The Jameis Winston And Baker Mayfield Salaries
February 5th, 2024
As The Lost Decade of Buccaneers football closed, Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston, the former America’s Quarterback, earned $20.9 million for the 2019 season.
That total counted fully against the ’19 salary cap as it was the Year 5 option of Jameis’ rookie contract.
(Fun fact: Joe recently released the AmericasQuarterback.com domain to the free market.)
For 2019, the salary cap was $188 million per team. So Jameis’ salary represented about 11.25 percent of the Bucs’ cap room.
Joe brings this up today since so many Bucs fans are twitching at the thought of paying Baker Mayfield a fat contract. If the Bucs paid Mayfield $26.5 million next season, that would be roughly the same 11.25 percent of the salary cap Jameis earned five years ago. The 2024 cap is projected to be $242 million.
Keep in mind the Bucs paid Jameis his big check immediately following a season in which he was suspended for three games, was benched for three, and Jameis managed to throw 14 interceptions and cough up 3 fumbles in his 9 starts.
So perhaps some fans now understand why Joe doesn’t flinch at the thought of the Bucs handing Mayfield $30 million per year for a few seasons, and Joe wouldn’t even moan about $33 million annually.
Good quarterbacks eat up cap space. Bad ones can do that, too.
February 5th, 2024 at 11:56 am
On top of all of those great points you just laid out, Joe… it’s the Glazer’s money and not ours so I’m not sure why people complain.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
@WiscoJoe
I believe it has more to do with the salary cap. The more you give to one player the less you have for free agents and keeping your own players.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
We have spent 5 of our last 7 top picks on defense……spent a bunch of money on Vea, Shaq, Davis & Dean…….not much to show for it.
Time to feed the offense…..Baker……Evans……stronger middle Oline……another TE & RB…….please!!!
February 5th, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Oh Joe, you’re cherry-picking again. Your recent articles have talked about Baker going for $35 -$40, and now you’re back down to $26.5 mil to get to that 11.25% number. Joe didn’t cherry pick anything, simply laid out percentages. Joe didn’t suggest a salary, only that Joe wouldn’t squirm about $33 million. –Joe
Bucs had little choice in 2019 when BA took over but to go with Winston’s 5th year option. The prevailing thought at the time as I remember was that BA was gonna ‘fix Jameis’. Ya right. Good luck with that.
Besides, the 2019 & 2024 salary CAP situations are drastically different. We had close to zero Dead CAP back then, and VOID contract years didn’t exist. Now? Totally different situations after you subtract the impact of VOID year CAP Hits, Dead CAP and impact of costly retirements (like Brady last year & Jensen this year?).
Still, I’d be in favor of re-signing Baker IF the price was in the $25-$30 mil range. We could still swing that (I think) and STILL accomplish our other priority goals. More than that I’d rather bring in 1-2 other QBs on the cheap & let them compete with Trask. Build a strong supporting cast and we can be competitive.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Unless a rookie, a starting quarterback makes $30 million+. This team has about a 2 year window to capitalize on its talent and reload this offseason. We live in interesting times where every team competes for the right to eventually lose to Mahommes at the end of it all, but it is just as valid an option as 30 other teams. This team with Mayfield is still better than the other teams in the division, and should have an edge again next season.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
We have spent 5 of our last 7 top picks on defense……spent a bunch of money on Vea, Shaq, Davis & Dean…….not much to show for it.
—————————————————————————–
Those four all contributed heavily towards winning a Lombardi Trophy, holding the Chiefs to zero TD’s in the Super Bowl.
I’d say that that was a pretty good investment.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:29 pm
@Bucsfansince1996
Some so called fans don’t think before they speak, that defense was absolutely worth it then. Their getting older and some had injuries that slowed there play down but fans just wanna cry
February 5th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Excellent points. Factoring-in that re-signing Baker Mayfield also occurs during a contentious period where our last OC (and select staff) signed with a division rival, another division rival “may” be targeting Baker, and the Saints (another division rival) signed a FA QB last year to a $32m deal…and THEN add that several OTHER teams are targeting Baker Mayfield…and you set the stage for some really tough decisions.
ONE of those decisions is to re-sign a proven commodity at QB – in a QB driven league.
We’re going to need some goodwill, and more cash than many fans want the Glazers to part with.
The question (to me is) which of your chidlren do you now love the least?
