Mayfield’s Big Deal With Hidden Risks | Sports News

Baker Mayfield just locked in a three-year, $165 million deal with the Buccaneers — making him the highest-paid player in franchise history and tying him for third-highest in the league. But the real story? Only $110 million is guaranteed, meaning two years are solid while the third is essentially a team option. Compared to other QBs earning similar averages, Mayfield’s guaranteed money ranks 13th — and with quarterback salaries skyrocketing, this deal might even be less valuable than recent contracts. At 30, he’s the oldest QB to sign a deal worth over $50 million annually, which explains Tampa Bay’s cautious approach: they’ve built flexibility into the contract, allowing them to restructure or pivot in 2029. For Mayfield, it’s security and top-tier pay; for the Bucs, it’s stability without locking themselves into a costly long-term commitment. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/850823eec1d17975