In 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured one of the best deals in franchise history by winning the NFC South Division with quarterback Baker Mayfield on a one-year, $4 million contract. However, the team had to significantly invest in Mayfield for 2024, offering him a three-year, $100 million contract in March.
PFF’s Trevor Sikkema praised Tampa Bay for making the quick move to re-sign Mayfield, highlighting this decision in his July 11 article on the “Best 2024 NFL Offseason Decision by Every NFC Team.” Sikkema noted that while Mayfield was inconsistent early in his first year with the Buccaneers, he performed strongly from Week 14 onward, earning a 79.1 passing grade and making key plays. Sikkema believes that re-signing Mayfield gives the Buccaneers a solid chance to win the division again.
Mayfield not only led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title but also achieved career highs with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Mayfield’s NFL journey has been notably unconventional. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 after an impressive college career, he initially led the Browns to the playoffs. However, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers and then to the Los Angeles Rams before landing with the Buccaneers following Tom Brady’s retirement in 2023.
Mayfield’s new contract with the Buccaneers includes $50 million guaranteed and a potential 2025 out clause, resulting in a $43.1 million dead cap hit. Despite not having his best statistical season, Mayfield’s performance in the final games of the year earned him a substantial extension.
With many 2023 starters returning, the Buccaneers are poised for another competitive season. Although Mayfield will be the 17th highest-paid quarterback in 2024, he could move further down the list if Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love receives a new contract extension.
