Buccaneers quarterback says contract extension talks remain far apart
Baker Mayfield stated publicly that extension discussions with the team are not close to his expectations and called for a long-term agreement. He also addressed the departure of wide receiver Mike Evans and changes in the receiving group.
ESPNBaker Mayfield said contract extension talks with the Buccaneers "are not anywhere close to what we were thinking" and that "it's time to get something done long-term." The quarterback spoke publicly for the first time this offseason. He noted the family has built roots in the Tampa area and plans to raise children there.
Evans departure Mayfield called the loss of franchise scoring leader Mike Evans "disappointing" and said he expected Evans to remain with the team for his entire career. Evans signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield said he sent teammate Chris Godwin a text message with a sad face emoji after the signing. He described Evans as a Hall of Famer and said the two remain good friends.
Receiving group outlook Mayfield said Godwin, entering his 10th season, is positioned to increase his impact. He also expressed excitement about Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson. "When you lose a guy like that, you got to have a lot of people fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have that," Mayfield said.
" He said prior knowledge of the team's operations from those negotiations is beneficial. Mayfield threw for 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2023 and 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns in 2024. In 2025 he threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns while the team dealt with multiple injuries.
"They gave me a chance at a point in my career when I really needed it and helped me out, but I think I did the same as well," Mayfield said.
