Todd Bowles Just Shut Down Any Baker Mayfield Contract Doubts — Here’s What He Said

Baker Mayfield is heading toward free agency this offseason, and the speculation machine is already churning. But if you ask Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, there’s nothing to worry about — and he made that crystal clear.

Bowles was unequivocal when asked about Mayfield’s future beyond the 2026 season. According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Bowles said there was “no question” he wants to keep Mayfield as his quarterback. He flatly rejected any notion that the team is looking elsewhere, calling Mayfield the “perfect option” for the Bucs offense.

“Baker’s all business. He’s all about business,” Bowles said. “The contract stuff takes care of itself. That’s the business side of it that you don’t see, that everybody has to deal with, and I’m sure he’ll take care of it, but it doesn’t affect his play.”

A Pro’s Approach

Bowles didn’t stop there. He doubled down on the quarterback’s professionalism, brushing aside any suggestion of tension or disappointment in the relationship. “Baker’s a true pro,” Bowles continued. “I don’t think there’s any disappointment whatsoever. I mean, he loves it here. We love him here. The contract stuff takes care of itself, whether it’s the quarterback or any other position that comes up — those things get worked out over time. You just concentrate on what we got to concentrate on, on the field, and he’s been great right there.”

Mayfield’s numbers since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023 back up the coach’s confidence. The 30-year-old has gone 27-24 as a starter, earned two Pro Bowl selections, and thrown for 12,237 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions. He’s also led the Bucs to back-to-back NFC South titles.

The One Blemish

There’s one notable exception: the 2025 season. That was the only year under Mayfield that Tampa Bay missed the playoffs and he didn’t make the Pro Bowl. And in a league that constantly asks “what have you done for me lately,” that stumble gives critics a talking point. Bowles, however, is betting on a rebound — and expecting it in a big way.

Mayfield’s camp has not publicly commented on contract negotiations, and the team has not confirmed any timetable for a new deal. But with the head coach this publicly committed, the path forward seems clear: as long as Bowles has a say, Mayfield isn’t going anywhere.