I love Mike Evans the most, followed by Antione Winfield….every one else is subject to review…
February 5th, 2024 at 12:33 pm
$37M PLUS a few players who can rework their deals to open cap space. The Bucs can be aggressive if they believe they have a shot at FA who can make the team competitive.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
@Conner50,
I agree 100% that it was worth it. Even Devin White who has been a huge disappointment in the present played great at times in the past, playing a key role in the playoffs back then.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
I’d tag Baker and make him prove he can do it two years in a row and stay healthy. Something he hasn’t done in the past.
February 5th, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Great points
February 5th, 2024 at 1:02 pm
@StickenUP – Baker already proved it – you’d kill your cap because the full impact of the franchise tag would suck up ALL cap space.
Besides, the interest in Baker Mayfield FROM OTHER TEAMS sets his value – not diinterested Buc fans. and it’s WAY higher than the bitter-clingers think.
In the end, the team is being built around Baker, not Kyle Trask.
February 5th, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Once again, if you tag baker, the entire 35 or so million comes out of the 2024 cap
February 5th, 2024 at 1:25 pm
3 years $90M with $45M guaranteed. 4th year option @ $40M (non-guaranteed).
Seems fair to me.
If things go well Baker will make $130M by year 4.
If things don’t go well the Bucs can move on from Baker after year 2…
The only thing I don’t want to see is a fully guaranteed 4 year deal.
February 5th, 2024 at 1:29 pm
@Marine Buc,
What you proposed is a fair deal.
I also wouldn’t want to see a fully guaranteed deal. If I was the owner and the GM proposed a fully guaranteed 4-year deal I’d have to have him and his staff all drug-tested. 😉
February 5th, 2024 at 1:35 pm
For Mayfield, 3 years, $105 million, $60 million guaranteed.
February 5th, 2024 at 1:47 pm
One thing I loved about this article is that Joe is now putting things into reality,
The $$$ are irrelevant. The % of cap space is all that really counts.
IF people are serious about cleaning up the mortgage left over from the Brady years it’s going to mean letting ME walk. Love him but he’ll be eating up far too much of the cap given this teams other needs. Hopefully CG14’s knee is healthy and he’s ready to roll. There have been times in the past when CG14 actually outplayed ME anyway. They BOTH have talent and the team simply can’t afford two #1’s.
I may be a “neanderthal” lol but I DO recognize the QB is the straw that stirs the drink. They need to retain Baker far more than Evans.
February 5th, 2024 at 1:49 pm
I would offer Baker 28 million a year for 3 years plus performance incentives and bonuses. Let him earn up to 30 million if he hits the marks. Winston was just a bad deal, all the way around. Baker is different. Like someone else mentioned on this thread, we have needs all over the team so we can’t give away apple cart. Let’s see what kind of magic Licht and the Glazers come up with to stay within the salary cap. Oh, Fire Bowles while we are at it.
February 5th, 2024 at 1:52 pm
That’s a lot of taxi rides for J-Miss.
February 5th, 2024 at 2:39 pm
@WiscoJoe
People complain because we are “customers” and has nothing to do whose money it is. You go to a restaurant, see crap on the menu, you don’t go, well it’s the owners money, he can spend it how he sees fit. When I spend money as a “customer”, l have an expectation of the quality of the dinner. Same thing with football. If I’m paying for a product, I have an expectation. Even More so for football. Buying jerseys, liscenses Buc souvenirs anything. That’s extremely expensive. So it’s the the owners RESPONSIBLE to offer an experience that warrants ME paying more at a game. I have a bad dining experience and don’t feel I got my moneys worth I stop going or pick somewhere else.
February 5th, 2024 at 2:52 pm
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS … Licht CRUSHES off seasons.
FA/TRADE: Baker, TB12, Suh, JPP, Shaq, Mankins
Draft: Evans, Vea, Wirfs, Winfield, Godwin, Goedeke, Marpet, Kancey, Yaya …
Resigned: Highest rate of resigned drafted players in the NFL. Only GM in history to return all 22 starters after a super bowl.
Results: 3x NFCS, 1x Super Bowl
SLEEP EASY. JUST TRUST IN THE LICHT
February 5th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
Mayfield without Evans would be a disaster.
With the exception of Mahomes, just about every NFL QB struggles without a legit #1 receiver.
Burrow without Chase
Hurts without Brown
Purdy without Samuel
Stafford without Kupp
Tua without Hill or Waddle
Imagine Prescott without Lamb
Evans must be signed after Mayfield signs.
February 5th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Can’t win no championship being cheap Buics. PAY DA MAN!!!!!
