Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers interested in sticking together in 2024

Publish date: 2024-08-24

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Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa Bay has set him up for a nice payday.

As the veteran quarterback has reestablished himself this season with the Buccaneers, there’s mutual interest between the team and the former first-overall pick to move forward together in 2024, according to NFL.com.

In his first season in Tampa Bay, Mayfield, 28, enters Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with 3,315 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

He and the Buccaneers are also atop the NFC South at 7-7, owners of the No. 4 seed.

Mayfield, who was originally drafted No. 1 overall by the Browns in 2018, was cut by the Panthers last year and became a free agent this past offseason after the Rams opted not to bring him back following a short stint with the team.

After signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Bucs, Mayfield already earned $1 million in playing-time incentives and can earn another $1 million if Tampa Bay wins the NFC South and advance to the postseason, as well as another $1.5 million in personal performance incentives, according to ESPN.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers reportedly have mutual interest in running it back next year. AP
Baker Mayfield has reportedly won over his Buccaneers teammates. Getty Images

A more humble Mayfield has won over his Buccaneers teammates, who have rallied around him and “love” playing with him, per ESPN.

Just last week, Mayfield recorded a perfect 158.3 passer rating during the Buccaneers’ 34-20 win over the Packers, the first time an opposing quarterback has ever recorded a perfect passer rating against Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

“He’s meant everything, from a mental standpoint to a quarterback standpoint making plays, from a toughness standpoint, from a leadership standpoint,” head coach Todd Bowles said after the game. “He’s done everything. He’s checked all the boxes. He’s doing all the right things now. I can’t say enough about him.”

Baker Mayfield looks to throw during the Buccaneers’ win over the Packers on Dec. 17, 2023. Getty Images

Mayfield, a free agent after the season, will now have increased leverage over the Buccaneers in negotiations, and his return to form will certainly intrigue other suitors.

The Buccaneers could also use the franchise tag on Mayfield, but the hope would be that they could work out a long-term deal, the NFL Network reported.

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