Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield could become one of the most intriguing free agents next spring if contract negotiations with the team remain stalled, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Florio, appearing on the “Pardon My Take” podcast Monday, suggested Mayfield might deliberately choose a less lucrative offer elsewhere as a statement against the Buccaneers.
“I could see him taking less money to go to Pittsburgh,” Florio said, describing the Steelers as a potentially ideal landing spot.
Mayfield is playing the 2026 season on the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract signed in 2024. Extension talks between the two sides ended without an agreement before training camp, leaving him on pace to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2027 unless Tampa Bay applies the franchise tag.
The Buccaneers restructured Mayfield’s deal last year to guarantee him $30 million for 2026, but the sides could not bridge the gap on a long-term extension. Mayfield has said he felt somewhat disrespected by the offers, which reportedly fell short of the $50 million annual average threshold that has become common for established starting quarterbacks.
Mayfield has revived his career since signing a one-year prove-it deal with Tampa Bay in 2023. In 2024 he set career highs with 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and a 106.8 passer rating while completing 71.4 percent of his throws, leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs.
His 2025 season was more modest amid injuries, as he completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 90.6 rating. He also added 382 rushing yards and one touchdown on 55 carries. Career totals through eight seasons stand at 28,525 passing yards, 197 touchdowns and 101 interceptions with a 91.2 rating across 123 games.
Florio pointed to Mayfield’s competitive nature, recalling how the former No. 1 overall pick responded after being discarded by the Cleveland Browns. He argued the Buccaneers appear confident they can outbid other teams if Mayfield reaches free agency, yet that assumption could backfire if the quarterback prioritizes a preferred destination over maximum money.
Pittsburgh has long sought stability at quarterback. The Steelers have relied on short-term veteran stopgaps in recent seasons and could view Mayfield as a proven starter capable of elevating their offense under a new coaching staff. Florio called the fit “perfect,” noting the franchise’s defensive strength and history of supporting mobile, tough quarterbacks.
Mayfield has repeatedly expressed appreciation for the opportunity Tampa Bay provided after brief stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. He has said his focus remains on winning a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers this season regardless of his long-term status.
Still, the unresolved contract creates uncertainty. Applying the franchise tag in 2027 would carry a projected cost approaching $50 million for one year and create significant dead money complications if not resolved through an extension. Florio noted the Buccaneers face roughly $30 million in dead money next year even before considering a tag or new deal.
League observers note that proven quarterbacks rarely reach the open market. Mayfield’s combination of production, leadership and dual-threat ability could generate interest from multiple teams, including Pittsburgh, if he becomes available. Whether he would truly accept a reduced salary remains speculative, but Florio’s comments highlight the leverage a motivated free agent can hold.
The Buccaneers open the regular season later this month. Mayfield is expected to start and has said he will continue competing at a high level while under contract.
Any resolution on his future will likely wait until after the 2026 campaign concludes.
