We knew the two parties were interested, but the operation remained to be confirmed. It's a thing to do. A few hours before the start of free agency negotiations, the Buccaneers have secured their quarterback position.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL media, Baker Mayfield has reached an agreement with the franchise to return for the next three seasons. The contract of 100 million dollars, could even go up to 115 million, and guarantees the player an amount of 50 million.
Arriving in Tampa a year ago without any certainty of being the starter, Baker Mayfield has completely relaunched his career after two particularly difficult years. The 28-year-old integrated perfectly into the Florida squad and almost made Tom Brady forget who retired last spring. Author of his best career season, the former 1st choice in the 2018 draft quickly created chemistry with Mike Evans in particular.
Tampa Bay retains its executives
With his return, the Buccs' are completing their offseason work aimed at retaining their strengths. After the extension of Mike Evans and the franchise tag of Antoine Winfield Jr., the franchise therefore retains its quarterback.
Champion of the NFC South division in 2023, Tampa Bay did better than a simple reconstruction season by reaching the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Mayfield was part of his unexpected results at the start of the season. Crossing the 4,000 yard mark for the first time in his career, the quarterback threw 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
A nice revenge for the one who was pushed out by the Browns to make room for DeShaun Watson, and tossed from Carolina to Los Angeles in 2022 without ever convincing.