Baker Mayfield contract: Buccaneers' $30M guarantee lays groundwork for future blockbuster extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have restructured quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to include $30 million guaranteed for the 2026 season, a year that previously carried no guarantees, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday.

"The length of the contract remains the same, but Mayfield now has financial security heading into next season, which is the final year of his deal," Schefter said.

This is a move that signals possible long-term plans for the quarterback, according to Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti.

Mayfield was originally slated to earn $40 million in 2026 with no guarantees. Ginnitti tweeted that this renegotiation secures $30 million for Mayfield that year. He added, "though it should be a placeholder to a multi-year blockbuster extension next offseason if all goes well."

This restructuring offers Mayfield substantial financial protection in the final year of his current deal while laying the groundwork for a potential new contract.

Mayfield joined the Buccaneers ahead of the 2024 season and has shown promise in Tampa Bay's offense.

Last season, he threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over 17 games. He led the Buccaneers to the playoffs before falling to the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round.

If Mayfield maintains this level of performance, he is likely to earn a blockbuster contract that could place him among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.

Mayfield delivering a big, memorable season in the 2025 season and then securing a top contract would excite Bucs fans.