The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have revised Baker Mayfield’s contract to include $30 million guaranteed for the 2026 season, providing the quarterback with significant financial stability going into the final year of his agreement. This adjustment, confirmed by multiple sources, comes despite no change in the overall length of Mayfield’s contract, which now offers him guaranteed earnings that were previously absent for 2026.

The new guarantee is a major development for Mayfield, who previously faced an uncertain financial outlook for the last year of his contract. This extension secures his position and reflects the team’s increased confidence in his leadership and performance as the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season.

Mayfield’s Contract Journey and the Details of the Extension

Baker Mayfield originally agreed to a three-year, $100 million extension with Tampa Bay during the 2024 offseason, which could escalate to $115 million with incentives. However, the contract did not include any guaranteed money for the 2026 season, leaving Mayfield’s security somewhat in question for that final year. The Buccaneers’ decision to add $30 million in guarantees for 2026 now changes the financial landscape for the quarterback and underscores the franchise’s commitment to him.

In a conversation with CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, Mayfield spoke openly about his contract and future aspirations. He said,

“Right now, I’m under contract through ’26, So it was really just about getting guaranteed money for ’26, and they did that. And that’s all I can ask for. I signed the contract. I knew what it was. Right now, it’s winning. I know good things will happen after that. I trust this place. I love being here. Obviously, used to bouncing around. I’ve done that before, but I don’t want to leave. It’s how can we win right now? We have a team that’s really, really well built and [General Manager Jason Licht] and those guys did it. So, if we win right now good things will happen.”

—Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback

Mayfield’s Career Revival with the Buccaneers

Since joining Tampa Bay, Baker Mayfield has revitalized his NFL career with consistent and impressive performances. After four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and partial seasons with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Buccaneers in March 2023. The team brought him in to compete for the starting quarterback role against Kyle Trask and John Wolford as Tampa Bay transitioned from Tom Brady’s era.

Mayfield secured the starting job early and has retained the position steadfastly. In his first season with Tampa Bay, he threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Mayfield also led the Buccaneers to a Wild Card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles before their postseason run ended with a loss to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Weekend.

Building on his 2023 successes, Mayfield’s 2024 season marked career highs with 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 71.4%. His leadership helped the Buccaneers claim their fourth straight NFC South title, although they were narrowly defeated by the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round.

Looking Ahead: Buccaneers Aim to Maintain NFC South Dominance

With Mayfield secured and playing at a high level, the Buccaneers are strong contenders to win the NFC South division again in 2025. The team’s faith in Mayfield is evident through his contract guarantees and the roster built around him by General Manager Jason Licht. This renewed financial commitment signals the organization’s confidence in Mayfield’s ability to lead the team forward and pursue playoff success.

The contract revision not only protects Mayfield’s interests but also reflects Tampa Bay’s ambition to remain competitive in the NFC. As the next season approaches, Mayfield’s guaranteed earnings provide him with both security and motivation to keep driving the Buccaneers toward championship aspirations.