Baker Mayfield felt ‘disrespected’ and ‘undervalued’ during extension talks with Bucs

The time for negotiation is over. Quarterback Baker Mayfield made that clear Thursday morning when asked about the breakdown in his extension talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team he’s preparing to lead for a fourth season.

“I wanted the deal done (before training camp), set the deadline and told them it was going to be all ball after that, and I did mean that,” said Mayfield, who will play out the final year of the three-year, $100 million deal he signed in 2024. “I don’t know if they thought I was just going to take some of the offers that they gave, but I’m at the point in my career in understanding what I’ve brought this franchise. .. So, it’s disappointing in that regard to feel disrespected a little bit. That’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.”

Mayfield has a 27-24 record as quarterback of the Bucs and led them to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, both seasons in which he also earned a Pro Bowl nods. The average annual value of Mayfield’s current contract ($33.33 million) ranks 16th among quarterbacks, slotting him behind Colts QB Daniel Jones ($44 million) and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold ($33.5 million).

“I’ve told you guys before,” Mayfield said. “I’ve been pretty up front and honest about my feelings about Tampa, it being a home for our family; we’re raising our kids here. We love it here. … I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me. Don’t get me wrong on that, but I also know what I’ve brought to this franchise leadership-wise and play-wise. I’ve had some of the best years of my career, and I think it’s only going to trend upwards.”

To that end, Mayfield suggested the Buccaneers are going to regret not reaching an extension with him ahead of this season.

“If you’ve waited this long to pay your franchise quarterback, it’s only going to get worse. … I’m going to have a big year.”

This story will be updated.