Baker Mayfield feels ‘disrespected’ by the Bucs
· Yahoo Sports
Baker Mayfield didn’t hold back when discussing the failed contract negotiations with the Buccaneers following Thursday’s training camp practice. In fact, his frustration was evident on the topic.
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The veteran quarterback stated he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued” after extension talks stalled before camp. Mayfield talked about the deadline he set so his focus could shift entirely to football, but believed the organization expected him to accept offers he felt didn’t reflect his value.
“I wanted the deal done and set the deadline and told them it was going to be all ball after that, and I did mean that,” Mayfield said. “And I don’t know if they thought I was just going to take some of the offers that they gave, but I’m at the point of my career and understanding what I’ve brought to this franchise. One, I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me — do not get me wrong on that — but I also really know what I’ve brought to this franchise leadership-wise and even play-wise. It’s been some of the best years of my career, and I think it’s only going to trend upwards, just being comfortable and feeling that. So, disappointing in that regard to not have… to feel disrespected a little bit. And that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.”
Reports throughout negotiations indicated the two sides remained significantly apart, with Tampa Bay reportedly below Mayfield’s desired $50 million annual average value. Other reports also suggested the guarantees in the Buccaneers’ proposals were comparatively low, becoming another major sticking point in discussions.
And all that is ‘too bad’ according to Mayfield.
“If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad because it’s only going to get worse from here. I’m going to have a really big year.”
Mayfield noted, when speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the most disappointing part of the negotiations was that no offer had more than two years on it.
Perhaps the Bucs played their cards right here. Mayfield had career numbers when he was slinging the ball around while Mike Evans was on the field. Now with Mike Evans gone, the team may want to see what he does now post-Evans.
On the flip side, Tampa Bay’s signal caller believes he brings more to the table and even without Evans in the lineup — but having 2025 rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka — he was leading a lot of MVP talks at least through the midway point of last season.
We may not know who took the right approach here until the season ends. The one thing that is certain here is that one side may be kicking themselves when it’s all said and done.