Buc's Quarterback Extension
Baker Mayfield signs a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Key Points
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The extension adds the 2029 season without guarantees, and Mayfield’s $55 million annual average ties him with Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow for the NFL’s third-highest average annual salary.
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Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said Mayfield’s value extends beyond his play, citing his leadership, toughness, energy and community involvement: “Baker is an important piece of this football team, obviously. Not just as how he plays, but what he is as a person.”
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Jets reporter Paul Esden argued that missing out on Mayfield could benefit New York by forcing the team to evaluate every quarterback avenue—free agency, trades and the draft—and noted that Geno Smith could still emerge as an option.
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Bryce Young’s 2025 season produced career highs of 3,011 passing yards, a 63.6% completion rate, 23 touchdown passes and an 87.8 passer rating; he also helped Carolina end a seven-year playoff drought by winning the NFC South at 8-9.
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Panthers owner David Tepper declined to say whether the team had offered Young a long-term contract but reaffirmed that Young has “a lot of talent” and can succeed with “the right weapons and the right situation.”
Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, locking in as the team's long-term starter through 2029 Bleacher Report. The deal averages $55 million annually, tying Mayfield with Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow for the NFL's third-highest pay. The agreement came after brief negotiations but keeps Mayfield off next year's free-agent market, reshaping quarterback options across the league.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht praised Mayfield beyond his on-field performance. Buccaneers.com reported Licht said, "Baker is an important piece of this football team, obviously. Not just as how he plays, but what he is as a person." The extension removes Mayfield as an option for teams like the Jets and creates continuity for Tampa Bay's NFC South rivals to face.
Mayfield's Deal Ties Him With NFL's Elite Passers
At $55 million per year, Mayfield now ranks among the league's highest-paid quarterbacks. His contract matches the annual averages of Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow Bleacher Report. The extension runs through 2029 without guaranteed money beyond the signing terms. This move solidifies Mayfield's status after a breakout 2024 season that helped Tampa Bay compete in a tough division.
Jets Lose Major Quarterback Target to Tampa Bay
The New York Jets face a setback after Mayfield inked his deal Sporting News. With Mayfield off the market, New York must explore other paths: free agency, trades, or the draft. Some analysts noted this could actually help the Jets by forcing a thorough quarterback evaluation. Geno Smith remains a potential option as the team reassesses its QB situation heading into the offseason.
Bryce Young's Contract Future Remains Unclear
The Carolina Panthers face questions about Bryce Young after his career-best 2025 season Clutch Points. Young posted 3,011 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, and an 87.8 passer rating while completing 63.6% of passes. He led Carolina to an 8-9 record and the NFC South title—ending a seven-year playoff drought. Yet Panthers owner David Tepper hasn't confirmed whether the team offered Young a long-term deal.
Young brushed aside contract talk, saying he's focused on football rather than negotiations Clutch Points. Tepper acknowledged Young has "a lot of talent" but would need "the right weapons and the right situation" to succeed long-term. The Panthers must decide whether to invest in Young as their franchise quarterback or explore other options.
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