Baker Mayfield

Career StatsA-

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	INT	RTG
Career		123	28,525	197	101	91.2
2025		17	3,693	26	11	90.6
2024		17	4,500	41	16	106.8

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Baker Mayfield's contract earns a B- Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier established veteran quarterback deals tend to settle. At $33.3M annually over three years, the structure is defensible on pure talent—his A- performance grade and 2025 season work ethic (17 games played) demonstrate he remains a capable starter capable of managing games at a high level. The contract sits in the murky middle of the quarterback market: expensive enough to limit cap flexibility, yet not so astronomical that it represents obvious overpay given his 91.2 career passer rating and eight seasons of service. Where the CVI falters is the broader context: Mayfield is 31 in an established veteran stage, meaning the window for recouping value through sustained production is narrowing, and the Buccaneers' recent roster moves—primarily depth signings and positional tweaks rather than aggressive win-now acquisitions—suggest the organization views him as a short-term solution rather than a franchise cornerstone. The sentiment collapse from B-range to D, driven by public contract disputes and trade speculation, underscores an uncomfortable truth: the on-field performance remains solid, but organizational faith has eroded, and a quarterback entering negotiation friction with three years remaining on his deal is a liability, not an asset. At this juncture, the contract is neither a steal nor a disaster—it's a cautious middle ground burdened by deteriorating relationship dynamics and dwindling runway for justification.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Baker's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Baker Mayfield, the 2018 first-overall pick and eight-year veteran, remains Tampa Bay's starting quarterback despite a down 2025 season marked by inconsistency and declining production. His 90.6 passer rating sits marginally above the 87.79 NFL average, yet his body of work—a career 91.2 rating across 123 games—demonstrates sustainable competence at the position. Mayfield earns an A- grade anchored primarily on his 2024 campaign (B) and proven track record, though current-year regression demands accountability. His accuracy and arm talent remain average-to-solid relative to the league: 63.2% completion percentage mirrors the NFL baseline of 63.59%, while 6.80 yards per attempt edges slightly above league average (6.73). A 4.79% touchdown rate outpaces the 4.38 NFL average, signaling efficient red-zone decision-making despite mediocre overall volume. The notable weakness is mobility: 22.5 rushing yards per game substantially exceeds the 12.31 baseline, yet his 0.06 rushing touchdowns per game falls well short of the 0.10 NFL average, suggesting limited ability to convert scrambles into explosive plays. The troubling downward trajectory—from a B in 2024 to a C- in 2025—warrants close monitoring heading into next season. Mayfield's ceiling remains that of a capable game-manager capable of winning championships (as demonstrated in Tampa's 2022-23 window), but sustaining the A- grade requires reverting to 2024 form. Watch whether mechanical inconsistencies or diminished arm talent drive the recent decline, as either scenario reshapes his long-term viability in the league.

How Baker Compares at the Position

Baker Mayfield ranks 10th of 107 graded quarterbacks by performance. That slots Baker between Matthew Stafford (A-) just ahead and Aaron Rodgers (B+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Baker Mayfield enters 2026 as a stabilizing veteran presence for Tampa Bay, with media attention focused primarily on contract extension negotiations rather than on-field performance concerns. His $33.3M annual salary and eight-year resume position him as a reliable franchise quarterback, though the absence of Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro honors keeps him in the solid-starter category rather than elite tier. Recent headlines reflect a professional dialogue between player and organization about long-term commitment, suggesting organizational confidence in his role as the Buccaneers' signal-caller. Fan and media perception remains cautiously optimistic, anchored by his respectable career passer rating of 91.2 and lack of controversy, though expectations are tempered by his non-elite accolade history. The contract talks narrative indicates stability rather than urgency, positioning Mayfield as a competent, if unspectacular, quarterback heading into the 2026 season.