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Connor Bazelak #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken the necessary steps to secure their quarterback position remains filled with high quality talent, announcing on Wednesday March 4, 2026 that the franchise has officially re-signed QB Connor Bazelak. The Bucs have said that they want to keep the young signal-caller for the upcoming 2026 NFL season – and now they’ve done just that!
Tampa Bay has re-signed the quarterback as an exclusive rights free agent, and Bazelak’s return to the Buccaneers marks yet another positive step in the young QB’s promising NFL career. Here’s what to know about this story as the coverage is currently unfolding.
The Deal Has a Worth of Approximately $1,000,000 for One Year
GettyQuarterback Connor Bazelak #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play in the second half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
Connor Bazelak originally joined the NFL and the Buccaneers as an un-drafted free agent in May 2025, and now he will stick around Tampa Bay for at least another season with his new contract in tow. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times broke the news on his X account, saying that the contract is now officially signed by all parties. The deal agreed upon and freshly inked on the dotted line is a one-year contract with a worth of approximately $1 million, which is the league’s minimum salary for exclusive rights free agents.
Bucs re-signed QB Conner Bazelak as an exclusive rights free agent in this post by his agent. pic.twitter.com/mCrZ1s7qcq
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 4, 2026
During his rookie season with the Buccaneers, Bazelak did not see regular season game action, yet his presence on the Bucs’ roster served a valuable role. After initially being waived during final cuts in late August 2025, Bazelak was re-signed to the practice squad and Tampa Bay was given the opportunity to continue honing his player development both on and off of the field. As a result, the QB’s profile rose later in the season when the Buccaneers elevated him to the active roster as an emergency third quarterback behind starter Baker Mayfield – whose contract has only one year remaining at this time – and backup QB Teddy Bridgewater.
Connor Bazelak Has Played A Vital Role For Tampa Bay
GettyQuarterback Connor Bazelak #8 hands off to running back Owen Wright #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
After numerous games during which Conor Bazelak remained inactive, his perseverance and commitment in showing up to the sidelines at every game – in the event that the Bucs should have the need for an emergency quarter arise – and the team did end up utilizing him on several occasions later on in his first season as a member of the active roster.
As there has been considerable conversation about QB Baker Mayfield’s contract and his future with the Bucs, there’s also been speculation over Bazelak’s contract – until now, that is. Prior to March 4, 2026, Connor Bazelak had been slated to become an unrestricted free agent with other potential backup options on the market that the rumor mill claimed Tampa Bay was looking at recruiting down to their Florida-based franchise.
But the announcement of Bazelak’s contract being re-signed by Tampa Bay shows a philosophy that values continuity and player development, especially of younger players, that the Buccaneers have been known to foster in previous eras. And for Bazelak, he can now relax knowing that he is going to officially make it to his second NFL season!