The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been able to reach a new deal with Baker Mayfield, but general manager Jason Licht isn’t wavering on how the organization views its starting quarterback.
While speaking with reporters, Licht was asked about Mayfield and the ongoing contract situation. Logan B. Robinson shared Licht’s comments on social media, with the Bucs GM declining to discuss the specifics of negotiations while offering a strong endorsement of Mayfield.
“We love Baker,” Licht said, while also calling Mayfield a franchise quarterback.
That’s an important distinction given Mayfield’s entry into the final year of his current contract. The two sides have been unable to find common ground on an extension, and Mayfield has publicly expressed his disappointment with how negotiations played out. The uncertainty has naturally created questions about whether Tampa Bay views him as its long-term answer.
At least publicly, Licht isn’t adding any fuel to those questions. Calling Mayfield a franchise quarterback while contract negotiations remain unresolved underscores how highly the organization still thinks of him, even if that belief hasn’t translated into a new deal.
Mayfield has already made his position clear as well. He wants to remain in Tampa Bay and has continued participating in training camp despite the failed extension talks, choosing to focus on the upcoming season rather than hold out.
Eventually, Tampa Bay’s words will have to meet the financial side of the equation if Mayfield is going to remain its quarterback beyond 2026. For now, though, Licht isn’t treating him like a quarterback the Bucs are preparing to move on from.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs GM talks up Baker Mayfield as contract talks go on
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
