
Baker Mayfield's 2027 Buccaneers fate: tag, trade, or departure
If Baker Mayfield doesn’t sign a new deal with the Buccaneers after the 2026 season, Tampa Bay would hold exclusive negotiating rights into March 2027. Then Mayfield could test the market, with the franchise tag for 2027 costing about $47.7 million (and potentially requiring cap space for a tag-and-trade) or he could walk and let the market set his value. Mayfield’s camp has cited top quarterbacks earning $50M+ APY, signaling a possible big deal if he shines in 2026. If he leaves, the Bucs would need a new starter in 2027 from current backups like Jake Browning, Jalon Daniels, or Connor Bazelak. Bottom line: Mayfield’s Tampa future depends on the 2026 season and whether a large contract or a new quarterback ends up being the outcome.








