Baker Mayfield In Line for Massive Payday
In a stunning turn of events, Baker Mayfield has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2023 season. However, this deal is just a stepping stone for Mayfield as he looks to secure a much larger contract during this offseason.
During his time in Tampa Bay, Mayfield exceeded all expectations and had an impressive 2023-24 campaign. He finished the season ranked ninth in passing yards with an impressive 4,044 yards. Additionally, he boasted a remarkable 29-10 touchdown-interception ratio. Mayfield’s performance even led the team to a playoff victory against the Philadelphia Eagles and brought them within striking distance of the NFC Championship game. Not too shabby for a player who initially signed a modest $4 million deal.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, Mayfield’s earnings for the 2024 season could skyrocket to an astounding $40 million per year. Pauline arrived at this estimation after attending the Senior Bowl and consulting with various NFL experts. If quarterbacks like Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson can command such hefty contracts, then Mayfield certainly deserves to be in that conversation as well.
“It’s clear that Mayfield had an exceptional season, and with the rising salary cap, quarterback contracts are only going to get bigger,” Pauline explained. “Many believe that $40 million per year in 2024 is equivalent to $34 million per year just a season ago.”
If Mayfield manages to secure a contract of this magnitude, he would join the ranks of quarterbacks like Jones, Matthew Stafford, and Dak Prescott, all of whom earned a spot among the top ten highest-paid players in the league based on last year’s figures.
However, there is another factor to consider. The Atlanta Falcons recently hired Raheem Morris, the former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as their new head coach. With the Falcons potentially seeking a fresh start at the quarterback position, it wouldn’t be surprising if they set their sights on Mayfield. While this move would benefit Atlanta, it would undoubtedly have a negative impact on Tampa Bay and Mayfield’s value.
While $40 million may seem like a staggering amount for a player who only recently had a breakout season, it is a reflection of the current market value for top-tier quarterbacks. In today’s NFL, teams are willing to pay a premium for a reliable and talented signal-caller, and Mayfield has proven that he has what it takes to lead a team to success.
