Baker Mayfield says he feels “disrespected” and undervalued by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the team failed to agree to the contract extension he wanted. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback will play the final season of his current three-year, $100 million contract while focusing on producing his best football.
Baker Mayfield says Buccaneers contract talks left him disappointed
Mayfield said Thursday that he had been open about wanting to remain in Tampa Bay, where he considers the city home for his family. He said he had hoped to reach an agreement with the Buccaneers and had set a deadline for negotiations before deciding to focus entirely on football.
“It’s disappointing in that regard, to feel disrespected a little bit,”
Mayfield said the most frustrating part was feeling undervalued despite believing he had earned a new deal based on what he has contributed to the franchise.
He also stressed that his comments were not intended as a complaint about his circumstances. Instead, Mayfield said he can compare his performance and position with other quarterbacks around the NFL and believes he deserves to be compensated accordingly.
Mayfield believes he has established himself as a franchise quarterback
The quarterback said he understands what he has brought to Tampa Bay in terms of both leadership and performance. While expressing gratitude to the organisation for giving him an opportunity, he made clear that he believes his contributions warrant greater recognition.
“I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here and to not have a deal done is very disappointing.”
Mayfield said his years with the Buccaneers have been among the best of his career and expressed confidence that his performance can continue to improve.
Mayfield revived career after joining Buccaneers
Mayfield entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. His career regained momentum after he joined Tampa Bay and took over from Tom Brady in 2023.
He earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his first two seasons with the Buccaneers and helped the team win consecutive NFC South titles.
Last season, Mayfield was considered an MVP candidate during the first half of the campaign as Tampa Bay opened with a 6-2 record. The team and quarterback later dealt with injuries, and Mayfield’s performance and the team’s results declined toward the end of the season.
Quarterback set to play final year of current contract
With no extension agreed upon, Mayfield is preparing to enter the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract. His comments indicate that his immediate focus is now on football rather than continued contract negotiations.
Mayfield’s position is clear: he remains appreciative of the opportunity Tampa Bay gave him, but believes his performance, leadership and standing as a franchise quarterback should have resulted in a new agreement.
For now, the quarterback will enter the season with his current contract intact while attempting to demonstrate his value on the field.
Source: AP News
