The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have realized they will not discover many quarterbacks who’re higher than Baker Mayfield. The Minnesota Vikings want they might say the identical after letting Sam Darnold stroll in 2025.
Mayfield, who was set to enter 2026 on the final 12 months of his contract, signed a three-year, $165M extension with the Buccaneers on Tuesday. That is a shock after contract negotiations stalled earlier this offseason, and Mayfield issued a fiery response.
Current historical past could have modified Tampa Bay’s thoughts. The Vikings did not re-sign Darnold (now with the Seattle Seahawks) in free company in 2025, regardless of main the crew to a 14-3 report in 2024. They’re nonetheless regretting that one.
Vikings’ Sam Darnold gaffe could have made Buccaneers rethink Baker Mayfield plans
The Vikings turned to 2024 No. 10 choose J.J. McCarthy to switch Darnold. He flopped in 2025, going 6-4 in 10 begins however throwing extra interceptions (12) than landing passes (11). Minnesota completed 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
McCarthy lost the beginning QB battle to Kyler Murray in coaching camp. Murray, 2019 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, could salvage his profession beneath head coach Kevin O’Connell, a QB guru. The Vikings nonetheless want they’d stored Darnold, who went 14-3 with the Seahawks and received his first Tremendous Bowl final season.
Most league insiders take into account Mayfield and Darnold the identical caliber of participant. In his annual QB tiers — that includes opinions from coaches and executives — The Athletic’s Mike Sando positioned Mayfield and Darnold in Tier 2. The tiers are numbered 1-5, with 1 being the most effective and 5 the worst.
A few of the numbers help that rating. Over the previous two seasons, Mayfield has ranked fourth within the NFL in passing yards (8,193), behind Darnold (8,367), Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (8,469) and Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff (9,193).
Darnold has led the league in wins (28) throughout this span, whereas Mayfield has ranked tenth (18). Final season, the Buccaneers star went 8-9 and failed to guide his crew to the playoffs. Take into account he battled a left shoulder concern final season. If he can keep wholesome in 2025, he could rebound and carry Tampa on a postseason run.
Did the Buccaneers overpay Mayfield? Positive, however solely barely. Spotrac estimated his market worth at $53.6M yearly earlier than signing the extension, which pays him $55M yearly. It is nonetheless a worthwhile funding for Tampa.
QB is probably the most beneficial commodity within the NFL. Groups with out a clear reply at QB want they’d one. Look no additional than the Vikings, who will once more be looking for one subsequent offseason if Murray flops. The Buccaneers may’ve been in the identical place if they’d let Mayfield play out the final 12 months of his contract and did not re-sign him in free company.
