f1

Buccaneers could have big Baker Mayfield problem in 2026

โ€ขSky F1

Mayfield is in the final year of his deal.

Buccaneers could have big Baker Mayfield problem in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . There's no denying that ever since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield, he's been superb for the franchise.

Making the playoffs twice in three seasons, making two Pro Bowls, and playing some of the best football of his career, Mayfield has established himself as one of the better quarterbacks in football. But entering 2026, there could be a huge problem coming for Tampa Bay -- Baker is in the last year of his deal. That means a big extension could be forthcoming, or the Buccaneers might have to look for his replacement.

For NFL. com's Kevin Patra, it's a big decision the franchise has to make. "Baker Mayfield's contract situation will be discussed plenty this offseason,โ€ Patra wrote .

โ€œPaying now would increase his cost but might save the Bucs money -- and some headaches -- in the long run. โ€ More: Commanders urged to focus draft plans on Jayden Daniels Buccaneers to pay up for Mayfield? Well, if they want to keep the Pro Bowl quarterback around, they'll have to.