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Baker Mayfield
QB · TB

Baker Mayfield

Position QB
Team TB
Bye Week 10
PPR Rank #124

Baker Mayfield

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: TB.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: TB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Bye week (2026): 10
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 124

2026 Outlook

Mayfield is healthy heading into 2026 after a season derailed by early shoulder and oblique injuries (2025: 26 TDs/11 INTs, 6.85 yards per attempt in first ten games; 9 TDs/8 INTs, 6.5 yards per attempt in final eight games post-injury recovery). His inconsistency in the second half impacted the entire Bucs passing game, including WR1 Emeka Egbuka's regression. The 49ers added Mike Evans in free agency, opening slot targets. If Mayfield stays healthy, he should stabilize the offense and give Egbuka more opportunity to find rhythm (per CBS Sports Raises Questions About Buccaneers WR). CBS Sports classifies him as a "Volatile veteran" (Tier 4) entering 2026, noting that his 2024 campaign was impressive but 2025 underperformed due to Buccaneers injuries. The 2026 season is critical as Mayfield enters the final year before potential free agency (per Ranking every NFL QB by tier, plus the top receiving duos and landing spots for the top remaining free agents - CBS Sports).

Zac Robinson's offensive overhaul (June 19): The hiring of Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator represents a significant schematic reset for Mayfield. Tampa Bay ranked 21st in yards per game and 22nd in points per game under prior OC Josh Grizzard—a failure to capitalize on elite receiving talent (Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Cade Otton). Robinson's scheme, which emphasized 12-personnel (multiple TE sets) at the second-highest rate in the NFL with the Falcons, brings a fresh approach to unlock the Buccaneers' offense. Early minicamp tape reveals immediate impact: Mayfield threw TD passes to both Cade Otton and rookie TE Bauer Sharp in team drills, a stark reversal from 2025's zero TE TDs until Week 15. Robinson's philosophy should unlock additional efficiency in the red zone and potentially stabilize Mayfield's performance after a down 2025. (per Zac Robinson is already bringing one major change to Buccaneers' offense - The Pewter Plank)

Matthew Berry projects Mayfield at QB19 in the 2026 cheat sheet, calling him a solid value pick. Mayfield will work with his eighth offensive coordinator entering Year 9, but his history with new OC Zac Robinson (who coached him in Atlanta and has worked with him previously) brings continuity and familiarity. Robinson has specifically praised Egbuka's route tree and receiving ability, noting "nothing he can't do," which positions the young WR for growth in the offense. Despite inaccuracy and injuries plaguing 2025, Mayfield has averaged 17.9 fantasy points per game since 2023—a QB10 pace, giving Berry confidence in his floor even at the cheaper ADP tier (per Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2026 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Baker Mayfield, Emeka Egbuka And More).

Mayfield faces a critical prove-it year in 2026 as he guns for a contract extension. He remains the undisputed QB1 for Tampa Bay, but his 2025 performance created uncertainty around his long-term future with the franchise (per post-nfl-draft-projected-buccaneers-depth-chart). ESPN's Mike Clay projects Mayfield for an "average season" in 2026 as the Bucs pursue their 9-win projection, with solid supporting production from Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield offsetting Mayfield's modest individual performance. (per Buccaneers Hit With Realistic Projection in 2026 ESPN Guide)

Mayfield has set a camp deadline for contract extension talks, saying the sides are "not anywhere close" on terms. He told reporters he won't negotiate contracts once training camp begins and expects any deal to be finalized before that point (per Bucs QB Baker Mayfield says contract talks 'not close,' sets deadline for deal). While Mike Evans left in free agency for San Francisco, Mayfield remains confident in the receiving corps anchored by Chris Godwin, who should take charge of the room, plus healthy second-year receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan. With key playmakers returning healthy and the draft addition of Ted Hurst as a big-bodied target, the offense has multiple weapons to absorb Evans' departure.

Contract negotiations update (June 14): With Patrick Mahomes' new deal setting a $63.093M/year market, Mayfield's extension talks face a new baseline. His current contract averages $33.3M per year. The Buccaneers could franchise tag him in 2027 (at ~$48M), but there's a sense they'd rather offer him more than any free agent market would provide rather than lose him. Mayfield's 2026 season is critical—if he proves healthy and productive, he'll have significant leverage in negotiations. (per After the Patrick Mahomes deal, which quarterbacks are next to get paid?)

Performance metrics (June 14): Pro Football Focus reported Mayfield's 2025 passing grade at 64.8, reflecting struggles with accuracy alongside his mid-season injuries. The Buccaneers ranked 23rd in rushing EPA per play, indicating offensive pressure fell entirely on Mayfield's shoulders once injuries sidelined him. With a new offensive coordinator and a healthier roster around him heading into 2026, Mayfield has the supporting cast to return to QB-tier production if he can avoid injury (per 'Disappointing' Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles Tops NFL Hot Seat List).

