Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay restructure deal for guaranteed money in 2026
By Mark Kern
Published:
Baker Mayfield has seen his career go to the next level since he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. He has started all 17 games in both seasons, and has thrown for 8,544 yards and 69 touchdowns while leading the team to the playoffs in both season.
He was especially dominant last year, when he threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The passing yards ranked 3rd in the league, while the touchdowns trailed only Joe Burrow last season.
He still had some years left on his contract, but there wasn’t any guaranteed money on his contract in 2026. However, Mayfield and the team came to an agreement that means he will receive $30 million guaranteed during the 2026 season.
Last week, general manager Matt Licht said that the team had every intention of showing Mayfield that he was their guy, and the team delivered on that promise on Monday.
Tampa Bay has quietly put together an impressive run over the past few seasons, as the Buccaneers have won the NFC South 4 consecutive times. Only the Kansas City Chiefs (9) and the Buffalo Bills (5) are on a longer current streak.
The Buccaneers enter the season as the betting favorite to win the division again, as they are at +110 according to BetMGM. Mayfield has been a big reason why, and if he is able to continue to play at this level, then he could be the guy in Tampa Bay even past the 2026 NFL season.
