Buccaneers Make Big Decision on Baker Mayfield Contract Extension: Insider
It could be argued that no one is playing better football right now than Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who would likely be named MVP at this point in the season.
Through six weeks, Mayfield has led the Bucs to a 5-1 record, with clutch performances in the fourth quarter to seal victories. So far this year, he’s thrown for 12 touchdowns and one interception on 1,529 yards. He has completed 66.2% of his passes for a 108.5 passer rating.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Mayfield has resurrected his career with the Bucs at 30 years old. His contract runs through the end of the 2026 season and one NFL insider said the team is pumping the breaks on extension talks.
Bucs and Baker Mayfield to Engage in Talks in Offseason, Report Says
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Bucs general manager Jason Licht and Mayfield’s management will not engage in extension talks during the season.
“I’m told any extension talks will happen after the season, giving Mayfield space to focus on his third year in Tampa and the Bucs time to evaluate what’s next,” Russini wrote.
Most signs point to both sides agreeing to terms.
“Back in 2023, the story goes, both Licht and head coach Todd Bowles made the move because they believed Mayfield had the highest ceiling of the quarterbacks available, who also included Jimmy Garoppolo, Sam Darnold and Derek Carr,” Russini wrote. “Bowles was adamant that Mayfield — tough and resilient — was the type of quarterback they needed. They had connected years earlier when Bowles was with the Jets, scouting quarterbacks for that upcoming draft.”
If the Buccaneers Can Stay Healthy They Look Formidable
The Bucs are at the Detroit Lions on “Monday Night Football,” Oct. 20. If the Bucs can come out intact of what’s sure to be a fierce battle with the Lions, there might be an opportunity for them to finally get healthy.
Tampa Bay has what should be a winnable road game against the 1-5 New Orleans Saints in Week 8 followed by their bye in Week 9 followed by home game against the upstart New England Patriots in Week 10.
The Buccaneers are missing a good chunk of their projected starters on the offensive side of the ball; running back Bucky Irving, right offensive tackle Luke Goedeke, wide receiver Mike Evans and wide receiver Chris Godwin all missed a Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers with a variety of injuries.
Now, 2025 first round pick and leading receiver Emeka Egbuka is questionable for the Lions game with a hamstring injury.
On Saturday, the Bucs officially ruled out Irving (foot/shoulder) and Godwin (fibula), as well as running back Josh Williams (concussion) and guard Luke Haggard (shoulder).
Evans, who is approaching 13,000 career receiving yards, is hopeful to return against the Lions after suffering a hamstring injury Week 3. He was listed as questionable on Saturday, however.
Colts Sign Super Bowl Champion Cornerback Amid Growing Injury Concerns
The Colts signed cornerback David Long Jr. to their practice squad on Monday, adding depth to their secondary as injuries pile up.
Long Jr. is a familiar face in Indianapolis, having spent nearly all last season with the organization after joining the practice squad in September 2024. He was elevated to the active roster the following month but played only nine defensive snaps and did not record any statistics.
The Colts beat the Chargers 38-24 on Sunday to improve their record to an NFL-best 6-1.
Injury Sidelined Long in Training Camp
The Colts re-signed Long in March, but he hurt his groin in training camp and was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
The 27-year-old brings veteran experience to the Colts’ secondary and can also fill in special teams. Long has appeared in 79 games with 12 starts over his NFL career.
The 2019 third-round pick (79th overall) won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams and was a key contributor during their playoff run, recording a pick-six in the NFC Wild Card win over the Cardinals.
Long spent his first four seasons with the Rams (2019-22) before splitting 2023 with the Raiders and Panthers. For his career, he has 97 tackles (83 solo) and one interception.
Ward Injury Leaves Colts Thin at Cornerback
The signing comes a day after Justin Herbert picked apart the Colts banged-up secondary, throwing for a career-high 420 yards and three touchdowns. Herbert was also intercepted twice.
Despite their strong start, the Colts rank just 22nd in total defense and 29th against the pass, allowing 255.4 yards per game.
On top of that, injuries are adding up. Cornerback Charvarius Ward Jr. is on IR with a concussion and will miss at least three more games. The Colts have a bye in Week 11, meaning the earliest Ward can return is Week 12 against the Chiefs.
The former All-Pro has nine tackles and three passes defended in four games for the Colts.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II returned Sunday after a three-game absence from an Achilles injury, but fellow cornerbacks Justin Walley and Jaylon Jones are on IR. Additionally, four-time Pro Bowler Xavien Howard unexpectedly retired earlier this month.
