that he better have been playing with injuries. If not, what would be the excuse.
careful bud, the mob on this board doesn't like when we talk about the last 6, 9, or 11 games ;)
do you think ehinote believes Mayfield IS the last 11 games of 2025?
How about as the MAIN reason the Bucs lost?
His last 9 games last year were less than desirable. He was inaccurate and ineffective. It was so bad that he better have been playing with injuries. If not, what would be the excuse.
careful bud, the mob on this board doesn't like when we talk about the last 6, 9, or 11 games ;)
do you think ehinote believes Mayfield IS the last 11 games of 2025?
How about as the MAIN reason the Bucs lost?
who said that Mayfield is the last 11 games? I'm hopeful he's 2024, concerned he may be 2025 and think it's likely he's closer to 2023. For any of you to pretend you know is simply speculation. Luckily we have this season to assess!
What was the main reason we lost?
Average offense scores 23 points. We scored 20, 20, 28, 20, 17, and 16 in last 6 games. Yes, point to the falcons collapse for sure on the defense, but what about the other 5 games where we went 2-3
it could be that offense and special teams as well as defense all sucked under Bowles down the stretch, Bowles should be gone, and Baker was a huge disappointment last half of season. These all can be true.
the QB usually has a huge impact on the game. so yeah, i am saying if Baker was better, we are a playoff team.
Ehinote admits Baker was essentially trash...as "he better have been playing with injuries" given his inaccurate and ineffectiveness. So of course, we all want to point to an excuse. Injuries so bad, he had more rushing yards per game in said "injury stretch"
I'll answer the OP's question. No.
I'll answer the OP's question. No.
It seems like the obvious choice
those clamoring to sign him now think he can be had at a bargain but have yet to define the dollar figures around such bargain
im pretty sure Baker wants 5 years, $275M so if you call that a bargain, then ok...i dont think it moves much off that figure whether we sign him now or in February.
for piece of mind and with no risk of losing him due to $48M tag number, seems easy choice to me
My exact same position. There's no reason to in my opinion. Let him play the contract he signed out. He's such a bubble player. You find people who love him and what he brings to the team (I fall somewhat into this category) and you have some who think he's every bit as bad as some of our former QBs (Mike Glennon anyone?). We know all the things we know from last year - injuries, a kindergarten OC, a mindlessly numb window-licker at HC. Let's see if health on the offense as a whole and a better OC helps him back to the level we have seen him perform.I'll answer the OP's question. No.
Let's see if health on the offense as a whole and a better OC helps him back to the level we have seen him perform.
And, if "he's your guy", you've now put yourself in a position to lose him.
If "he's not your guy", then let him play out the season, and start blowing things up next January.
I am okay with an extension this year if Mayfield takes less years on his contract and Licht wants to frontload it. Ideally a long term deal is reached next season and with more information regarding the future of Bowles, Mayfield performance and what the Bucs want to do with the other players that need to be re upped.
I am okay with an extension this year if Mayfield takes less years on his contract and Licht wants to frontload it.
Not sure how much it can be front-loaded with next year's current cap situation, and them being pretty vocal about extending Diaby and Mauch.
Godwin's money isn't guaranteed next season, so he should be a goner. As should Bredeson. And, Winfield should be a trade target.
Picking up Kancey's 5th year option and giving him essentially a 1-year, fully guaranteed $14.M contract for 2027 is such a Licht move.
I don't think he's viewed the same in NFL circles. It could be the wrong decision and he could walk or another team could need a QB so bad that even at his weakest, he's a better option than what they see they have. That is the reality of the situation but not so long ago, the NFL seemed to be done with him - at least as a starter - until he came to Tampa.Let's see if health on the offense as a whole and a better OC helps him back to the level we have seen him perform.
And, if "he's your guy", you've now put yourself in a position to lose him.
If "he's not your guy", then let him play out the season, and start blowing things up next January.
