Baker Mayfield faces a $50M crossroads amid uncertain Buccaneers future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have refused to pay Baker Mayfield a big new contract extension, as they enter the 2026 NFL season with some long-term question marks at the position.
But, for at least 2026, Mayfield is the starting quarterback. He'll be the starter in 2026 and have a real chance to prove himself one more time. A lot is on the line for Mayfield in 2026.
As ESPN's Bill Barnwell highlighted, there is a $50 million-plus crossroads that Mayfield is facing this season. Depending on how he plays in 2026, Mayfield could potentially wind up playing elsewhere next year.
"There will be organizations angling for Arch Manning, Dante Moore and other options at the top of next year's draft, but if a team such as the Steelers isn't drafting high enough to land one of the top prospects, will it be willing to pay north of $50 million per season to lock in Mayfield?" Barnwell writes. "His 2026 production might determine whether that's a realistic path."
#buccaneers #barnwell
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have refused to pay Baker Mayfield a big new contract extension, as they enter the 2026 NFL season with some long-term question marks at the position.
But, for at least 2026, Mayfield is the starting quarterback. He'll be the starter in 2026 and have a real chance to prove himself one more time. A lot is on the line for Mayfield in 2026.
As ESPN's Bill Barnwell highlighted, there is a $50 million-plus crossroads that Mayfield is facing this season. Depending on how he plays in 2026, Mayfield could potentially wind up playing elsewhere next year.
"There will be organizations angling for Arch Manning, Dante Moore and other options at the top of next year's draft, but if a team such as the Steelers isn't drafting high enough to land one of the top prospects, will it be willing to pay north of $50 million per season to lock in Mayfield?" Barnwell writes. "His 2026 production might determine whether that's a realistic path."
#buccaneers #barnwell
2 months ago
