All articles tagged with #tampa bay buccaneers
With training camp approaching, the Buccaneers are reportedly in no rush to extend Baker Mayfield, betting they’ll top any competing offer in a veteran-QB market that could push APYs past $40 million. Mayfield’s willingness to push for more could test Tampa Bay’s leverage, potentially leaving them to rethink at QB if he tests the market or leaves, while behind him the roster options include Jalon Daniels, Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak.
Baker Mayfield’s contract talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t progressing, with Mayfield’s representatives not replying to the team’s opening offer. Mayfield, earning about $33.3 million per year and $27 million cash in 2026, appears to have a personal target higher than the offer. Analysts note the NFL QB market tops around $60 million per year, citing Dak Prescott and others, which complicates Bucs’ negotiations. The article also raises the possibility of the Buccaneers using the franchise tag in 2027 if a long-term deal isn’t reached, leaving Mayfield to bet on himself and the team to reflect his value or plan for life without him in 2027.
An article suggests Baker Mayfield could be a costly but viable veteran option to extend the Pittsburgh Steelers' championship window into 2027, should Tampa Bay and Mayfield fail to reach a long-term deal by training camp. At 31 with a solid track record, Mayfield would be a higher-priced bridge compared to developing QBs like Drew Allar or Will Howard, depending on whether the Buccaneers resolve contract talks or explore free agency.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield says contract-extension talks with Tampa Bay are not close and has set the start of training camp as the deadline to reach a deal; if no agreement is reached, he’ll play out the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract signed in 2024. He stressed his commitment to Tampa and his desire for a long-term deal, while noting the team could still pursue a franchise-tag option next year if needed.
Baker Mayfield says contract negotiations with the Buccaneers are ongoing but not close to a long-term deal; he is under contract for 2026 with a cap hit near $40 million, and talks are expected to wrap before training camp or continue into the season.
In Day 1 of the Buccaneers’ 2026 rookie mini-camp, first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. looked in midseason form in the heat, while fourth-rounder Ted Hurst signed his rookie deal and delivered the day’s standout play. New coaches Danny Smith (special teams) and Marcus West energized the practice, and Bowles highlighted Bain’s readiness as rookies adjust to the NFL life, with noted injuries and absences as the session moved into end-of-day 11-on-11 work.
Michael Irvin blasted ESPN for highlighting Rueben Bain's short-arm length during Bain's first-round selection by the Buccaneers, calling it 'classless' despite Bain's 9.5 sacks and ACC Defensive Player of the Year credentials that helped his draft stock; Bain says he aims to be a difference-maker in Tampa Bay.
NFL.com analyst Dan Parr selects two favorite picks for each of the seven rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting value and fit. Notable moves include the Buccaneers’ Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 15 and the Eagles’ Makai Lemon at No. 20 after a Cowboys–Buccaneers trade, with picks across the rounds for teams like the Dolphins, Jets, Colts, Steelers, Raiders, Bills, Browns, Bears, and an emotional seventh round for Navy RB Eli Heidenreich and Nigerian DT Uar Bernard to the Eagles. Parr emphasizes upside, role potential, and how these selections could shape each franchise’s roster.
Bruce Feldman’s draft breakdown highlights the Browns’ polished haul (Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Parker Brailsford, Taylen Green, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren) and the Buccaneers’ strong class (Rueben Bain, Josiah Trotter, Ted Hurst, Keionte Scott), plus savvy late-round gains for the Giants, Dolphins and others; notable gambles include the Raiders’ Day 3 pick Jermod McCoy and the Eagles’ freakish late-depth addition Uar Bernard. The piece also notes trends like no FCS players in the first three rounds and a surge of Miami linemen all signaling value-driven, attack-minded drafts.
After the Buccaneers drafted Rueben Bain 15th overall, Bain said his motivation comes from himself and he’ll play with an edge regardless of draft status, aiming to be the best on the field with no outside factors weighing in; GM Jason Licht called the pick a pleasant surprise and expects Bain’s college production to translate to the NFL.
Ty Simpson’s stock slide creates a window for the Jets to mimic a 2023 move up to No. 33, trading Day 2 picks to the Buccaneers for 33rd (and 103rd) in 2026 plus a 2027 fifth, gaining a developmental QB behind Baker Mayfield while leveraging depth in a 2026 class with few blue-chip stars.
The Buccaneers remain firmly behind Baker Mayfield as he enters the final year of his contract, with co-owner Joel Glazer praising his effort and leadership and GM Jason Licht expected to work out a multiyear extension. Despite a 2025 season hampered by injuries, Mayfield’s earlier production and the team’s success suggest Tampa Bay is poised to reward him with a big new deal.
The Buccaneers said Lavonte David will hold a 2:00 p.m. ET press conference at the AdventHealth Training Center with no contract news yet, fueling retirement speculation as the 36-year-old, coming off a knee-injury-plagued season, weighs future plans after re-signing on a one-year, $9 million deal last year. David is a franchise icon who helped win Super Bowl LV and tie the Bucs’ all-time tackle record; Tampa Bay has already signed two veteran linebackers, Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom, and may draft more to get younger and more athletic at the position.
Lavonte David retires after 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ending a franchise-defining run that included a Super Bowl title and a standout stat line (1,714 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 14 interceptions). A 12-year captain and durable presence on defense, David leaves as one of the era’s best linebackers and a strong Hall of Fame candidate, with the Buccaneers lauding his leadership and impact on and off the field.
Lavonte David announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing with 1,714 tackles in 215 games, a franchise-record 33 forced fumbles, 21 defensive fumble recoveries, 14 interceptions and 42.5 sacks. A Super Bowl LV champion and All-Pro, David started every game of his Bucs career and leaves a legacy likely to earn a Ring of Honor.