BakerMayfield

News: 3 hours agoMayfield and the Buccaneers agreed Tuesday on a three-year, $165 million contract extension, Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport of ESPN report.

Spin: Though Mayfield's self-imposed deadline of the start of training camp for signing a new contract came and went without him coming to terms with the Buccaneers, the two sides revisited extension talks less than a week before the start of the regular season and were able to find common ground on a deal. With the new deal in place, the Buccaneers will avoid losing Mayfield in free agency next offseason and keep him on their books through 2029. Mayfield's first three seasons in Tampa Bay have been a resounding success, with the quarterback averaging 31.6 touchdown passes per season and having led the team to two playoff appearances.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mayfield is back for Year 4 as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback. He has put together three consecutive top-12 fantasy campaigns, though his 2025 season (12th in total points, but 19th in points per game) was a big step back from 2024 (fourth overall and per game). Mayfield tossed 26 touchdowns (way down from 41 in 2024) and severely lacked upside, managing only four top-10 fantasy weeks. Granted, the 31-year-old was not fully healthy throughout the season and did still finish in the top 10 at the position in key categories, including passing yards, passing TDs and rushing yards. With a solid supporting cast and Zac Robinson as playcaller, Mayfield has some rebound potential and does just enough with his legs to make him an appealing QB2 target.