Fastrack · Baker Mayfield signs $165 million extension with Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a three-year, $165 million extension with quarterback Baker Mayfield on Tuesday. The deal runs through the 2029 season and makes him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

$55 million per year ties Mayfield with Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and others.
31-year-old Mayfield was entering the final year of a $100 million deal.
His prior annual salary of $33.33 million ranked 16th among NFL quarterbacks.
Mayfield threw 95 touchdown passes in 51 starts for Tampa Bay.

Why it matters: The extension settles Tampa Bay's most pressing roster question days before the regular season. Mayfield had publicly called the team's earlier offer 'disrespectful' and 'undervalued,' raising the prospect he would play 2026 on his expiring contract.

Mayfield earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and two consecutive division titles with the Bucs in 2023 and 2024.
Last season he posted 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions as Tampa Bay went 8-9 and missed the playoffs.

How 8 sources split on this story

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Coverage by lean% of 8 sources

8 sources · 11 articles · 62% Center coverage

Center coverage, 5 sources: The center treats this as a straightforward business resolution, emphasizing Mayfield's career resurgence in Tampa Bay and the contract's place in the NFL quarterback salary market.

Reuters1hBucs sign QB Baker Mayfield to 3-year extension worth reported $165M

ESPN0mGrading the move: Why the Bucs gave Baker Mayfield the largest contract in franchise history

Heavy53mBaker Mayfield No Longer Option for Steelers in 2027

USA Today56mBaker Mayfield extended by the Bucs WNCWFLA News Channel 83hBucs, Baker Mayfield reach agreement on 3-year extension: reports

Left1 source

CleCleveland.com3hHow much is Baker Mayfield earning on his contract extension?

Right coverage, 2 sources: The right frames the deal as proof that money resolves even the most public contract standoffs, noting that Mayfield's stated deadlines and leverage threats dissolved once Tampa Bay moved closer to his asking price.

Fox News2hBaker Mayfield and Buccaneers go from being at odds at start of camp to a monster contract to start season

Daily Mail3hBuccaneers QB Baker Mayfield signs huge $165m three-year contract extension... just weeks after blasting front office over 'disappointing' offer

What’s next: Tampa Bay plays at Cincinnati on Sunday to open the 2026 season.

Cleveland visits Tampa Bay on September 20 in a Week 2 matchup.
Whether Mayfield can return Tampa Bay to playoff contention after an 8-9 season remains unresolved.
How the Browns-Mayfield reunion on September 20 unfolds, given his stated frustrations over how Cleveland handled his departure.