Only two players better paid: Star QB signs new deal

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a new contract on Tuesday, five days before the start of the season.

It is a three-year, $165 million extension.

With an annual salary of $55 million, Mayfield now earns as much as Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence. Only Dak Prescott ($60 million per year) and Patrick Mahomes ($63.09 million per year) earn more.

"Undisputed Leader"

"Baker's arrival marked an important new chapter for our organization, and over the past three years, he has established himself as the undisputed leader of our franchise," says Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer.

"This contract – the largest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history – reflects our belief in Baker and his leadership qualities on and off the field. His fighting spirit, resilience, and will to win embody everything we want from our players. Baker and his wife Emily have made a significant impact on the Tampa Bay community, and we are thrilled that their family will call Tampa Bay home for many years to come."

"Heartbeat of This Team"

Mayfield has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. Mayfield, who was selected by Cleveland as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, made the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons in Tampa and led the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles.

He was an MVP candidate in the first half of last season when the team started 6-2 but battled injuries and declined.

"From the moment Baker arrived, he brought a belief and a competitive drive that had a tremendous impact on our football team," says Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht.

"He has earned the respect of everyone in our building with the way he prepares, battles, and takes accountability. His toughness and ability to deliver in big moments are a big part of what makes him special, but what truly stands out is the leadership he brings every day. Baker is the heartbeat of this team, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have a quarterback and leader like him."

Mayfield Felt Disrespected

Mayfield had set a deadline for a new contract before the start of training camp and felt "disrespected" when he didn't receive one. Now it's done.

"I've been pretty open and honest about how I feel about Tampa, that it's a home for our family, that we're raising kids here," Mayfield said in July. "We love it here. I wanted a contract to get done, and I set the deadline and told them after that, everything would be on the field, and I meant that. I don't know if they thought I would take some of the offers they made."

"I've reached a point in my career where I understand what I've done for this franchise. First, I'm very grateful for the opportunity they gave me – I don't want to be misunderstood. But I also know, I truly know what I've done for this franchise, both in terms of leadership and play. These have been some of the best years of my career, and I think that will only continue to go up."

"The Ultimate Competitor"

The Buccaneers, who begin their season on the road against Cincinnati, will try to recover from an 8-9 record that led to them missing the playoffs. The Bucs are the clear betting favorites to win the NFC South for the fifth time in six seasons.

"Baker is the ultimate competitor, and the guys in our locker room feed off the energy, confidence, and toughness he brings every day," says Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles.

"He prepares properly, takes accountability, and is an undisputed leader for our team. His belief in himself and this team never wavers, and he sets the tone for us daily. That's what you want from the person leading your football team, and we look forward to continuing to build with him as our quarterback.