The renaissance of Baker Mayfield has taken a new, richer turn on Sunday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the process of completing a blockbuster three-year, $100 million deal with the quarterback, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. For Mayfield, it’s his latest reward for a career that has seen many polarizing moments.
Baker Mayfield Overcomes Turbulent 2022 Through Buccaneers
When the Buccaneers decided to sign the former top overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft last offseason, they were bringing in a passer who looked like damaged goods.
Before the 2023 signing, Mayfield ended up having a well-publicized falling out with the Cleveland Browns that led to his July 2022 trade. Cleveland, who took him No. 1 in that ’18 class, sent him to the Carolina Panthers for a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick, which officially goes into effect for this draft.
But by shipping Mayfield, the Browns went all in on Deshaun Watson who was still suspended for 11 games in violation of the NFL’s conduct policy. Cleveland rolled with Jacoby Brissett for the September-to-November slate before Watson was cleared to play.
In Charlotte, N.C., Mayfield still struggled to obtain the permanent QB1 duties. While he earned the starting reins in Week 1 against his old team, the Browns, he was eventually beaten out by Sam Darnold. Worse, P.J. Walker ended up earning more playing time behind center than Mayfield. Carolina went on to release Mayfield on Dec. 5.
Mayfield, though, began to witness a slight rejuvenation with the Los Angeles Rams. While the team was already eliminated from 2022 playoff contention, it was Mayfield who ended the Rams’ six-game losing slide on Dec. 8 versus the Las Vegas Raiders — three days after he departed from the Panthers. Mayfield went 2-3 as the Rams’ late-season starter.
Despite winning over the Rams and head coach Sean McVay, Mayfield wasn’t able to stay with L.A. as an unrestricted free agent. The Rams ultimately pivoted back to a healthier Matthew Stafford ahead of the ’23 season.
Tampa Bay opted to sign him to a one-year, $4 million deal as the franchise moved away from seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who had retired. Yet, Mayfield had to beat out Brady’s original heir apparent Kyle Trask for the starting reins.
Mayfield responded by delivering his best season to date. He produced career highs with 4,044 passing yards (his first 4,000-yard NFL season) and 28 touchdowns while eliminating the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.
Now, Mayfield has cemented his case as the Bucs’ top QB option for the next three years.
What Else Is in Mayfield’s New Blockbuster Contract?
Along with earning $100 million, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero unveiled the other rich details in Mayfield’s new deal:
- Mayfield will receive $30 million in full guaranteed money in Year 1 of his contract.
- He’ll receive an additional $10 million for 2025.
- He will also get a $10 million injury bonus.
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Peliserro adds that Mayfield will be earning an increase in pay from his previous Bucs deal — which is officially a $29 million annual salary elevation from the ’23 contract he put his signature on.
This becomes Mayfield’s wealthiest NFL contract in his career. The Browns once paid him $32 million for four years after selecting him out of Oklahoma.
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