Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth a total of $165 million, locking in the veteran signal-caller through the 2026 season and avoiding potential free agency, according to multiple NFL insiders including Ian Rapoport, Adam Schefter, and Mike Garafolo.
The deal averages $55 million per year, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, cementing Mayfield’s status as a foundational piece for the franchise. The agreement comes together in a late-season surprise just as the regular season kicks off, reversing an earlier impasse when Mayfield broke off contract talks as training camp opened.
Contract Terms and Financial Breakdown
The three-year extension keeps Mayfield under contract in Tampa Bay, preventing him from hitting the open market as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the upcoming campaign.
General manager Jason Licht laid the groundwork for this long-term commitment previously, noting in July of last summer to Jeff Howe of The Athletic that management viewed Mayfield as their undisputed leader. “I love Baker. I love everything he’s done for us,” Licht said at the time, expressing a clear desire to keep the quarterback in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future.
Performance Trajectory and Statistical Progress
Mayfield arrives at this milestone extension on the heels of productive years guiding the Buccaneers’ offense. During the most recent campaign, he completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, tossing 26 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
That followed a stellar 2025 season where the former Cleveland Browns 2018 first overall draft pick set new personal highs across several major passing metrics. In 2025, Mayfield posted a 71.4 percent completion rate, threw for 4,500 yards, and registered 41 touchdown passes.
Roster Shifts and Immediate Outlook for Tampa Bay
Mayfield will have to operate this season without longtime wide receiver target Mike Evans, who departed to continue his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
With kickoff for the regular season just days away, the franchise moves forward knowing their primary offensive decision-maker is secured for the medium term. The team shifts its complete focus toward opening week preparations and navigating the NFC South division.
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