Buccaneers, Mayfield Agree to $165 Million Extension

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension that keeps the quarterback under contract through the 2029 season and prevents him from reaching free agency after the season. The deal averages $55 million annually, tied for the NFL’s third-highest mark, and ends a contract standoff that continued into training camp. Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay after signing a one-year prove-it deal in 2023, leading the Buccaneers to two NFC South titles and playoff appearances while throwing for 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns over three seasons; he has started every game during that span and earned two Pro Bowl selections. His production declined from 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 to 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, creating risk for Tampa Bay, but the team valued his leadership and stability and lacked an obvious replacement. The extension also avoids potentially costly dead-money and franchise-tag charges and could raise the market for other quarterbacks, including Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.