NFL Free Agency: Baker Mayfield Could Relish 625% Contract Bump as Bucs Expected to Prioritise Antoine Winfield Jr.

With the conclusion of Super Bowl LVIII, all eyes are on the offseason trades. The free agency part of the offseason is set to kick off on March 13. Teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who reached into the playoffs this time too, are thoroughly assessing their rosters.

The teams are aiming to retain key players before they become free agents. The significant focus of the Bucs this time is on their important players, especially the quarterback, Baker Mayfield. So, what did the team decide for him? Let’s find out!

Baker Mayfield is set to join other significant quarterbacks?

Baker Mayfield signed a 1 year, $4,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2023 season. In addition to this, his contract also promises a $2,875,000 signing bonus, $4,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $4,000,000. Now, as his contract is over, all eyes are on the franchise and their decision for him. ProFootballTalk has spilled some beans.

Their official account of X states, “The Bucs reportedly are likely to use the franchise tag on Antoine Winfield, Jr., if they use it at all. That means Baker Mayfield could be headed to unrestricted free agency.”

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that the team is “expected to use the franchise tag” on Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who was selected for the first-team All-Pro this season. Winfield Jr. has a standout performance this season with 122 tackles and three INTs. Additionally, he shared the league’s top spot for forced fumbles with Dolphins defensive end, Bradley Chubb, both recording six.

If the Bucs use the franchise tag on Winfield, he would be guaranteed $16.2 million for the next season. On the other hand, the transition tag would cost less at $14 million. Comparatively, Mayfield’s current contract is at $4 million, and he is expected to receive $25 million per year in his next contract. This increase from $4 million to $25 million represents a 625% raise (25/4 = 625%). Additionally, the team can save nearly $11 million on the 2024 salary cap by extending contracts with Winfield, Mike Evans (whose contract extension is in talks), and Mayfield, before February 19, as their void years push cap hits to 2024 after automatically voiding on that date.

Read more: NFL Incentive Tracker: Baker Mayfield Secures Million-Dollar Boost Despite Injury Fear

However, if the team prioritizes Winfield over Mayfield, this decision will lead the Bucs to potentially leave Baker, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent for the 2024 season. If this happens, he would join other elite quarterbacks in the market, such as Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson (if Broncos release him), and Jimmy Garoppolo (when released by the Raiders). Eventually, it will make the upcoming free-agency period quite intriguing for all.

What are the options for Baker Mayfield in 2024?

Although the team hasn’t decided on the contract of Baker Mayfield, speculations are on for the quarterback and potential landing to the teams. Many are speculating that he might be retained by the Buccaneers, after showing a powerful season this time, leading the Bucs to the playoffs. However, if he becomes a free agent, his potential landing is being speculated as the teams like Falcons, Raiders, and Vikings. The Falcons have Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke under contract next season.

However, the head coach Raheem Morris has said that the team is having “some conversations” related to the quarterback situation. Therefore, this might be the correct time for them to pick a great QB such as Mayfield. Furthermore, the Raiders and Vikings are likely to cut ties with their quarterbacks, Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins, respectively. Therefore, the two teams will have an option open for Mayfield, if they plan to pick him for the 2024 season.

Let’s wait for some more days to determine Baker Mayfield’s future spot.

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