Baker Mayfield flat out said he isn’t talking contract until after the 2026 season ends, and by all accounts, he means it. We’re just days away from the Buccaneers’ season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and there hasn’t been a single substantive negotiation since training camp began.
Mayfield’s ‘Disrespect’ and Licht’s Confidence Game
The quarterback himself pulled the plug on talks before camp even started. He felt “disrespected” by Tampa Bay’s initial offer, a pretty blunt statement from a guy who isn’t known for changing his mind easily. You gotta wonder how that plays out in the locker room, especially when the GM, Jason Licht, is out here saying he’s “very optimistic” about keeping Mayfield by year’s end. Licht even doubled down, saying Mayfield “wants to play. He wants to prove to us that he is the franchise quarterback that we said that he was.” He’s trying to keep the door open, but Baker’s already shut it for now.
Can They Close the Gap Before Sunday?
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer hinted that a last-minute re-engagement is still possible before Sunday’s kickoff. Apparently, the two sides weren’t “that far apart earlier in the summer.” Plus, Tampa Bay has a history of getting “market deals done closer to the season,” pointing to deals with guys like Tristan Wirfs, Zyon McCollum, Luke Goedeke, and Vita Vea in the past couple of years. But man, Mayfield isn’t exactly famous for doing a U-turn. Is he really gonna budge right before he steps onto that field against the Bengals?
So, it all comes down to this Sunday against the Bengals. Mayfield’s commitment on the field is about to be tested, not just his contract stance. Can he really put the “disrespected” feelings aside and light up the scoreboard? The Bucs need him locked in from the first snap.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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