Contract update (June 24): As of late June, Mayfield said contract talks remain "not anywhere close" to a deal with the Buccaneers, with talks stalled since his June 5 statement to that effect. He's set a firm deadline: if a deal isn't reached before training camp, negotiations will resume only after the 2026 season concludes. Currently earning $33M per year (16th-highest-paid QB), the two sides appear entrenched while both express long-term commitment. General manager Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles want Mayfield in Tampa Bay, but terms are a sticking point (per 2026 NFL contract extension updates for all 32 teams). ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz flagged Mayfield's contract positioning as Tampa Bay's most pressing offseason need, noting that the QB market has shifted dramatically in recent years, creating distinct tiers between elite franchise QBs, established starters, and veteran stopgaps. The central question: where does Mayfield fit? Both sides have expressed interest, but determining his value within that market landscape remains the core obstacle. A deal that resolves before training camp would remove significant uncertainty heading into the 2026 season (per ESPN analyst says Bucs need to extend QB Baker Mayfield).

As of July 4, heading into training camp, Mayfield has affirmed his deadline: any deal must be reached before camps start or he'll play out the season. At #16-highest paid at $33.3M AAV, he's outperformed his rank over the past two seasons and is looking for "middle ground," though reports suggest the sides remain far apart. Mayfield stated he will not negotiate contracts once training camp begins, expecting any deal to be finalized before that point. With Patrick Mahomes' 2026 extension setting the market at $64M AAV, Mayfield's position on the salary spectrum—significantly below elite starter compensation—fuels his leverage argument. The Buccaneers could franchise tag him in 2027 (~$48M), but there's internal appetite to offer more than a free agent market would provide. The fundamental uncertainty: will Mayfield's 2026 health and performance prove enough to command elite QB pay, or will continued injury concerns limit Tampa Bay's offer? (per Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield contract questions lead NFL training camp's biggest storylines)

As of July 8, per an NFL agents' analysis, Mayfield's camp likely views Daniel Jones' Indianapolis deal ($44M/year) as a starting point for serious discussions, despite Jones' Achilles injury. Mayfield probably expects to join the $50M+ quarterback club; there are currently 13 players making $50M or more. The middle ground using peer QB contracts ranges from $47.5M to $51.75M per year. If the Buccaneers balk at a deal in this range, Mayfield could become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 after playing out 2026. A franchise tag in 2027 would cost Tampa Bay at least $46.77M based on current calculations. Patience may work in Mayfield's favor: with Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Bo Nix all eligible for extensions in 2027, one of them could reset the market by eclipsing Mahomes' $63M+/year deal, lifting all QB compensation upward (per Agent's Take: Can Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers find middle ground on a contract extension?).

Contract context (July 3): NFL Network analyst Tom Pelissero identified Mayfield's extension as "the most important contract negotiation this offseason," citing his positioning at the bottom of veteran franchise QB pay. With no reported movement as of early July, the Buccaneers may choose to let Mayfield play out his contract year and address terms after the season—a strategy that could allow him to hit free agency despite his stated preference for an extension before camp (per NFL Insider Identifies Buccaneers' Biggest Question Before Camp]).

Latest update (July 8): According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the two sides "are not close, yet" with "a lot of work that needs to be done." Critically, the Buccaneers are in "no rush" to reach a deal, even though training camp begins in just three weeks. This signals Tampa Bay may be content letting Mayfield play out 2026 on his current deal, reducing urgency and giving them a full season to evaluate his performance before committing long-term (per NFL insider just gave a Baker Mayfield contract update Bucs fans won't want to hear).

July 12 context (updated): Local beat voices remain cautious about extending Mayfield before proving his durability and ability to stay healthy through the stretch. JoeBucsFan reflects the split opinion: one view favors extension now to lock in the QB; the other argues rushing to extend a QB over 30 with ongoing injury history (shoulder, oblique in 2025) could backfire if he struggles again. This cautious approach stems from Mayfield's pattern of late-season injuries impacting finishing ability in 2023 and 2025. Mayfield's 2026 season is framed as "make-or-break" for both his contract future and the Buccaneers' organizational direction under GM Licht and HC Bowles (per Future Of The Bucs In Baker Mayfield's Hands?).

Role / Depth Chart

Starting QB for Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seven-year starter with the franchise.

Injury Status

Healthy heading into 2026. Despite claiming a perfect attendance record since joining Buccaneers in 2023, Mayfield suffered a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder in Week 12 of 2025 (loss to Rams), which has emerged as a concern in extension negotiations. He played through the injury, but it contributed to his second-half statistical decline (8 INTs vs. 9 TDs in final seven games). Mayfield responded defiantly to health questions, emphasizing his started-every-game record in Tampa Bay (per Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Addresses Extension Talks, Injury Concerns - ProFootballRumors.com).

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Baker's role

Todd BowlesHead CoachZac RobinsonOffensive CoordinatorGeorge EdwardsPass Game CoordinatorKevin CarberryRun Game Coordinator/Offensive Line CoachT.J. YatesPass Game CoordinatorAndrew MitchellAssistant Offensive Line CoachChandler WhitmerQuarterbacks Coach

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