Buccaneers Icon Supports Mayfield Amid Contract Tensions

WHO:

Pro Football Network - Dez Bryant, a former Dallas Cowboys star, offered advice to Baker Mayfield regarding his contract issues with the Buccaneers.

Pro Football Network - Baker Mayfield is the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pro Football Network - Gerald McCoy is a Buccaneers legend supporting Mayfield.

WHAT:

Newsweek - The contract presented to Baker Mayfield by the Buccaneers left him feeling "disrespected."

NBC Sports - The Buccaneers could tag Baker Mayfield and trade him, but they would need to carry an extra $47.7 million in cap space until the trade occurs.

NBC Sports - The Buccaneers could tag Baker Mayfield and trade him, but they would need to carry an extra $47.7 million in cap space until the trade occurs.

NBC Sports - If Mayfield does not sign a new contract, the market will determine his value in 2027.

NBC Sports - The Buccaneers currently have Jake Browning, Jalon Daniels, and Connor Bazelak on their roster as potential quarterbacks if Mayfield leaves.

NBC Sports - If Baker Mayfield does not sign a new contract with the Buccaneers until after the 2026 season, the team will have exclusive negotiating rights until the opening of the negotiating window in March.

NBC Sports - The franchise tag for Mayfield in 2027 would be $47.7 million, with a cap number of $39.975 million in 2026.

NBC Sports - Mayfield's current deal has a $30.15 million dead-money charge for 2027, and using the franchise tag would result in him counting for $77.85 million against the cap in 2027.

NBC Sports - Mayfield's camp pointed to quarterbacks with contracts exceeding $50 million in average annual value, including Jordan Love and Trevor Lawrence at $55 million, and Brock Purdy at $53 million.

Newsweek - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expressed dissatisfaction with Baker Mayfield's comments made during a media session at practice.

Pro Football Network - Dez Bryant stated, "You’re 100% going to get paid," in support of Mayfield amid the contract dispute with the Buccaneers.

Pro Football Network - Baker Mayfield expressed feeling disrespected during contract negotiations with the Buccaneers.

Newsweek - Mayfield will enter the 2026 NFL season without a long-term commitment from the Buccaneers.

WHY:

Pro Football Network - Mayfield's comments indicate dissatisfaction with the franchise's approach to his contract negotiations.

HOW:

Pro Football Network - Gerald McCoy publicly voiced his support for Baker Mayfield, stating, "I stand with you."

Baker Mayfield expressed feelings of being "disrespected" by the contract offered to him by the Buccaneers. While the team could potentially tag and trade him, they would have to manage an additional $47.7 million in cap space until that trade takes place. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the Buccaneers' roster decisions moving forward.