Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has officially inked his new deal, and trust me, the details making their way to PFT HQ are absolutely wild. This isn’t just another contract; we’re talking about a payout that’s gonna make you do a double-take, especially with that $70 million fully guaranteed right at signing. It’s a massive commitment and it says everything about what the Bucs think of their signal-caller.
Unpacking the Immediate Cash Flow
Let’s break down how this monster deal kicks off. For the 2026 season, Mayfield is bagging a $10 million 90-man offseason roster bonus, which he earned super fast, just three days after signing. On top of that, his 2026 base salary is another $10 million, and that’s all fully guaranteed. So, right out of the gate, he’s looking at a cool $20 million locked up. But wait, there’s more. The 2027 money is even bigger: a whopping $48.65 million 90-man roster bonus, fully guaranteed and hitting his account on the fifth day of the 2027 league year. His 2027 base salary is a more modest $1.35 million, but yep, that’s fully guaranteed too. The Bucs are throwing some serious dough around, and it shows they’re ready to put their money where their mouth is.
The Future Vesting and Total Payout
The commitment doesn’t stop there. Mayfield’s 2028 base salary is set at $50 million, initially guaranteed for injury at the time of signing. But don’t blink, because a solid $20 million of that becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2027 league year. The remaining $30 million of that 2028 salary then becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2028 league year. This layered guarantee structure is key, ensuring he gets that cash. Looking ahead to 2029, there’s a $2.5 million 90-man roster bonus due on the fifth day of that league year, alongside a chunky $52.5 million base salary. This is a deal built to last, locking in serious money for the Bucs’ main man for years to come.
An “Unusual” Payout That Shakes Things Up
What’s really got folks talking is how Baker’s money is calculated. The source even calls the “old money/new money” calculation unusual, and for good reason. Mayfield was actually due to receive $30 million in 2026, money he had earned in 2025 and through a 2026 roster bonus, but his stated salary for 2026 was only $10 million. It’s a complex situation, but at the end of the day, this deal translates into a massive $205 million payout over four years. Technically, if you get into the weeds of those previous earnings, it’s about $175 million in “new” money, but either way, it’s a huge bag for the quarterback. This kind of financial backing for Mayfield signals a major shift and a massive vote of confidence from the Buccaneers as the season gets rolling. He’s got his future secured, and now it’s all about what he does on the field with this kind of commitment behind him.
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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