Buccaneers GM reveals strong Baker Mayfield contract stance

TL;DR

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht discusses Baker Mayfield's contract situation, noting he is set to earn $33 million APY in the final year of his deal. Mayfield is expected to command $50 million APY for his next contract, prompting urgency for the Buccaneers to address his future.

Key points

Baker Mayfield is in the final year of his contract.
Current contract pays him $33 million APY.
Expected to command $50 million APY for his next contract.
Buccaneers need to act quickly to manage costs.
GM Jason Licht discusses Mayfield's future.

Tampa Bay BuccaneersBaker Mayfield

Buccaneers GM reveals strong Baker Mayfield contract stance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are busy preparing for the offseason, but their focus should also be on Baker Mayfield and his current contract.

Set to play on the final year of his deal that pays him $33 million APY, the expectation is that Mayfield could command $50 million APY for his next contract.

So, the Buccaneers have to know that keeping Baker won't be cheap, and the longer they wait, the more it will likely cost them. But are the Buccaneers in the mindset of trying to sort out Mayfield's future?

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht revealed all.

"Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times," he said on The Drive with TKras. "All of our plans revolve around Baker. That's something that we'll get to at some point. I have had a lot of discussions with Baker about the team. We texted during the draft after some of the picks. I know he was excited about the players that we took. We have a great relationship. And listen, nobody here wants Baker to be playing for any other team, so I'll just leave it at that."

More:Chargers linked to All-Pro WR for Justin Herbert

Bucs got to get Mayfield decision right

We have seen how much it can set back a franchise when they decide to go all-in on the wrong quarterback, and Tampa Bay will have to be mindful of that.

Q&A

What is Baker Mayfield's current contract situation with the Buccaneers?

Baker Mayfield is in the final year of his contract, earning $33 million APY.

How much could Baker Mayfield earn in his next contract?

Baker Mayfield is expected to command around $50 million APY for his next contract.

What did Buccaneers GM Jason Licht say about Baker Mayfield's future?

Jason Licht indicated that the Buccaneers need to address Mayfield's contract soon, as delaying could increase costs.