Bucs facing a tough decision with Baker Mayfield in 2026

The Bucs have enjoyed having Baker Mayfield as their quarterback since signing him in free agency back in 2023. He came to Tampa Bay after a career that saw him struggle to find his footing after being left out in the proverbial cold by the Cleveland Browns despite leading them to the playoffs. Now, while Mayfield has enjoyed a career renaissance in Tampa Bay, he has also been up and down in terms of performance.

As a result, as he heads into the final year of his contract, the team will have some tough decisions to make. Paying a quarterback is always a tricky situation to handle, and CBS Sports' Joel Corry discussed several angles of it all recently. The biggest point he makes is that paying him sooner rather than later will be the best-case scenario given how many quarterbacks are about to be paid.

Corry explains, "If Mayfield's situation results in a franchise tag next year, he would have little incentive to do a deal quickly like Jones did under his transition tag. Mayfield's best deal would probably come from letting the quarterback market further develop under the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats. Lamar Jackson will be in a contract year in 2027.

As 2024 draft picks, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix will be eligible for contract extensions. At least one of the five should reset the quarterback market. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the league's highest-paid player at $60 million per year.