“Impossible to Believe”: NFL Reporter Shuts Down $44M Rumors Surrounding Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers Contract

2023 was Baker Mayfield’s chance to show the world what he can do. Afterall, leading the same team that Tom Brady led is no easy task. After his time with both the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers, Mayfield landed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just before the season kicked off. Not only did he steer the Bucs to clinch the NFC South title, but he also led them to victory against the Eagles, the previous NFC champs, in a playoff showdown.

Coming into the season, expectations for Tampa were modest at best. So, with the incredible turnaround, you’d think they’d be eager to have Mayfield back in the game for another round. However, Mayfield could be back on the market as a free agent.

Rick Stroud snubs claims regarding Baker Mayfield’s new contract

There hasn’t been any communication from the Bucs yet if they want to retain Mayfield. With less than a week to go before the free agency starts, his future still hangs in the balance. But Bucs fans got excited when rumors surfaced recently that Mayfield had been offered a mammoth new deal. One that would be worth $44 million dollars. However, Rick Stroud rubbished the claims on his podcast.

“There are some numbers thrown out there about Baker Mayfield’s initial proposals about being forty-four million dollars a year,” he took a moment to sigh. “Unless Tom Mills is the best poker player, forty-four million dollars was never even a hope or a wish. I find that impossible to believe that, that number was floated.”

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While the Bucs’ head coach Todd Bowles has said that Baker Mayfield’s return is going to be a top agenda, now, it seems unlikely. So, which team could the QB land in?

Falcons and Steelers could be possible destinations

The Atlanta Falcons could be potential suitors for Justin Fields, yet they’re not putting all their eggs in one basket. Should Fields end up elsewhere, the Falcons are keen to avoid a repeat of the Desmond Ridder saga. With TE Kyle Pitts’ contract winding down, the Falcons are feeling the heat to capitalize on their offensive arsenal, and a QB like Mayfield could be the missing piece. He’s no stranger to the team’s new leadership duo, Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson, from his Rams days.

Then there’s the Pittsburgh Steelers. They might find a match in Mayfield. With Arthur Smith now steering their offense, his firsthand experience against Mayfield could tilt the scales. Pairing him with the Steelers’ backfield might just be the spark they need. With the draft’s top picks likely out of reach, a strategy involving Mayfield could offer the Steelers a bridge year, potentially grooming a future QB under his wing.

For now, it’s a wait-and-watch scenario.