February 5th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
SlyPirate, I didn’t know most of what you wrote. I knew that about the Super Bowl roster but not the other items. I used to be critical of Licht since he’s had some disastrous draft picks, but I’m skipping out on following the draft talk for all the reasons you mentioned. I’m fully confident Jason Licht will put together the absolute best roster and staff he can. As far as I’m concerned the Bucs were 2-3 plays away from the NFC Championship game. That is miraculous to me after the Tom Brady years.
February 5th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Everyone just relax and enjoy having a B+/A- QB for the next 3 to 5 years. He’s already our third-best QB ever…
February 5th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
I think the Bucs will be able to sign Baker and Winfield. Bucs may need to use the franchise tag on Evans.
February 5th, 2024 at 5:03 pm
I think as long as we can protect Baker, we have an exceptional QB, period. Can’t win without one in this league. Get it done as team friendly as possible. But get it done. Without a QB teams are doomed to mediocrity, can’t let one get away that is here and happy to be here!
February 5th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
Restructure Godwin and Wirfs and whoever else we can Sign Mike Baker Winfield and David Then see whats left. I think we need to nail the draft for young cheap talent. Lets make this happen Could we trade Godwin?
February 5th, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Tampa should have traded Winston after his third season, but they didn’t and even picked up his fifth year option which was stupid. They kept crab boy around 3 seasons too long imo, so glad he’s a laughing stock these days.
February 5th, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Draft a Quarterback, please.
February 5th, 2024 at 5:53 pm
No way Baker takes less than $35 mill per yr
No reason to.
Teams will sign him for $40 mill per yr on the open market.
We struggle to find QBs and now we have one that basically fell in our laps.
A former 1OA. Took 2 different teams to the playoffs and won a game. Just threw 6 TDs and 2 picks and over 600 yds in the playoffs.
Where are you getting someone to replace that? GMAFB people. Y’all have gone off the deep end. I think part of it is that some of you realize that by signing Baker we can’t sign Evans and that bothers some you. I get it. But we have to think of the BUCS first.
Baker isn’t signing for 3 years and $90 mill. I’ll wager $1k right now he doesn’t.
It’s gonna be ok peeps. Let’s be happy we have a QB for next yr
February 5th, 2024 at 5:53 pm
Agree Joe. You can’t get a good QB on the cheap for more than one year.
February 5th, 2024 at 5:58 pm
Winston set the team back 5 years.
So glad he is gone
February 5th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
I agree that the Bucs will probably not use the franchise tag on Baker. Would love to see them work out a good for both sides agreement. The problem is there are a few teams that could make that difficult. I know everyone thinks Baker wants to stay but you know how that goes. People say his wife don’t want to move. Well she won’t have to , Baker and her live in Austin Texas.. Baker wants some consistency , well he just lost his offensive coordinator. I think if the Bucs can be very creative They might be able to sign Baker. But as I have said before it’s not up to the Bucs if Baker comes back, it’s up to Baker.
February 5th, 2024 at 6:40 pm
I would franchise baker. To much history to risk a multiyear deal. Show me 2 good seasons in a row and then we can talk contract. He’s never had 2 good seasons in a row apart from college.
February 5th, 2024 at 6:58 pm
Reading what @Ocala, @OptimisticBucFan @SlyPirate, @MarineBuc (except for the Baker contract limit, it’s GOING tobe more), @TampaBayBucFan, @ddBucfan etc (and others) have posted under several Baker reltaed topics- you’re (mostly) spot on, keep up the good work!
I don’t worry about the haters – their minds are made up on Baker, but it’s fun to see you confuse them with facts/data.
Actually, regarding Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles, my mind is made up too, and I’m betting it’s right in line with what WILL happen.
I love the posts (and the data guys) keep it coming. I read a lot, but don’t post as much. I used to have time (and the attention span) to mine data, nice to see people who add that extra to support their points. It’s some additonal work, but it’s hard to argue against your points.
In the end, the smartest, GM/HC/Ownership this franchise has ever seen, is running this show – and they’ve made a heck of a run these past 5 years!
Bowles/Licht knocked it out of the park last draft – added lots of of rotational players/future starters on defense – re-built the offense – all in a single “throw-away” season.
LETS GO!
February 5th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Can we just stop with this being about the $$$. It’s about two things. Cap space and pride.
Both Baker and ME13 are estimated to have a current net worth of 25 million $$$
Seriously can anybody conceive of that much money. Can you imagine even 1 million a year for 25 straight years? The money is irrelevant. It’s about as Aretha sang R E S P E C T. That is mainly money but in Bakers case it could include input. NEITHER men NEED any more money. If they WANT more OK. But lets at least be honest. Nobody with 25 million in the bank NEEDS more money.
