Baker Mayfield

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robinson coached Mayfield at the Rams in 2022 and the two have expressed strong mutual trust. A tailor-made scheme from a coordinator who knows Mayfield's strengths could unlock the MVP-ceiling production he flashed early in 2025.

Tampa's receiving corps should be healthier in 2026 with Evans returning from injury, Godwin hopefully at full strength, and rookies Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan continuing to develop. This is a top-tier supporting cast that can elevate Mayfield's ceiling.

Emeka Egbuka (dynasty value, the highest-valued teammate on the roster) enters Year 2, the classic breakout window for young receivers. A Egbuka leap provides Mayfield with a legitimate long-term WR1 target.

GM Jason Licht stated 'Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times' and the Bucs are 'confident' a multi-year deal (~$53–56M/year) will be finalized. An extension would cement Mayfield as Tampa's franchise QB through his early-to-mid 30s, providing dynasty stability and potential value lift.

New OC Zac Robinson (ex-Rams/Atlanta) built a top-5 passing attack in 2024 with a weaker QB room; pairing his scheme with Mayfield is a legitimate efficiency and volume catalyst.