This offseason, free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield will have the opportunity to change teams for the fourth time in three years, but it’s possible he’s found a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former No. 1 overall pick posted career numbers across the board in 2023, completing 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while going 9-8 as a starter and winning the NFC South. Could his 2023 campaign result in a lucrative contract with the Buccaneers or another team?
Mayfield is the only quarterback in NFL history to have eight different head coaches over a span of six seasons. He is also just the fourth quarterback all-time to win playoff games for two different teams in his first six seasons. It has been reported that Mayfield and the Buccaneers have mutual interest in bringing the QB back next season. Mayfield found success with veteran receiver Mike Evans, who tied for the league lead with 13 touchdown receptions. However, Evans was re-signed before free agency, which is an interesting factor that could affect what happens with Mayfield.
Below, we’ll break down Mayfield’s projected contract and the top five landing spots for the veteran signal-caller.
Projected contract
According to Spotrac’s market value tool, Mayfield could sign a four-year, $108,512,500 contract that carries an AAV of $27.1 million. This deal would make him the No. 18 highest-paid quarterback, and the $27.1 million AAV is behind players like Jared Goff, Derek Carr and Daniel Jones.
Last year, Mayfield signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract that included $4 million and was worth up to $8.5 million through incentives. CBS Sports cap guru Joel Corry says a “Derek Carr-type deal” makes sense this time around. For its analysis, click on here.
Potential landing spots
5. Atlanta Falcons
Mayfield leaving the Bucs for a division rival would be crazy, but you never know what could happen if communication breaks down between Mayfield’s camp and Jason Licht. The Falcons are absolutely in the race for a new quarterback, and it appears all options are on the table, whether it’s trading for Justin Fields, drafting a quarterback in the first round, or explore the free agency market.
4. The Las Vegas Raiders
Mayfield could move from one pirate ship to another, joining Antonio Pierce in Vegas. Pierce told the Reaper that he didn’t want “Bandage” at the most important position, so the QB-need Raiders could be a team that offers Mayfield a multi-year extension. But going the veteran route again probably isn’t appealing to fans.
It has been reported that Davante Adams holds Aidan O’Connell in high regard and sees potential in the young player. Still, the quarterback position is one the Raiders front office is studying this offseason, and they could move on to Mayfield.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are probably the most intriguing team that may or may not be in the quarterback market. Will they ride with Kenny Pickett? Could they trade for Fields? Will they draft one in the first round? Going the free agency route could also be an option. New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has seen Mayfield twice during his career campaign – something the Bucs QB accomplished while having the worst rushing game in the NFL (88.8 rushing yards per game). Imagine what Mayfield might be able to get ahead with a ground game – something Smith knows how to build. The Falcons had the No. 9 rushing attack last year and the No. 3 rushing attack in 2022. The Steelers will run the ball with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in 2024.
2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ main focus over the next week is finding a way to get out of Russell Wilson’s contract. The next goal will be for Sean Payton to find a quarterback he feels comfortable with to run his offense. That quarterback could be Mayfield. If you don’t believe me, watch this interview.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are the favorite to retain Mayfield. As we mentioned above, Mayfield is the only quarterback in NFL history to have eight different head coaches over a span of six seasons. Do you think he wants to pack his bags again? The money has to be right, of course. But it’s possible Mayfield has found a home in Tampa Bay.
The two sides began contract negotiations earlier this month, according to the Tampa Bay Timeswhile head coach Todd Bowles called the signing of Mayfield and Evans “a extremely high priority” at the NFL Combine.
“It’s obviously an extremely high priority,” Bowles said Tuesday on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.” “You know, we have a few days left until the championship year starts, but we love Baker. Baker had a hell of a year. He fit in with us perfectly throughout. The chemistry was exceptional with him and all the receivers and “The offense as a whole, so you want to hopefully build on that. I understand the business side. Like I said, we love Bake and we hope things work out. ”
It makes sense for Mayfield to return to Tampa Bay. We’ll see if that happens.