Baker Mayfield agrees to three-year, $100 million deal to return to Bucs

TAMPA, Fla. — Baker Mayfield finally has a home in the NFL and a new lease on his career.

The vagabond quarterback, who has played for four teams since 2021, has agreed to a three-year, $100 million contract to remain with the Bucs. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed, with a maximum value of $115 million with performance incentives.

The Bucs and Mayfield’s agent, Tom Mills, made significant progress in negotiations on Saturday and Sunday, preventing him from becoming available when the free-agent negotiation period begins Monday.

Mayfield will receive $30 million guaranteed in 2024 and $30 million in 2025, with $20 million guaranteed. His salary in 2026 would be $40 million.

Mayfield’s signing comes only two days after the Bucs locked up their best receiver, signing Mike Evans to a twoyear, $52 million contract, with $35 million guaranteed.

The agreement with Evans helped ramp up negotiations with Mayfield over the weekend. “He’s really happy,’’ Mills said of Mayfield. “It’s been quite a ride for him.’’

In his only season with the Bucs, Mayfield resurrected his career by passing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, both career highs.

Not surprisingly, his favorite target was Evans, who tied the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill for the NFL lead with 13.

The Bucs approached the offseason taking steps to ensure Mayfield would remain their quarterback.

Step one was hiring Liam Coen as offensive coordinator to replace Dave Canales, who became the Panthers’ head coach.

But the biggest step was agreeing to a new contract with Evans, the five-time Pro Bowler.

Had Mayfield made it to free agency, he likely would have received plenty of interest. The New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons reportedly were among the teams interested.

Mills met with general manager Jason Licht at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. But the priority became re-signing Evans, who told his agent over the weekend he wanted to be a “Buc for life.”

But Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, said Evans only wanted to play with “an elite” quarterback and in an offense that will showcase him while being paid as a top receiver.

Apparently, Mayfield checks all those boxes and more.