Baker Mayfield feels ‘disrespected’ in Buccaneers contract drama

Baker Mayfield isn’t pleased with what the Buccaneers offered him in contract talks.

Mayfield and the Bucs were actively negotiating a possible extension until training camp opened this week, when Mayfield said negotiations would be put on hold so he could focus on football.

The lack of a resolution has made him feel “disrespected a little bit,” Mayfield told reporters Thursday.

“That’s really the disappointing part — to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it,” the 31-year-old added.

Mayfield, in the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract, also spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler at the Buccaneers’ facility and said he was especially disappointed by the length of the Bucs’ offers. Mayfield told Fowler the Bucs offered him a two-year deal, and Mayfield wants more of a long-term commitment. Additionally, the Bucs did not want to give Mayfield $50 million per year.

“I can sit here and look at other quarterbacks and peers and evaluate myself based on certain categories…I deserve to be compensated for that,” Mayfield explained.

“I think I’m a franchise quarterback,” he continued. “I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback…said publicly from ownership down here. So to not have a deal done is very disappointing.”

Mayfield also confirmed he’s spoken to his teammates about his situation, assuring them his looming negotiations would not be a distraction during the upcoming season. He mentioned Vita Vea, who recently requested a trade from the Bucs after his negotiations stalled.

Mayfield, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Bucs who had 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season as Tampa went 8-9 and missed the playoffs, also plans to have a massive year.

“If you’ve waited this long to pay your franchise quarterback, it’s only going to get worse…I’m going to have a big year,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield led the Bucs to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, including a divisional round appearance in 2023.