The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract worth up to $115 million with incentives, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday.
After a whirlwind career, Mayfield returned to the Bucs as a starter in 2023. Prior to that, the former No. 1 overall draft pick had spent time in Carolina and Los Angeles after losing his starting quarterback job with the Cleveland Browns and being released to the Panthers.
Baker Mayfield has been granted a three-year contract. “I wanted a chance to come back,” Mayfied said. “I love Coach Bowles and his staff. I'm happy to be here and I want to win more in the postseason.” https://t.co/Y4mRr8sGOI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2024
Since that trade, Mayfield has been trying to get back to the form the Browns had when they selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He finally got it last season in Tampa. The 28-year-old had a great year, setting career highs in completion percentage, touchdowns and passing yards.
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 4: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFC during the second half of the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium on February 4, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. celebrates. Megan Briggs/Getty Images.
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes the ball during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.Nick Antaya/Getty Images
He played so well that star receiver Mike Evans decided he wanted to get back in Tampa. Resign Play with the team on Monday rather than hit the open market as a free agent.
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 21: Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 6 Baker Mayfield throws an interception against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Ford Field on January 21. hugs No. 13 Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.Nick Antaya/Getty Images
Both Baker and Tampa love this. I've always believed in Baker's abilities. I thought it would be foolish of Cleveland to give up on the player who led them to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years and the player who won the playoffs for the first time in 26 years. (Related article: NFL team releases former star QB for nothing, they really wanted him released)
Mayfield will now fight back with a Tampa core that made the playoffs and had a convincing win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the team would lose to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round, the future looks very bright with the acquisition of Mayfield.
