TAMPA — Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a four-year contract with a three-year extension that keeps the quarterback in Tampa through the 2029 season, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
The deal, announced Monday, locks in a quarterback who ranks second in the NFL in touchdown passes (95) and third in passing yards (12,237) over the past three seasons. Mayfield was also voted one of six team captains by his teammates Monday.
“Baker’s arrival marked an important new chapter for our organization, and over the past three years he has established himself as the unquestioned leader of our franchise,” said Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Joel Glazer. “This contract - the largest in the history of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - reflects our belief in Baker, and his leadership both on and off the field. His competitive spirit, resilience and commitment to winning embody everything we want in our players. Baker and his wife, Emily, have made a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay community and we are thrilled their family will continue to call Tampa Bay home for years to come.”
Mayfield signed a one-year “prove-it” deal in 2023 and responded with 4,044 yards and 28 touchdown passes as the Bucs won the NFC South. That earned him a three-year contract, which he immediately justified with 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 while guiding Tampa Bay to a 10-7 record and another division title — part of a run of four straight division championships from 2021-24.
“Baker is the ultimate competitor, and the guys in our locker room feed off the energy, confidence and toughness he brings every day,” said Head Coach Todd Bowles. “He prepares the right way, holds himself accountable and is an unquestioned leader for our team. His belief in himself and this team never wavers, and he sets the tone for us every day. That is what you want from the person leading your football team, and we are excited to continue building with him as our quarterback.”
General Manager Jason Licht echoed the sentiment. “From the moment Baker arrived, he brought a belief and competitive edge that has had a tremendous impact on our football team,” Licht said. “He has earned the respect of everyone in our building with the way he prepares, competes and holds himself accountable. His toughness and ability to deliver in big moments are a big part of what makes him special, but what really stands out is the leadership he brings every day. Baker is the heartbeat of this team, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have a quarterback and leader like him.”
Mayfield entered the NFL as the first-overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 draft, throwing 75 touchdown passes in his first three seasons and leading Cleveland to an 11-5 record and a postseason win over Pittsburgh in his third year. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, he landed in Tampa Bay and has compiled 95 career touchdown passes as a Buccaneer — just 26 behind Jameis Winston’s franchise record of 121. Mayfield needs 2,584 passing yards to reach second on the team’s all-time list and 7,501 to claim the top spot.
The Buccaneers open the 2026 regular season looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign in which Mayfield, much of the offensive line, running back Bucky Irving and multiple wide receivers missed significant time.