Most discussions surrounding a new Baker Mayfield contract focus on the possibility of him joining the growing group of quarterbacks earning more than $50 million annually. But what if Mayfield decides to take a different approach? If the Buccaneers quarterback prioritizes keeping Tampa Bay’s roster intact, a lower-end extension could make a lot of sense for both sides.
Rather than pushing for a deal worth $50-53 million annually, Mayfield could potentially agree to something in the neighborhood of four years and $180 million, averaging roughly $45 million per season. While that would still represent a significant raise from his current $33.3 million annual salary, it would place him below the top tier of quarterback contracts.
But why would he do that?
The answer may be sitting just a few lockers away. Defensive tackle Vita Vea is currently holding out of mandatory minicamp while seeking a new contract of his own. Meanwhile, edge rusher Yaya Diaby is entering the final year of his rookie deal and could be in line for a substantial extension if he produces another strong season. Tampa also has several other young players who could eventually need new contracts. A quarterback consuming less cap space makes all of those conversations easier.
Mayfield has repeatedly emphasized how much he enjoys playing in Tampa Bay and how important winning is to him. If he truly views the Buccaneers as his long-term home, there is an argument for taking slightly less than his maximum market value in exchange for helping the front office maintain a championship-caliber roster around him. Tom Brady famously accepted below-market deals for much of his career in New England, allowing the Patriots to retain talent around him and remain annual contenders. More recently, Patrick Mahomes has often structured his contracts in ways that provide the Chiefs flexibility despite remaining among the league’s highest-paid players.
Even quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen have signed deals that quickly became team-friendly as the market continued to rise.
Given that he currently ranks just 16th among quarterbacks in average annual value despite outperforming many players ahead of him, there is certainly an argument that he should pursue every dollar available. But if his priority is winning and keeping Tampa Bay’s core together, a deal around $45 million annually could be the sweet spot. It would provide Mayfield with the long-term security he’s seeking, reward him with a substantial raise, and give Jason Licht additional room to keep players such as Vea and Diaby in Tampa for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What could a lower deal look like between the Bucs and Baker Mayfield?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
