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BY IRA KAUFMAN
It’s been a nice July stretch for Baker Mayfield and Tom Mills.
Mills is the long-time agent for Mayfield, who is entering a contract year seeking a lucrative long-term extension from the Bucs. With training camp less than two weeks away, the organization and the veteran quarterback remain significantly apart in terms of compensation.
When Mills schedules his next conversation with Jason Licht, he should bring Jon Gruden along for support. As a head coach, Gruden was known to be very demanding on his quarterbacks, holding them to a high standard. Still, Gruden learned to appreciate the savvy and toughness of Brad Johnson and Rich Gannon.
When it comes to Mayfield, Gruden makes a compelling case for showing him the money.
“He’s my wife’s favorite player, not that anybody cares,” Gruden told me a week ago. “Cindy loves his playing style. He’s a fireball, man. I mean how do you not like Mayfield? He brings it on the practice field and he brings it on Sunday. In the most horrific of situations, how many times have you seen this guy scramble and sell out to get a first down?
Gruden has Mayfield’s back and Buc Nation is right there with him.
When Tampa Bay fans watch the “Quarterback” series currently streaming on Netflix, they’re going to like Mayfield even more. The behind-the-scenes segments with Mayfield and his family reveal a doting father. The on-field banter between Mayfield and defenders reveals a competitive streak that rivals his predecessor under center, Tom Brady.
Kova Jade Mayfield, who turned two in April, steals the show. The word “adorable” doesn’t do her justice and Baker Mayfield can’t get enough of her hugs and soaring vocabulary.
The series shows a tender side to Mayfield, in stark contrast to the alpha dog who snarls at opponents.
“I think he’s the leader of the team,” Gruden says. “He can make all the throws and he proved he can play in bad weather in Cleveland. I’m an owl — who, who, who are you going to get if you don’t have Baker Mayfield?”
If the Bucs hadn’t melted down after the bye week in 2025, Mayfield would already be locked in with a new deal. He was a legit MVP candidate when Tampa Bay bolted to a 6-2 start, but Mayfield didn’t step up when the Bucs faded and failed to make the playoffs.
Buc fans who watch the “Quarterback” series won’t soon forget the doleful image of Mayfield sitting alone in his kitchen, helplessly watching the Falcons beat the Saints in Week 18 to end Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes. Shabby ball security was a major factor in an 8-9 finish that contributed to the departure of Mike Evans.
Mayfield started all 17 games, despite a series of injuries that hampered his mobility and his zip on the ball. Nobody questions his toughness, especially the coach who drove the 2002 Bucs to the promised land.
“I think you’ve got to put yourself in his shoes,” Gruden says of the contract stalemate. “How would you like it? You’ve been to the Pro Bowl, you’ve played magnificent football here and the Browns haven’t been very good since he left. Where are we going without Baker Mayfield? I’m hoping it will all work itself out. My advice? Take one snap at a time, just play good football down to down, stay healthy and great things are going to happen to Mayfield.”
Ultimately, it’s up to ownership to provide Licht with direction in this situation. If the Glazers view the Netflix series and heed Gruden’s advice, this impasse may be over before Kova learns her next word.