But hey it’s America and people can be BILLIONAIRES if they wish. I’m OK with it as long as it’s a two way street. No whining when ME departs for more $$$.
It’s not about money for the Glazers. They have literally already spent more than they’re permitted and have to use accounting tricks to get under the cap. IE they want to spend MORE than they’re permitted.
So please spare me the posts about the “cheap” Glazers or Mike or Baker’s NEEDS. It’s about % of cap space for Jason, and RESPECT for Baker and Mike.
All the chatter about this many millions over this many years…really? How about the % of cap space versus how much other players…the rest of the team will need. That’s what we’re debating. Nobody is cheap, and nobody is greedy, it’s JUST “BIDNEZZ”! A lot of emotional posting going on.
February 5th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
4 years 160 with 100 guaranteed. The guarantee financially shows the 3 year commitment to Baker with year 4 as a the restructure or out. That’s the 33 million, and value market for a competent QB who has been to the playoffs twice and wins games when he there.QB is the least of problem. I mean come on seriously the run game and defense barely set the tone all year. Browns, Ravens, Bills, Dolphins Lions all had betters Ds and rushing games with higher paid QBs and couldn’t get to the big one.
Stat trackers looking at Bakers time playing hurt, forcing the ball to O’well under Kitchens, and drudging along in Carolina got to look at the bigger picture. Cut him, I hope Pitt signs him and they smash the Browns 2 times every year.
February 5th, 2024 at 8:20 pm
Jameis Winston Landing Spots – Atlanta – per John Sigler per Pardon My Take podcast:
“I’m from Birmingham, Alabama. That would be a beautiful time just for my family. That would be beautiful. But I feel like I’m the attraction. I’m the thing, I’m the city, that is going to bring joy, love, trust, peace, and integrity to any location that I’m at. Because I’m a man of increase. Wherever it may be, that city, is going to get someone that is ready. A kind of man that is prepared to grow everyone around him.”
February 5th, 2024 at 8:23 pm
I am not sure why everyone wants to save the Glazers money by starting a rookie or Minshew because their biggest asset is hardly the Buccaneers…It is Manchester United valued at 5 Billion Euros. Its just they can,t find a sucker Oil Emerite to buy like Man City did.
February 5th, 2024 at 8:25 pm
@stpetebucsfan – If Evans is only worth $25 mill after getting paid $110 MILLION in career earnings his financial advisors need to be fired.
Not sure where you got your info but it is terribly wrong.
Baker’s family ripped him off. If you are pimping ME…you messed up big time.
February 5th, 2024 at 8:26 pm
I’m guessing 5 yrs, $160mil.
Bake’s worth it!
February 5th, 2024 at 8:28 pm
Baker does not need Evans. The sucker dropped a sure touchdown on his palms against the Iggles. Any rookie will do. Bakes will find him.
February 5th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
@Optimistic
“Not sure where you got your info but it is terribly wrong.”
Seems strange to me as well Optimistic. If you google the first answer that pops up is courtesy of Economic Times a reputable source but then they are quoting figures provided by “Celebrity Net Worth”. Never heard of them.
I agree with your observation. I’m not trying to pimp anybody actually. Again I’m now down to business which is strictly the cap space versus “needs”.
If I had my wishes ME and Baker and LVD all reup. Winfield and Wirfs WILL be taken care of one way or another. Then draft BPA Center/ Edge rusher in the first two rounds. Given the demand for edge rushers that’ll probably be #1 and given Lichts ability to find OL gems he should be able to find the Center in round 2 or 3. If Corum drops to the Bucs in round 2…a possibility because of his age and suspect hands…grab him. He’s the perfect complement to White.
BUT my “empath” heart has just run out of any real sympathy for ANY NFL player or owner. I wear T Shirts that say “Gratitude is my Attitude.” I’m not a communist but I am an old hippie I guess. The wealth inequality in America now is at Glided Age levels…that gripes me…but hey that’s just me and I prize freedom more than anything else.
So while I do not respect any of these guys personally for grabbing ALL this totally unnecessary money I support their RIGHT to do so. It’s ‘Murica and I’m cool with it. Different strokes for different folks.
My point is actually pretty simple. The Glazers are not cheap…they don’t have to be the Cap works for them. The players give their brains and bodies and so if the NFLPA can get these elephant $$$…why not the owners are certainly flush.
I just grow bored with specifics of well maybe 25 million over..or 30..or this guy makes 40…I effing do not care. D.R. has convinced me. IT’S THE SALARY CAP STUPID. Calling myself stupid here. Took me too long to realize it’s a game for a couple hours each week and then the rest of the time…ESPECIALLY in the off season it’s the battle of CAP space and figuring who is worth it and who isn’t it.
