Baker Mayfield has proven himself to be one of the top QBs in the game right now. With his one-year contract set to expire in a few days, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hesitant to franchise tag him. And there are more than 38 million reasons to do so!

The former Heisman Trophy (2017) & Maxwell Trophy (2017) winner QB Mayfield, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2018. However, he flashed his brilliance for the first time with the Bucs. So why is the franchise tag not being used to retain him?

The Bucs are unwilling to utilize the tag

According to the rules of the NFL, each franchise can use the tag on one player per season. This binds that player to play for the franchise, even if their contract is up. However, under the rules, the franchise must pay the player the average of the top 5 salaries in that player’s position.

And that for the position of quarterback is $38.3 million for the 2024-25 season. While his current contract is worth merely $4 million. Hence the hesitancy to use the tag on the Pro Bowler.

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There is one more reason the Bucs could be holding out the tag. Since the 25-year-old Antonine Winfield Jr.’s contract is also up and an extension hasn’t been signed yet. It is expected that the Bucs could use the tag for Winfield Jr. If that is the case, what is next for Mayfield?

Baker Mayfield has options he can explore

While the Bucs have not ruled out signing a brand-new deal with the 28-year-old QB. Both parties have not been able to agree. And as the days to free agency come closer, set for 11th March, Mayfield could once again be on a different team’s roster.

According to reports, the New England Patriots under the new head coach Jerod Mayo are interested in acquiring Mayfield as a free agent. And after his heroic performances last season, taking the Bucs deep into the playoffs. Many more franchises could be knocking at his door.

Do you think Baker Mayfield will re-sign with the Bucs or go somewhere else? Let us know in the comments.

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