On Sunday, sources told ESPN that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement with quarterback Baker Mayfield on a lucrative three-year contract worth a total of $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed.
Under the terms of the deal outlined by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mayfield is slated to receive $30 million guaranteed for the 2024 season, followed by $30 million in 2025 (with $20 million guaranteed), and a substantial increase to $40 million in 2026. Additionally, incentives totaling $5 million per year have been included, potentially elevating the contract’s maximum value to $115 million.
Later on Sunday, the veteran QB confirmed the news to Schefter.
“I wanted a chance to come back,” Mayfield said. “I love coach [Todd] Bowles and the staff. I’m happy to be here and I want to win more in the postseason.”
2023 represented Mayfield’s first with the Bucs — as he was tabbed to replace Tom Brady following the legend’s retirement. Throughout the season, Mayfield showcased his talent but the Bucs struggled in the middle of the year. However, it was Mayfield’s elevated performance towards the end of the season that led Tampa down the stretch — as he guided the Bucs to victory in five out of their last six games.
During the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Mayfield torched the defending NFC champs by totaling 337 yards through the air with three touchdowns in a commanding 32-9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, in the Divisional round, despite an impressive display of 349 passing yards and three touchdowns, Mayfield also threw two interceptions in a 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. Notably, Mayfield posted a 106.3 passer rating across the two playoff games — the highest in postseason history for any Buccaneers quarterback.
Mayfield’s 28 passing touchdowns ranked seventh in the league and marked a personal best. His touchdown-interception ratio of 2.8 ranked ninth in the league. Additionally, Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,044 yards. Finally, his completion percentage also reached new heights, culminating in a career-best 64.3%.