Nothing personal directed at any player or poster here who happens to be uber wealthy. Just pick up a T shirt that says “Gratitude” and at least fake it. LOL
February 5th, 2024 at 11:04 pm
Bucs need Baker, and Baker NEEDS Mike Evans…
…and Antione Winfield…
and…
ON TO THE DRAFT!
February 5th, 2024 at 11:24 pm
For those wondering…its a 7.2 million difference.
February 5th, 2024 at 11:27 pm
optimisticbucsfan Says:
“If Evans is only worth $25 mill after getting paid $110 MILLION in career earnings his financial advisors need to be fired.
Not sure where you got your info but it is terribly wrong.”
Spotrac says his (Mike Evans)market value is 23.8 mil.
It places Mayfield at 27.1 million.
February 5th, 2024 at 11:34 pm
Marky Mark Says:
“I am not sure why everyone wants to save the Glazers money”
It’s really not about saving the owners money. We have a minimum vs maximum Salary Cap in the NFL.
The Glazers do not have the option of saving money, or over spending (except on coaches and facilities).
People want to save money so that there is more left to re-sign free agents, sign new ones, and pay our draft picks.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:27 am
@ buc bonzai
This is exactly what he said…
“stpetebucfan Says:
February 5th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Can we just stop with this being about the $$$. It’s about two things. Cap space and pride.
Both Baker and ME13 are estimated to have a current net worth of 25 million $$$
”
NET WORTH. Do you know what that means? net worth? More than your two nickels. SMDH. AT least read the board sober or have your wife read it to you so you don’t look so stupid.
February 6th, 2024 at 8:18 am
I hope Winny has saved his loot…he very well could out of the league soon with the Victory Formation turned touchdown run stunt.
And yes, Buc Bonzee’s “lane” is a chat room with emo teens discussing his literary work ( elf erotica, fairy fiction ). Chris Hanson and his tv crew are monitoring the situation.
February 6th, 2024 at 8:51 am
@Marky Mark
Baker does in fact need Mike Evans. Pretty sure Palmer didn’t have a stellar rookie year so yea “any rookie will indeed not do it” lmao not sure if you know this being what you spill out, but Evans has never had less than 1k yards receiving and piles up touchdowns. Licht will do everything he can to bring the HOF wr a new contract
February 6th, 2024 at 9:47 am
If Mayfield wants to win, he won’t gouge the team for all the money he can get. Brady got a below market deal at S25m so we could sign and re-sign guys that would help with his own success, if Mayfield is smart, he does the same. Signs a lower deal, we use the money to keep people that will ensure success and he sees the end of the contract. He gouges us for every dime and we can’t afford to put pieces around him and we stink and he doesn’t see the end of his contract. It’s far better to sign a four year $25m a year deal and see the end of it than go for $35m over the same time period and only make it two years because he can’t be successful with marginal players at all key positions.
February 6th, 2024 at 9:57 am
As far as celebrity net worth sites that try to guesstimate how much people are worth… my 20 year old daughter is semi-famous from her social media and was estimated to have a net worth of $5 million when she was 18. Up until this past year, the kid didn’t have $5k to her name. I’d like to see some of that $5 mil…
February 6th, 2024 at 10:01 am
This is too funny. I just Googled my daughter’s net worth and reading some of these sites are hilarious. Literally, nothing, other than her pics and social media data, is true. They’re wrong about her age, where she was born, her height, weight, measurements, even about me… apparently, I’m a businessman living in LA. 🙂 And she’s friends with Victoria Beckham!!! 🙂 But she’s still worth between $1-5 million.
February 6th, 2024 at 10:47 am
Winny Testaverde, careful.
February 6th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Hey Petey D:
You watch it. Your big mouth writes a lot of checks your pear shaped physique can’t cash.
In the words of Pink Floyd…”Hey Petey…leave those kids alone!”
February 6th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
Winny Testaverde, well look at you. Feeling big and bad. Trolling someone because you have to feel good about yourself. Does that make you feel like a grownup?
You are more than welcome to track me down and write your own checks. We’ll see how that works out.
You like to hide between usernames that have changed over time, but I figured out your real name a while ago. You eased up for a time, so I let matters go. But spreading lies about me…now that’s a civil matter. I gave you a friendly warning. You saying certain things about me? That will get more than just you in trouble.
I’ll drop the matter…but do yourself a favor. Be smarter. Respect earns respect, and I have never attacked you.