In the near term, the Buccaneers are likely to ask Mayfield to accommodate the cap by restructuring rather than pursuing an immediate long-term extension. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times notes that while an extension before the season is possible, it’s unlikely. The team’s priority appears to be maximizing cap flexibility to pursue a high-impact addition while keeping options open for Mayfield in the long term.
From a long-term perspective, Mayfield would presumably seek a multi-year contract to stay with Tampa Bay. An insider perspective cited by Stroud suggests the chances of a lucrative, extended deal for Mayfield are slim, given the timing and cap dynamics unless he delivers a standout 2026 season.
If Mayfield remains in Tampa Bay, the team could still create significant cap relief by restructuring deals for key players beyond Mayfield, including Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Antoine Winfield Jr., Zyon McCollum, Vita Vea, Ben Bredeson, and Anthony Nelson. While a full restructuring of all those contracts is unlikely, the effort could provide meaningful room for a major offseason move and potential extensions contingent on performance.
Bleacher Report’s preseason outlook for 2025 suggested Mayfield would need to improve consistency to justify a long-term commitment, with a prediction that the Buccaneers could move in a different direction if his performance did not stabilize. After a 2025 season where Tampa Bay finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs, critiques noted Mayfield’s late-season interceptions and injury impact, though he remained central to the team’s performance and identity.
