Buccaneers reportedly secure Baker Mayfield on US$165 million extension
The reported three-year deal would prevent Mayfield from becoming a free agent and avoid a projected US$30.15 million dead-money cap hit in 2027.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly agreed to a three-year, US$165 million contract extension with quarterback Baker Mayfield before their 2026 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to reporting cited by Yahoo Sports.
The deal is reported to average US$55 million per season and would prevent Mayfield from becoming a free agent after the season. The supplied material does not include formal confirmation from the Buccaneers or Mayfield.
NFL insider Dan Graziano said delaying an agreement could have left Tampa Bay with a projected US$30.15 million dead-money salary-cap charge in 2027. A franchise tag applied on top of that could have pushed the cap figure above US$80 million, according to his assessment.
Mayfield’s existing contract was reportedly due to void in February, creating the possibility of free agency and further salary-cap complications. Negotiations had broken off as training camp opened before being revisited ahead of the regular season.
The reported extension addresses that contractual uncertainty as Tampa Bay begins its campaign. Details of guarantees, signing bonuses and other conditions were not provided.
