Bucs GM Licht addresses Baker Mayfield contract standoff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has spoken publicly for the first time about the stalled contract negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million extension signed in 2024 and has set a deadline of mandatory training camp (June 16-18) to finalize a new deal.

Appearing on JP Peterson's podcast, Licht confirmed that discussions have taken place but declined to reveal details. "We've had some discussions and we'll continue to have some internal discussions and see, and try to bring this to closure one way or another," Licht said. "But no one wants to see Baker go anywhere."

Mayfield's deadline

Mayfield, who joined the Buccaneers on a one-year prove-it deal in 2023 after replacing Tom Brady, has publicly stated he and the franchise are far apart in negotiations. He told reporters: "I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline: As soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any contract stuff."

The 30-year-old quarterback threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns in his first season, leading Tampa Bay to playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. However, an injury-plagued 2025 campaign ended the team's five-year postseason streak.

Mayfield's current salary of $33.33 million per season ranks 16th among NFL quarterbacks, just behind Seattle's Sam Darnold. Licht expressed confidence in Mayfield's mindset regardless of the outcome: "He's free to say whatever he wants to say. He's in a good place."