Even one of Todd Bowles’ ardent defenders [says he’s on a hot seat](https://www.joebucsfan.com/2026/09/theyre-playing-a-little-level-of-desperate-football/).
Did it just get hotter?
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension today for massive money that will make him a Buccaneer through the 2029 season,
That’s Team Glazer telling the world it has a franchise quarterback. And all teams with true franchise QBs expect to win.
The Bucs also have, per Warren Sharp salary data, a defense that costs more than half the defenses across the NFL. And with spending comes expectations.
Bowles will be running a defense with three first-round picks on the defensive front, an All-Pro-caliber safety, improved inside linebackers, major draft investments and a seasoned Super Bowl coordinator — also known as Todd Bowles himself.
If Mayfield was left to play out his former contract season of 2026, Joe would have seen that as Bucs big shots not having faith in their quarterback. And when you lack faith at the game’s most important position, sometimes that leads to the head coach getting a pass.
That’s no longer up for debate in Tampa. Mayfield is the guy and Bowles has no excuses on the table.