Bucs GM Jason Licht 'very optimistic' about re-signing Baker Mayfield beyond 2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said Friday that he is "very optimistic" about keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield in a Bucs uniform beyond the 2026 season, despite a contentious offseason of contract negotiations.

Mayfield said he felt "disrespected and undervalued" by the offers the Buccaneers made this offseason, so he is now set to play out the final year of his current deal. Tampa Bay proposed a two-year extension, but the two sides could not reach agreement before Mayfield's mandated training-camp negotiating deadline, and the quarterback said he would not resume talks until after the season so he could focus on football.

"He wants to play. He wants to prove to us that he is the franchise quarterback that we said that he was," Licht said during the WFLA broadcast of Tampa Bay's third preseason game. "So, we'll just have to see how it plays out. I'll never close the door on anything in the short term, but right now, he's focused on football." Licht noted the franchise tag remains an option the team is open to using, and Mayfield has indicated a willingness to accept it.

Licht also expressed confidence that wide receivers Emeka Egbuka (toe sprain) and Jalen McMillan (knee) will be ready for the regular-season opener, a meaningful boost for a passing game navigating the loss of franchise scoring leader Mike Evans. For now, the front office's public posture is patience — with both sides betting on Mayfield's play this year to settle the long-term question.