In recent statements, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has reiterated his commitment to quarterback Baker Mayfield, expressing a clear preference for Mayfield to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. Bowles stated, "We love Baker. Baker had a heck of a year, he fit right in with us all the way around, the chemistry was outstanding with the receivers and the offense as a whole. We want to hope to build on that." ([si.com](https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/news/todd-bowles-hopes-buccaneers-baker-mayfield-contract-worked-out?utm_source=openai))
Mayfield, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract signed in 2024, has been vocal about his desire for a contract extension. In early June 2026, he acknowledged that negotiations were not progressing as anticipated, stating, "Contract stuff is happening, starting, talks and whatnot, not anywhere close to what we were thinking." ([foxsports.com](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/baker-mayfields-comments-show-extension-buccaneers-complicated?utm_source=openai))
Despite the lack of immediate progress, Mayfield emphasized his commitment to the team, saying, "I'm under contract for 2026. The guys in that locker room, the staff know that I'm still gonna be me, still gonna do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl." ([foxsports.com](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/baker-mayfields-comments-show-extension-buccaneers-complicated?utm_source=openai))
General Manager Jason Licht has also expressed a strong desire to retain Mayfield, stating, "Nobody here wants Baker to be playing for any other team, so I'll just leave it at that." ([si.com](https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/what-bucs-gm-said-baker-mayfield-contract-situation?utm_source=openai))
As the Buccaneers prepare for the 2026 season, the organization remains focused on resolving Mayfield's contract situation to ensure stability at the quarterback position. The team's upcoming preseason schedule includes games against the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jacksonville Jaguars, providing opportunities for Mayfield to continue building chemistry with his teammates. ## NFL Schedule - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Jets on Friday, Aug 14, 2026 at 04:00 PM PDT - Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug 22, 2026 at 04:30 PM PDT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, Aug 28, 2026 at 04:30 PM PDT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sep 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT - Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT - Minnesota Vikings @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sep 27, 2026 at 01:05 PM PDT - Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct 04, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Oct 08, 2026 at 05:15 PM PDT - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT - Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov 01, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears on Sunday, Nov 08, 2026 at 05:20 PM PST - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST - Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 05:15 PM PST - Los Angeles Chargers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec 06, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Dec 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST - New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST
