Quarterback [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag] played better than he has in years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Naturally, it seems like an extension from his one-year contract makes the most sense — but is that what the league thinks will happen?
Indications point to yes, according to NFL executives. ESPN writer Jeremy Fowler put together a list of whispers from NFL execs on ESPN+, and one of those topics was Baker Mayfield’s status in Tampa Bay. One executive in the NFC seemed to think that a deal would get done.
Here is what one executive said about the pairing between Mayfield and the Bucs:
“I’m not sure it makes sense to go after someone else like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields when I’m not sure that’s a substantial upgrade,” an NFC personnel evaluator said. “Mayfield isn’t perfect, but you can win games with him. He’s streaky, but when he gets hot, he can produce like a top-10 guy.”
A reunion between the two sides would certainly make sense. Mayfield has earned the right to a larger contract with the Bucs, but both sides will likely be bullish on just how much that contract will be.
The Bucs can avoid dead money if Mayfield (and Mike Evans, for that matter) is extended before the end of February. Whether or not that would happen remains to be seen.
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