Bucs guard Cody Mauch isn’t holding back, telling reporters Friday that Baker Mayfield is “100 percent” a franchise quarterback. That’s a huge declaration, especially when it comes right in the middle of Mayfield’s public “malcontentedness” with his current contract in Tampa Bay. Mauch, one of the guys blocking for Mayfield, is clearly team Baker, even if it puts some pressure on the front office.
The On-Field Mentality That Won’t Break
Mauch is convinced that Mayfield’s contract woes won’t mess with his game. “It sucks to see him go through this and whatnot,” Mauch said, but he quickly added that “it’s not going to change his mentality, the way he plays.” That’s a big vote of confidence from a player who sees Mayfield daily. Mauch believes Mayfield “just going to go and play ball,” no matter what’s happening with the money. It’s a testament to Mayfield’s competitive fire if true, but it also highlights the disconnect between the player’s performance and his compensation.
A Distraction That Won’t Last… Or Will It?
Of course, when players are getting asked about a teammate’s contract situation, it’s a distraction. Mauch admitted as much, but he was quick to downplay its long-term impact. “The biggest thing we took away from it is that we’re playing ball now,” he told reporters. “He’s not worried about contract stuff. It’s all about the 2026 Bucs.” That’s the mindset you want your team to have heading into a new regular season, focusing on the immediate goal.
But Mauch also threw a curveball about Mayfield’s future, hinting that “Come 2027, it may be all about Baker leaving the Bucs.” Wow. That’s a pretty strong statement for a teammate to make. Still, Mauch believes in Mayfield’s talent. “It’s unfortunate, but he’s gonna go ball out and it’s gonna get made right,” he said. “No doubt in my mind he’s gonna do that and get even more money.”
So, while the Bucs focus on the 2026 season, the shadow of Mayfield’s contract and his potential exit in 2027 looms large. His performance this season, which Mauch guarantees will be top-tier, will certainly dictate just how much “more money” he gets, whether it’s from the Bucs or another team looking for a “100 percent” franchise quarterback. The stakes are high for Mayfield and for the Bucs as they try to keep their quarterback happy and productive on the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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