Risk Flags
6- Late Season Collapse
Mayfield's play declined sharply over the second half of the 2025 season as the Bucs collapsed from a 6-2 start into an 8-9 finish. Nine of his 11 interceptions on the season came in the team's last eight games. This volatility is a franchise-defining concern.
- Contract Uncertainty
The Buccaneers find themselves at a crossroads as they enter the 2026 offseason, with Mayfield turning 31 this year and entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million contract. The big question the Bucs face with Mayfield is whether to sign him to an extension, and if so, how much. His late-season struggles significantly complicate this decision.
- Inconsistency Pattern
Mayfield is among the most volatile starting quarterbacks in the NFL. While metrics show an average NFL starting quarterback, his volatility—going from being a top-five performer to near bottom-five—takes more than changes at offensive coordinator and injury luck.
- Production Volatility
Mayfield was an MVP candidate through the first half of 2025 before collapsing badly in the back stretch, finishing as QB13 at 16.0 PPG. Back-to-back late-season dropoffs raise legitimate durability and consistency concerns that dynasty managers cannot ignore.
- Receiver Room Loss
Mike Evans — Mayfield's most reliable, high-volume target — departed to San Francisco in free agency, leaving a significant gap in the WR1 role. Egbuka and McMillan must absorb that production without a proven track record at that level.
- Receiver Room
Mike Evans signed a 3-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, ending his 12-year tenure in Tampa. Todd Bowles called it 'a huge loss' — the passing game must now rebuild cohesion around Egbuka, Godwin, and McMillan without its most experienced and reliable target.