06 March 2024 , 03:00
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised to keep hold of Baker Mayfield - but the New England Patriots aren't giving up just yet.
The star quarterback is about to become a free agent and it's thought he'll rejoin the Buccaneers - but the Patriots are also keen to sign him. Mayfield had an amazing comeback season, leading the Buccaneers to a division title and a surprise playoff win.
After signing a one-year deal worth up to $8.5million (£6.7m), Mayfield took over from the retired Tom Brady. He led the Bucs to their third NFC South title in a row with a 9-8 record before guiding the team to a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Buccaneers made it to the Divisional Round for only the third time in 21 years, but then lost a close game to the Detroit Lions. As he becomes a free agent, Mayfield has always said he wants to return to Tampa for the 2024 NFL season, especially now that star receiver Mike Evans has committed to the team with a new two-year deal.
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According to Bleacher Report via Bleacher Report, Mayfield might play hardball to get the most money possible after having his best ever season in terms of passing yards and touchdowns last season - which could push his price up to $40m (£31.5m) per year.
The Patriots might have a chance here. With the Mac Jones era seemingly over, they've got more than $100m (£78.7m) in cap space and the No. 3 pick in next month's NFL Draft. They might even choose a quarterback - but if not, Mayfield could be their guy.
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Mike Evans has re-signed with the Buccaneers - will Mayfield join him? (Getty Images)Mayfield is set to earn around $35m (£27.6m) per year after expressing his wish to find a permanent team and aim for a Super Bowl win. If he becomes a free agent, there will definitely be teams interested, which could push up his price.
In the end, the Buccaneers will probably try to match any contract offer from another team. They've brought in Liam Coen, who Mayfield knows well, as the new offensive coordinator, and Evans is back on a two-year deal worth $52m (£40.9m)
So it's clear they're doing everything they can to get Mayfield back in a Buccaneers jersey. After being the first pick for the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and having stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield - the least paid starting quarterback not on a rookie contract this season - seems to have found his place in Florida.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.