Both Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want the signal-caller to return to the team in 2024, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Mayfield is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the campaign, as the signal-caller signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the club last offseason.
The franchise tag could be used on Mayfield, but both sides are hoping to get a deal done, Rapoport adds.
Mayfield has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, leading the club to first place in the NFC South with a 7-7 record through 14 games. He’s coming off his best contest of the season, throwing for 381 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions in a crucial Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The 28-year-old meshes well with offensive coordinator Dave Canales and is reportedly “happy” in the building and gets along with his teammates, per Rapoport.
Mayfield won the job in training camp after competing with backup quarterback Kyle Trask. He’s started every game this campaign, throwing for 3,315 yards with 24 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
The Oklahoma product can earn more money this season outside his $4 million base salary. He’s set to make another $1 million in play-time incentives and can earn an additional $1 million if the club wins the NFC South, according to Rapoport.
Mayfield has bounced around the league over the last couple of years. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers from the Cleveland Browns in 2022 but only lasted six starts before being placed on waivers. He was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he started four games down the stretch of last season.
Tampa Bay will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
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