Buccaneers might have $44 million Baker Mayfield problem

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely in free agency and draft mode right now as Jason Licht and his team try to fill out the roster ahead of a huge 2026 season.

But one thing the franchise has to be alert to is Baker Mayfield's contract.

Set to play on the final year of his three-year, $100 million deal he signed in 2024, Mayfield is due an extension...if the Bucs want to give him one.

But it won't be a cheap exercise, as we have seen the quarterback market skyrocket this offseason, with Daniel Jones getting $44 million APY. Baker is better, right?

For CBS Sports' Joel Corry, Baker's contract talks could be a big deal for the franchise, money-wise.

"Mayfield probably views Jones' $44 million per year as the starting point for serious discussions and his salary floor," Corry wrote. "He would earn approximately $92 million under Jones' new contract using his three Tampa Bay seasons as a baseline for his performance in 2026 and 2027.

"Whether Mayfield gets an extension or plays out his contract will likely depend on how exorbitant his demands are. Typically, the longer a team waits to lock up a core player long term, the more it costs. That's something the Buccaneers may want to consider with Mayfield."

More: Are Chiefs still in play for All-Pro WR?

What should Bucs do?

Well, there are two options.

One, the Buccaneers pay up for what would be a big extension, at least money-wise, with Jones' deal the baseline. The other is that they let him play out his deal and hit free agency at the end of next season.

Right now, I'm not sure the Buccaneers would view either option as favorable, but that is where the franchise sits right now.

Will Baker's 2026 performance help his cause? Absolutely.

If he can get the Buccaneers back to the playoffs and have a Pro Bowl-caliber season, Tampa Bay will likely extend him.

But with at least $44 million as the starting point, Licht had better be ready to spend to keep Baker.

More NFL news:

• Analyst wants Raiders to sign 4-Time Pro Bowl QB
• Chargers urged to sign 22-TD WR for Justin Herbert
• Ravens not looking good in walk back of Maxx Crosby trade
• Ravens urged to sign All-Pro WR for Lamar Jackson
• Buccaneers GM makes perfect comment on Mike Evans' 49ers move
• Chiefs begin AFC ascension in latest offseason power rankings
• Buccaneers reveal eyebrow-raising detail of potential Mike Evans contract