Bucs' Mayfield Extension: Risks & Rewards

0:00It's March 25th. This is NFL News Today, your AI-powered source for everything in NFL. Baker Mayfield has been a solid quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to strong seasons in 2023 and 20. 24. He started 2025 as an MVP contender, but his performance fell sharply in the second half. Now, reports say the Bucks plan to offer him a big extension this offseason, possibly over $50 million a year. That comes amid questions about what caused his late season slum. Stats show his efficiency drop from 17th in the league early on, to near the bottom later, with worse deep passes, more picks, and lower. Yards per attempt. Injuries to his shoulder, knee, bicep, and oblique piled up, though he gutted it out most games. Fans and analysts worry it's not just injuries. Mayfield has long struggled with deep accuracy, fumbles, and sacks, issues seen across his Bucks tenure, except in his peak year. Plus, the team's coaching in front office face heat after a mid-season collapse from 6

1:03and 2 to 8 and 9. Team leaders like Coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Lycht could be on shaky ground heading into 2026. A massive deal for Mayfield might tie up cap space if a rebuild hits, making it harder to attract new talent or staff. For now, the smart play seems to be letting Mayfield finish his current contract. A bounce back year could lock him in long term, but any repeat slump might change everything for Tampa Bay's future.