Baker Mayfield faces pivotal 2026 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield enters the 2026 NFL season as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite the team declining to sign him to a long-term contract extension. Analysts indicate the player faces a financial crossroads, with his performance this season likely determining his eligibility for a contract exceeding $50 million annually. While he remains the starter in Tampa Bay for the current year, his future with the organization beyond 2026 remains uncertain. Speculation suggests teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers could pursue him in free agency if he demonstrates high-level play. The Buccaneers currently maintain the option to use the franchise tag to retain his rights or facilitate a trade rather than allowing him to depart in free agency.

• 7:31 PMYahoo Sports — Baker Mayfield faces a $50M crossroads amid uncertain Buccaneers future