Entering his ninth NFL season and his fourth with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has established himself as a top quarterback when paired with the right supporting cast and a healthy offense. He is poised to continue contributing as a key playmaker for Tampa Bay, with the team often factoring into playoff discussions.
Mayfield will become a free agent after the 2026 season. He paused contract talks during training camp to concentrate on the upcoming season. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht spoke during the team’s third preseason game and shared cautious optimism about Mayfield’s long-term fit with the franchise.
“I’m very optimistic about it,” Licht said. “He wants to play. He wants to prove that he is the franchise quarterback we believed he could be. We’ll see how it unfolds. I won’t close any doors in the short term, but for now, he’s focused on football.”
What’s next for Mayfield and the Buccaneers
Mayfield has shown he can excel with the right system and health. He is aiming to deliver what could be the best season of his career with Tampa Bay.
During the 2025 season, Mayfield started 17 games, completing 343 passes for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 55 rushes for 382 yards and a rushing touchdown.
The Buccaneers intend to improve on their 8–9 record from 2025 and return to the playoffs after a one-year absence, reclaiming the NFC South title.
Tampa Bay’s regular season opens on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
