Cody Mauch

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Buccaneers locked up their young interior lineman at a reasonable price point, landing what amounts to a fair deal that slightly favors Tampa Bay. Mauch's $1.9M AAV sits in the sweet spot for a developing guard who showed flashes of competence as a second-year player, though his production hasn't yet reached the level where this contract looks like a steal. At 25, he's entering his prime years with enough upside to justify the four-year commitment, and the $4.6M in guaranteed money provides Tampa Bay with flexibility to move on after two seasons if his development stagnates. The deal structure works well for both sides — Mauch gets security and a pay bump from his rookie contract, while the Bucs avoid the risk of him breaking out and commanding significantly more money in free agency. This C+ CVI reflects a competent front office move that addresses a key position without overpaying for potential, giving Tampa Bay a cost-controlled starter who could outperform this modest investment if he continues progressing.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

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

Performance Analysis

Cody Mauch enters the 2026 season firmly in the below-average tier at guard, and with a performance grade of F through two games, there is essentially nothing in the early sample to suggest he is holding his own at this level. The current season stats are too thin to isolate a clear statistical strength, and that scarcity of data is itself a problem for a third-year player who should be establishing himself as a dependable presence in Tampa Bay's offensive line rotation. The glaring weakness right now is simply production — two games into the season with an F grade signals either significant ineffectiveness or limited opportunity, neither of which is acceptable for a second-round pick from 2023 who should be pushing toward a starting role. At $1.9M AAV on his rookie scale contract, the financial exposure is minimal, but the Buccaneers drafted him 48th overall with the expectation that he would develop into a legitimate starter, and that return on draft capital is not materializing. The mediaFraming around Mauch is tellingly quiet — no controversy, no acclaim, just the kind of anonymous profile that tends to follow depth linemen who haven't locked down a starting job — and that neutrality feels generous given the early-season struggles. With the regular season still 132 days away from its next milestone, there is time for Mauch to reshape this narrative in the preseason, but the ceiling as currently framed is a reliable rotation piece rather than a foundational building block.

How Cody Compares at the Position

Cody Mauch ranks 156th of 172 graded gs by performance. That slots Cody between Saahdiq Charles (F) just ahead and Chris Paul (F) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Cody Mauch carries a D+ sentiment grade that reflects the challenging reality facing depth offensive linemen in today's NFL landscape. Despite earning a modest $1.9M annually with the Buccaneers, the third-year guard operates in virtual anonymity from a public perception standpoint, generating minimal media coverage or fan engagement. His neutral profile suggests competent but unremarkable play that neither elevates Tampa Bay's offensive line nor creates concerning weaknesses, placing him in that vast middle tier of NFL linemen who contribute without distinction. The lack of storylines surrounding Mauch indicates he's avoiding the negative attention that typically befalls struggling interior linemen, but he's also failing to generate the positive buzz associated with emerging talents. For a player at his experience level and contract value, this D+ sentiment reflects the uphill battle facing solid but unspectacular contributors in a league that increasingly values either elite performance or cost-effective rookie production. His pathway to improved perception likely requires either stepping into a larger role due to injuries or demonstrating measurable improvement in pass protection metrics that could elevate his standing within the organization.