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Is Baker Mayfield leaving the Buccaneers? Latest contract comments spark questions over Tampa Bay future
Baker Mayfield paused contract extension talks as Buccaneers veterans reported to training camp, leaving his long-term future with the team uncertain.
Contract talks between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield appear to have reached a standstill, with neither side showing signs of backing down.
As veterans reported for training camp on July 28, Mayfield stuck to his earlier decision to pause negotiations over a contract extension, leaving his long-term future with the franchise uncertain.
Extension talks turn sour
The former No. 1 overall pick, who revived his career after joining Tampa Bay, also made it clear that he is frustrated by the way the organization has handled extension discussions.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mayfield said he felt "disrespected" by the Buccaneers' front office during negotiations, describing the experience as "disappointing" given everything he believes he has contributed to the franchise.
"I'm very, very thankful for the chance (the Buccaneers) gave me – do not get me wrong on that," Mayfield said.
"But I also know what I brought to this franchise, leadership-wise and play-wise. It's been the best years of my career, and I think it's only going to trend upward. So it's disappointing in that regard to feel disrespected a little bit. That's really the disappointing part – to feel undervalued after thinking you've earned it," he added.
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Mayfield seeks elite pay
During a conversation with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Mayfield indicated that he was seeking a new contract worth more than $50 million annually, placing him among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. However, the Buccaneers' offer reportedly fell well short of that asking price.
Will Mayfield leave the Buccaneers?
Mayfield is expected to play out the final season of his current contract before deciding on his long-term future.
Although many around the league still believe Tampa Bay and the quarterback could eventually agree to a new deal, he would become one of the most sought-after free agents if the Buccaneers neither re-sign nor franchise tag him before free agency opens next March.
That said, despite Mayfield's recent public comments expressing frustration with the contract negotiations, there is no confirmation that he is set to leave Tampa Bay.
While the remarks may have added some tension to the situation, his departure remains purely speculative at this stage, with the possibility of a new agreement still very much on the table.
