In February, Tampa Bay Buccaneers manager Todd Bowles said that re-signing Baker Mayfield is an "extremely high priority" for the team.
"We got a couple days before the league year begins," Bowles said while talking to NFL Network's Peter Schrager at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
"But we love Baker. Baker had a heck of a year. He fit right in with us all the way around. The chemistry was outstanding with him, all the receivers, and the offense as a whole. So, you want to hope to build on that."
True to their word, the Bucs decided to lock Mayfield for the next three years after signing him to a three-year, $100 million deal.
Almost everyone in the league saw Baker Mayfield's contract extension coming.
The former No. 1 draft pick is coming off a career season in 2023, during which he recorded career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) while throwing just 10 interceptions in 17 games.
For his part, Mayfield has been vocal in his intent to stay with the franchise.
"I wanted a chance to come back. I love coach [Todd] Bowles and the staff. I'm happy to be here and I want to win more in the postseason."
Baker Mayfield's contract extension breakdown
The 28-year-old quarterback's new deal comes with a $50 million guaranteed money.
According to the information obtained by ESPN, he will earn $30 million this season and the same amount in 2025. The latter comes with a $20 million guarantee. The third year of the extension will earn him $40 million in 2026. Mayfield is also set to make $5 million annually in incentives.
Mayfield was the Cleveland Browns' overall No. 1 draft pick in 2018. He came to the league with high expectations but only found his "home" with Tampa Bay, which called him up in 2023 after Tom Brady retired.
Finding stability with the Bucs is believed to be one reason he foregoed signing with another franchise despite the possibility of earning more money.
"'How can we put our guys in the best position to win?' It's rare, unfortunately, in the NFL to have an organization like that. That's why I'm so happy to be here," Mayfield said.
Mayfield's re-signing could mean keeping the Bucs' core
Mayfield is entering free agency as one of the most coveted quarterbacks after his sensational 2023 run, which led the Bucs to the National Football Conference Divisional series.
The team successfully rejected the idea of losing Mayfield to other teams, and now, the work starts on building around him.
The work is not that heavy, though. The Bucs do not have to go through deep negotiations with other teams because right from the start, they made it known that they would keep the core of the Bucs, which surprised everyone last season.
Mayfield's extension is the team's message that they are going to the 2024 battle with the same soldiers they had last season.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, who had his best season last year with Mayfield as his play-caller, was rewarded a new deal. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will not go anywhere after getting the franchise tag.
The only ones left are linebacker Lavonte David, kicker Chase McLaughlin, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Kyle Trask, whose job was rumored to be threatened, will remain the club's no. 2 quarterback.
The Buccaneers' line-up is not broken, and head coach Bowles will not overdo anything.
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