Baker Mayfield is entering the final year of his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season. However, the prospects for an extension currently look anything but promising.

Baker Mayfield has spoken publicly for the first time about a possible contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He stated: “We are still far from where we want to be. It’s time to find a long-term solution.”

Mayfield sets deadline for end of July

General Manager Jason Licht has emphasized several times during the offseason that there is no specific timeline the Bucs must adhere to in negotiations with their quarterback. Mayfield, however, stated that he and his agent, Tom Mills, have set one: The 31-year-old wants clarity by the time training camp begins at the end of July.

“Of course, I’d love to sign a long-term contract, but they know my deadline: Once training camp starts, we won’t be dealing with contract matters anymore. Then it’s all about football,” he said.

He continued: “It’s not up to me when this gets done. Hopefully before training camp. If not—I’ll still have a good year.”

Mayfield enters the final year of his contract in Tampa Bay this September. He currently earns an average of $33.33 million per season, placing him 16th among all quarterbacks.

About his own foundation: Baker Mayfield and his wife are active in Tampa Bay

“We’d love to stay here long-term. And while that’s not quite the case right now, I’m under contract through 2026,” the 31-year-old continued. “And the guys in the locker room and the staff know that I’m still going to be myself. I’m going to keep doing everything I can to help this team win the Super Bowl. And for me, that’s the top priority. Everything else will fall into place.”

Mayfield and his wife Emily are involved in the Tampa Bay region through their nonprofit organization, the “Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation.” Among other things, they raise money for early childhood education and literacy programs and organize Christmas events for children and families.

“I think, first and foremost—aside from all that—we’ve put down roots here in Tampa,” said the quarterback. “We love the community. We love being here. People have welcomed us with open arms, and we enjoy being here, and of course we’ll raise our children here as well.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Weakest Season Since Mayfield’s Arrival

From a sporting perspective, the past season was the weakest since Mayfield’s arrival in 2023. After five consecutive playoff appearances, the Bucs came up empty-handed last season with an 8-9 record.

And for Mayfield himself, it was also a lackluster season: 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns were his lowest totals since signing with Tampa Bay.

In the offseason, the franchise also lost its best receiver, Mike Evans, who had played for the Buccaneers since 2014.