The news that Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield inked a three-year extension this week rocked the league, but here’s the kicker: the man himself was out of the loop until the eleventh hour. This deal, announced Tuesday, came as a surprise to many, but Mayfield’s own revelation that he didn’t even know contract talks were re-engaged until late Monday is the real head-scratcher.
“Undervalued” No More, Maybe?
Before all this went down, Mayfield had set a hard deadline for a new deal: the very first day of training camp. He came to camp without an agreement, feeling straight-up “undervalued” by the offers on the table. Can you blame him for wanting to get what he felt he deserved? That’s a brutal way to start the season, feeling like your team isn’t seeing your worth.
“I’m Done Talking”: The Ultimatum That Worked
Apparently, the Buccaneers’ front office kept grinding behind the scenes. Mayfield spilled the tea at a press conference Wednesday, revealing the groundwork for the deal was laid without his direct knowledge. He had told his agent, and I quote, “I’m done talking about it unless something really changes, If you think that I’m really willing to agree to it then bring it to my attention.” And then, BAM. He didn’t even know talks had “reengaged” until Monday evening, around 6 p.m. Can you imagine getting that call? “Hey, so you know those contract talks you thought were dead? They’re back on and nearly done!” He confirmed the final steps came together quickly after that last-minute heads-up.
Mayfield called the finalized three-year extension “awesome,” and who wouldn’t? He made it clear the contract won’t be his motivation, saying it won’t be “looming over everybody, questioning it day in and day out throughout the weeks.” For him, the mission hasn’t changed. He bluntly reminded everyone that the team missed the playoffs last year, and “everybody that was here has a bad taste in their mouth” from that. He’s locked in, even if the road to this deal was wild.
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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