Baker Mayfield Feels 'Disrespected' by Buccaneers Ownership
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield feels "disrespected" by the team's ownership after failing to secure a contract extension, according to the quarterback himself.
Mayfield, who has been with the Buccaneers since 2023, expressed his disappointment in a press conference on Thursday, stating that he feels undervalued after a successful stint with the team. "I've been pretty up front and honest about my feelings about Tampa, it being home for our family, raising kids here," Mayfield said. "We love it here. I wanted a deal done and set the deadline and told them it was going to be all ball after that, and I did mean that."
Mayfield, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, has been a key player for the Buccaneers, leading the team to consecutive NFC South titles and making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons. He has also been an MVP candidate, but the team's struggles with injuries and a decline in performance have affected his chances of securing a new deal.
The quarterback, who has set a deadline for getting a new contract by the start of training camp, has addressed his teammates to let them know that he won't let the issue become a distraction. "Money should never be the motivation in football," Mayfield said. "It's how do I help this team win? It's never going to be the motivation for me."
Mayfield's comments come as the Buccaneers face a challenging season ahead, with several key players, including defensive tackle Vita Vea, entering the final year of their deals. Vea has missed the first two days of practice with a back injury, and Mayfield expressed his hope that the team will take care of him. "It's all about winning here now and what we're going to do and hopefully gets his back fixed and gets his deal done," Mayfield said.
Mayfield's current contract, which averages between $50-55 million, is considered to be his current range. If he plays like he did in 2024, with 4,500 yards passing, 41 touchdown passes, 71.4% completion rate, and 106.8 passer rating, the Buccaneers may have to pay him even more than he commands now.
Offensive lineman Ben Bredeson spoke highly of Mayfield, saying that he remains the same leader and friend that the team loves. "Baker hasn't missed a beat or changed one bit through anything that's going on," Bredeson said. "He's still our quarterback, he's still the same leader, friend, guy that we all love."
The Buccaneers' situation with Mayfield and Vea will be closely watched as the team prepares for the upcoming season. With several key players entering the final year of their deals, the team's management will have to make some tough decisions to ensure the team's success.
The Buccaneers' management has yet to comment on the situation, but it's clear that Mayfield's feelings of being "disrespected" will be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks. As the team prepares for the new season, the question on everyone's mind is what happens next for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Source: Yahoo Sports