Baker Mayfield extension plausible this offseason
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Baker Mayfield extension plausible this offseason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while not necessarily needing to worry about their franchise QB, have made a major decision on his future with the team. According to a report from The Athletic, the Bucs are ready to sit at the negotiating table with Baker this offseason even though his contract expires next year.
Not only does Todd Howe of The Athletic believe that Mayfield will get a new deal, he also believes that it will reset the market for QBs and potentially change how franchises view their franchise quarterback. For the Bucs and Baker, it means that while there have been rumors that Mayfield may not be the guy, the Bucs could still pay upwards of 50 million per year for his services.
Mayfield’s Market: Franchise QB or Financial Gamble?
With this news, that raises questions about a new era in football that will see QBs potentially getting massive deals despite not necessarily producing on the field. Baker was actually one of the leading MVP candidates through the first six weeks of the season. However, the second half of his season was abysmal, only completing 60 percent of his passes, and throwing 10 interceptions.
The interesting aspect about this deal is that over the past several years, the Bucs have not splashed the cash, ranking towards the bottom of the league in cash spending. This was also a franchise that rostered Tom Brady as a quarterback, but he took a cut price deal and made the most of it by winning a Super Bowl with the team.
The Bucs also have to consider that the infrastructure surrounding Brady was much better than that of what Mayfield currently has. With the departure of Mike Evans, Mayfield’s receiving corps has been heavily diminished. Most importantly, last season’s failures can’t all be placed upon him as head coach Todd Bowles and his defense did not do him any favors.
Timing the Deal: Why the Bucs May Act Now on Mayfield
The reality of the situation is that in a couple of years’ time, the Bucs may not be able to afford Mayfield no matter how he performs for them. Members of the 2024 draft class, such as Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, will all be looking for big money deals, and all could actually make the case that they deserve it more than the Bucs QB. After all, they have all made it farther than Mayfield in the playoffs.
Still, for the Bucs, in an offseason where everything has been relatively quiet for QBs and massive extensions, they should strike while the iron is hot. Baker’s market may grow more competitive next year when several teams could be in need of a QB. Mayfield at that point could believe that he could command an even higher price and go elsewhere.
Therefore, it is paramount that the Bucs believe that Mayfield is the guy in order to keep him on the payroll. Otherwise, they could be staring another Mike Evans situation in the face. With cracks already showing in the infrastructure, they might as well buckle up.