Buccaneers GM Confident in Mayfield, Diaby Extensions
Despite a late-season collapse, the Buccaneers GM is committed to securing Baker Mayfield and Yaya Diaby long-term, building a new core.
Despite a mid-season breakdown that caused the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to miss the playoffs, general manager Jason Licht is confident in extending quarterback Baker Mayfield and linebacker Yaya Diaby. Both are entering the 2026 season on the last year of their contracts -- Mayfield at $10 million and Diaby at $3. 6 million.
Tampa Bay handing them extensions creates a new core for the Bucs following the departures of longtime legends Lavonte David and Mike Evans . Licht did not entertain questions about Mayfield potentially playing out his contract for more money; instead, he praised his franchise's quarterback and left extension talks for later down the line. "He's one of the toughest guys on the team," Licht told the media in March.
"He's a great leader. Everything kind of revolves around the quarterback spot. At some point, we'll figure something out.
There's no timetable on that. Mayfield's three years with Tampa Bay show he is a reliable starting quarterback who can help a team win games. He threw for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns and 37 interceptions in his three seasons with the team.