Additional Coverage:
- ‘Disrespected’ Baker Mayfield warns Buccaneers ‘it’s only going to get worse’ after failed contract talks (foxnews.com)
Baker Mayfield has made it clear he’s feeling “disrespected” and “very disappointed” following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ handling of his recent contract talks. The team’s starting quarterback expressed frustration over feeling “undervalued” despite believing he had earned better terms.
Negotiations have now officially ended, with Mayfield sticking to a self-imposed deadline set at the start of training camp. However, the drawn-out discussions and the offers on the table have left the quarterback in a less-than-ideal mindset as the season approaches-a challenging position for any player, especially the team’s leader on the field.
Mayfield openly shared his disappointment with reporters, saying, “It’s disappointing in the regard to feel disrespected a little bit… to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.” While he acknowledged that others have it worse, Mayfield compared himself to his peers and believes he deserves compensation reflecting his status as a franchise quarterback-something he says ownership has publicly affirmed.
According to Mayfield, the Buccaneers only proposed a two-year deal, while he was seeking a longer-term contract that would keep him in Tampa Bay through his mid-30s. Currently, about ten NFL quarterbacks earn between $51 million and $55 million annually, and Mayfield wants to be in that tier. Instead, he will earn up to $28 million in the final year of his existing three-year deal, which averages $33.3 million per season.
While both sides have agreed not to revisit contract discussions during this season, it’s clear Mayfield isn’t likely to put the issue out of his mind. “It’s disappointing when you think you’re the cornerstone of the franchise to be treated like that,” he admitted.
Mayfield didn’t shy away from criticizing the Buccaneers’ broader approach to player negotiations, citing past and current situations involving teammates Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, and Vita Vea, the latter of whom has requested a trade. He made it clear that the way the team handles such matters could have consequences down the line, stating, “If you waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad because it’s only going to get worse from here.”
Despite the contract frustrations, Mayfield has maintained a focus on the team and the upcoming season. He addressed his teammates to reinforce that his priority remains winning.
“It’s all ball with these guys… It’s all team. It’s all about winning here now and what we’re going to do,” he said.
Though Mayfield has often spoken of his love for Tampa Bay and his desire to raise a family there, his recent comments referring to the city as “home for now” suggest some uncertainty amid the contract saga.
As training camp gets underway, all eyes will be on Mayfield to see how he channels this disappointment into performance on the field. If he delivers a strong season, it could reshape his standing with the Buccaneers and the league alike.