The contract chicken is finally over in Tampa Bay! Quarterback Baker Mayfield just locked down a massive three-year, $165 million extension with the Buccaneers. ESPN reported Tuesday that this deal puts an end to one of the summer’s most dramatic contract standoffs, guaranteeing Mayfield an average of $55 million per season. That kind of money ties him for the third-highest average annual salary among quarterbacks, according to Spotrac. What a journey from his one-year, $4 million prove-it deal back in the 2023 offseason!
From Prove-It Deal to Top-Tier Pay
This new contract puts Mayfield’s yearly salary on par with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Only Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott are pulling in more per year. Mayfield definitely pushed publicly for this payday, especially as he was entering the final year of his existing three-year, $100 million extension from 2024. He’s truly thrived despite the intense pressure of replacing Tom Brady, leading the Bucs to a 27,24 regular-season record and two playoff appearances.
The On-Field Stakes for Tampa Bay
Mayfield’s absolute peak came in 2024, when he posted career highs with 4,500 passing yards and a whopping 41 touchdowns. Sure, his gunslinger playstyle hit a snag last season, but that was largely due to injuries to primary targets Mike Evans and Chris Godwin disrupting the offense. With his long-term future now secure in Tampa Bay, all eyes are squarely focused on one thing: reclaiming that NFC South division title from the Carolina Panthers. He’s got the bag, now let’s see if he brings home the hardware.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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