Baker Mayfield contract extension impacts future salary negotiations for Sam Darnold
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 2:15 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $165 million contract extension, which includes $110 million in guaranteed money. This financial commitment establishes a new baseline for veteran quarterback contracts in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks face a similar situation regarding Sam Darnold, who is currently playing in the second year of a three-year, $100 million deal. With Darnold approaching potential extension talks, his market value is expected to exceed $50 million annually depending on his performance throughout the current season. Seahawks general manager John Schneider must now decide if the team will commit to a high-value quarterback contract or continue its strategy of pursuing competitive success with more cost-effective options. Future negotiations will likely be influenced by how the team performs during their pursuit of a Super Bowl appearance.
- •Baker Mayfield signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- •Sam Darnold is in the second year of a $100 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
- •Extensions for Darnold are expected to reach at least $50 million per year.
- •Seattle previously utilized cost-effective quarterback contracts to build playoff-caliber rosters.
- 2:15 AMYahoo Sports — Why Baker Mayfield’s new contract is relevant to Seahawks, Sam Darnold
"The Buccaneers just extended Baker Mayfield, and it could serve as the floor for a Sam Darnold extension.
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