All signs pointed to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield beginning the 2026 season in the final year of his deal.
On Tuesday, however, the Buccaneers and Mayfield agreed to terms on a new three-year contract.
Surprise: The #Bucs and star QB Baker Mayfield are in agreement on a 3-year contract extension to lock him up right before the season, per me, @AdamSchefter and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2026
Under the cover of darkness, the two sides got to work and got it done. 👨🍳 💰 pic.twitter.com/V9jtmLXK1K
Rapoport then added that it is a three-year deal worth $165 million, putting Mayfield at $55 million per season. According to Spotrac, all of Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen are at that $55 million per year number.
At the end of July, Mayfield reported to camp without a new deal, and he admitted it was “disappointing” and said he felt a “little disrespected” by the way things went down.
Mayfield previously signed a three-year deal worth $100 million, so he was set to hit free agency if Tampa Bay didn’t give him a new contract.
However, it’s quite a surprise, especially since contract discussions ended when training camp kicked off. Yet, here we are.
The Buccaneers and Mayfield will begin the season in Week 1 against Joe Burrow and the Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Oh.
