Baker Mayfield future hanging in the balance after Tampa Bay Buccaneers decision

19 February 2024 , 23:32

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Baker Mayfield's future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is hanging in the balance (Image: Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a big decision about Baker Mayfield's contract, which could see the quarterback hitting the open market.

Mayfield had a great season with the Bucs after signing a one-year deal in 2023, even making it to the Pro Bowl for the first time and leading the team to the NFC South title Divisional round of the playoffs.

But instead of using the franchise tag to keep Mayfield at Raymond James Stadium, the team is planning to use it on star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. The 25-year-old safety had an amazing season in 2023, earning First-team All-Pro honours.

If the Bucs use the franchise tag on Winfield, he'll get $16.2 million guaranteed next season. The transition tag would cost less at $14m, but the Bucs would be taking a risk if another team offered the star safety a contract.

This decision means the Bucs might lose their quarterback when the new league year starts next month. Mayfield, who used to play for the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, had his best season this year, throwing for career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28), while only throwing 10 interceptions as the Bucs went 9-8 in the regular season.

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Mayfield, who was the top pick in 2018, did well in the playoffs too. He led his team to a surprise win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. Then they lost a tough game to the Detroit Lions the next week.

Last season, Mayfield didn't do well with the Panthers after the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson to replace him. But he got better when he played for the Rams at the end of the year before signing a deal for one year and $4 million with the Bucs.

He could make more money this year because of his performances in 2023. Other teams might want him, too. And with offensive coordinator Dave Canales leaving to be the head coach for the Panthers, Mayfield has to think about what he'll do. But Liam Coen, who worked with him at the Rams, is joining the Bucs, which might convince Mayfield stay.

The Bucs are set to use the franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr. (right) (Getty Images)

"It all just kind of depends," Mayfield said at the Pro Bowl, before Coen joined the team. "Obviously, Tampa, we're going though a little bit of a OC search right now. It'll start there. They were the first ones that gave me a chance, and (I'm) thankful for them. We'll see. Taking it one day at a time.

"My agent and them, I think they engaged a little bit. But obviously when Canales left - and happy for him, as well, getting a head coaching job, he deserves that - but when they started the OC search, I think they know that we've got to know who's calling plays before anything's done."

No matter whether Mayfield stays or goes, his contract will still have an impact on the Bucs' wage bill for the 2024 season. His agreement was cancelled on Monday, leaving a $2.3m hit on the cap. If the Bucs had used the franchise label on Mayfield, it would have cost them $36.3m for the season. For quarterbacks, the transition tag is set at $31.2m.

Sam Frost