Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht reaffirmed Thursday that quarterback Baker Mayfield remains the franchise’s long-term answer at the position, expressing unwavering support amid ongoing contract discussions.
“We think he is. We love Baker. Our feelings for Baker haven’t changed,” Licht said when asked if Mayfield is a franchise quarterback.
Licht spoke to reporters as the team continues training camp preparations for the 2026 season. Mayfield is entering the final year of the three-year, $100 million contract he signed in March 2024.
The comments came after Mayfield recently expressed frustration over the lack of a new deal, describing feelings of being disrespected and undervalued by the organization. Licht acknowledged the quarterback’s competitive nature while stressing that the relationship remains strong.
“Baker, as we all know here, is a very fiery competitor who’s not afraid to speak his mind,” Licht said. “I’m sure he’s disappointed, frustrated; we were too. We’re in a good place. He’s focused on having the best year of his career.”
Mayfield has started all 51 regular-season games for the Buccaneers since joining the team in 2023. In that span, he has thrown for 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns with 37 interceptions, posting a combined passer rating of 97.3.
His 2024 campaign stood out as a career year. Mayfield completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards and a personal-best 41 touchdowns against 16 interceptions, earning a 106.8 passer rating and a Pro Bowl selection. The performance helped Tampa Bay finish 10-7 and secure another NFC South title.
Even in an injury-plagued 2025 season, when the Buccaneers finished 8-9, Mayfield started all 17 games. He completed 63.2 percent of his 543 attempts for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 90.6 rating. He also added a career-high 382 rushing yards and one rushing score, ranking among the league’s more productive dual-threat quarterbacks.
Through the first six games of 2025, Mayfield averaged 257 passing yards per contest with 12 touchdowns and just one interception before injuries affected his production later in the year. Those injuries included issues to his knee, shoulder and biceps, yet he never missed a start.
Career numbers further underscore Mayfield’s value. Over 123 NFL games, he has completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 28,525 yards, 197 touchdowns and 101 interceptions with a 91.2 rating. He also owns the highest postseason passer rating in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 150 attempts.
Mayfield earned Pro Bowl honors in both 2023 and 2024 after guiding Tampa Bay to consecutive division titles. In 2023, his first full season with the club, he threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while posting a 94.6 rating.
Licht has repeatedly emphasized the organization’s commitment. Discussions about a long-term extension have taken place, though no agreement has been reached. The general manager indicated the franchise tag remains a potential option if needed after the 2026 season.
For now, both sides appear focused on the upcoming campaign. Mayfield has stated his priority is winning, and Licht has described the quarterback as highly motivated.
The Buccaneers open the 2026 regular season seeking to rebound from last year’s midseason slide. With Mayfield under center, the team believes it has the leader necessary to compete in a competitive NFC.
Licht’s public endorsement provides clarity as camp progresses.
The organization continues to view Mayfield as its franchise quarterback, backed by the production and resilience he has shown over three seasons in Tampa Bay.
