BREAKING: Bucs Re-Sign Baker Mayfield

The Bucs and Pro Bowl alternate quarterback Baker Mayfield have agreed to terms on a new deal per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. It is a three-year deal worth $100 million with $50 million of that contract guaranteed.

Mayfield is set to earn base salaries of $30 million in 2024 and 2025. The first year of the contract is fully guaranteed and $20 million of Mayfield’s $30 million in the second year is guaranteed. He stands to earn $40 million in base salary in year three of the contract, which is not guaranteed.

The Bucs signed Baker Mayfield originally in 2023 in the wake of former quarterback Tom Brady’s retirement. Having to deal with a near-max salary cap, the Bucs were able to bring Mayfield in on a relatively cheap deal for just $4 million guaranteed. The results were better than most could hope for.

Baker Mayfield set career highs in completions (364), passing yards (4,045) and touchdowns (28) while leading the Bucs to their third consecutive division title and a wild card round win.

Baker Mayfield Brings Continuity To Offense

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

By committing to Baker Mayfield, who made his first Pro Bowl last season in leading the Bucs to a 9-8 record and a 1-1 mark in the postseason, the Bucs are attempting to bring continuity to an offense that will already have some upheaval due to the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales. With Mayfield at the helm, wide receiver Mike Evans had one of the best seasons of his career and earned his fifth Pro Bowl berth. Evans was also named second-team All-Pro.

Fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin went for over a thousand yards and tight end Cade Otton enjoyed an improved sophomore season.

While Mayfield had one of his best season’s there could be reason for optimism that he might be better in 2024. Despite historically having a quality deep ball, Mayfield struggled with connecting with his receivers 20+ yards deep.

He was just 22 of 74 (29.7%) for 744 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions on deep passes. If he can improve in that area it could legitimately unlock another ceiling for him and the offense.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

For his career Mayfield is 1,750-2,825 for 20,333 yards and 130 touchdowns to 74 touchdowns with a 2-2 career record in the playoffs.

The Bucs had a main objective this offseason to re-sign many of their top players that were set to free agency this week.

They’ve accomplished many of these goals starting with Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans. Then they placed the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. with the hopes of coming to a contract extension by the summer.

By signing Baker Mayfield next, Tampa Bay ensures that they bring back the most important pieces to their offense in order to win the division again and make an even longer playoff run.

The work isn’t done yet, but the Bucs at least have the foundation in place to be a competitive team once again. The legal tampering period for free agency begins on Monday, March 11. There will be a lot of discussion about quarterbacks, though we know Mayfield will not be on the market.