Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield joined a growing list of disgruntled players at NFL training camps on Thursday. The Pro Bowler told reporters that he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued” by his team’s recent contract offer.
Mayfield is only the latest NFL star to openly express frustration with a front office after stalled contract negotiations. Running back Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, respectively, are sitting out training camp practices as they angle for new deals. New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave also missed the first practice of training camp amid ongoing negotiations.
Defensive tackle Vita Vea, Mayfield’s teammate in Tampa Bay, requested a trade this week after failing to secure a new deal.
Mayfield, who is slated to become a free agent next offseason, is eligible for an extension. He previously told reporters that he considered the start of training camp a deadline for the negotiations.
The Buccaneers reportedly offered the 31-year-old signal-caller a two-year extension. Pro Bowl quarterbacks like Mayfield typically sign much longer deals, given the value of their position.
“I really know what I’ve brought to this franchise leadership-wise and even play-wise. …” Mayfield told reporters on Thursday. “Disappointing in that regard, to feel disrespected a little bit. That’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after thinking you’ve earned it.”
The No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft resurrected his career in Tampa Bay after the Cleveland Browns released him following a trade for Deshaun Watson. Mayfield then spent short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before landing with the Buccaneers in 2023.
The Oklahoma product has thrown for more than 12,000 yards with 95 touchdowns through three seasons with the Buccaneers. He led Tampa Bay to back-to-back NFC South titles in 2023 and 2024, earning a three-year, $100 million contract after his first season with the franchise.
But the Buccaneers have not offered a deal that Mayfield has liked in this year’s negotiations. He does not plan to revisit the process until the offseason.
“I can sit here and look at other quarterbacks and peers and evaluate myself based on that and certain categories,” he said. “I deserve to be compensated for that. I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here. So, to not have a deal done is very disappointing.”
Vea found himself in a similar position after the Buccaneers’ 8-9 finish last season. But Tampa Bay’s front office has not signed the defensive tackle as he enters the final year of his contract.
“Well, there [are] players every year [that] you’re going to have them (with),” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said of contract disputes. “These happen to be two of our biggest players. … But it’s always about football. There [are] always going to be distractions just like there are on game day.”
Similar distractions have complicated training camps around the NFL. The Falcons, who are already practicing without top quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, saw negotiations stall with Robinson. The Lions are in the same spot with Gibbs.
Both Robinson and Gibbs reported to camp but have refused to practice. They’re reportedly seeking deals similar to the $20.6 million salary the Philadelphia Eagles gave Saquon Barkley last season.
Until they agree to a new contract, the dual-threat backs will “hold-in.” Reporting to camp, even without practicing, allows them to dodge the potential fines for players who skip training camp entirely.
“It’ll come as it comes. I think that’s the best way to say it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday of Gibbs’ negotiation. “This is both sides working through something and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s where it is.”
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