Buccaneers Coach Wants Mayfield Long-Term, but Sides Remain Far Apart on New Deal

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said Thursday there is "absolutely no question" he wants Baker Mayfield as his quarterback long term. Bowles made the statement after Mayfield said last week that he and the team are "not anywhere close to what we were thinking" regarding a new deal heading into the 2026 season.

Mayfield's current contract is a three-year deal worth $100 million, with 2026 as the final year.

Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, have said they would like a new deal done before training camp. Mayfield's reporting date for training camp is expected to be the final week in July. If no new deal is reached before his reporting date, Mayfield and his agent would shut down negotiations to focus on football.

Mayfield would become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if no new deal is struck. " Bowles said he does not believe the lack of progress on a new deal has impacted Mayfield. "He's all about business," Bowles said.

"The contract stuff takes care of itself. 5 million in 2023. He led the Bucs to NFC South titles in both 2023 and 2024. 529) with Mayfield as their starter.

During Thursday's OTA practice, Mayfield connected with wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. on back-to-back touchdowns in 7-on-7s. Mayfield also participated in the Bucs' 12th annual "Color & Cut Funds the Cure" event benefiting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, where cancer survivors colored his hair with red spray paint.

"Baker's a true pro," Bowles said. "I don't think there's any disappointment whatsoever.