Make It Smart. Make It Fast.
March 6th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Any day now.
This waltz between the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield’s representatives needs to end in a crescendo within the next week. It makes too much sense for both sides heading into the 2024 season.
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield deserves a major pay bump after resurrecting his career with Tampa Bay. He was very careful with ball security, endearing himself to Todd Bowles, and Mayfield threw three TD passes in each of the two postseason games.
Along the way, Mayfield won over teammates and many in Buc Nation with a feisty, aggressive demeanor. He’s a natural fit in this blue-collar community and, at 28, Mayfield should be just hitting his prime.
So why isn’t he locked up, a week before the start of free agency?
Mayfield and his agent want to cash in, and who can blame them? The Bucs got him cheap a year ago because there was no market for No. 6. He’s not going to come cheap again, but it’s folly for the Mayfield camp to use the $40 million Daniel Jones contract as a starting point.
The Giants made an enormous mistake, one that could take years to rectify. When Jones signed that lucrative extension, he had a 21-31-1 career record as a starting NFL quarterback.
Neck and knee injuries limited Jones to six games last year and he was a piñata when he played — sacked on almost 16 percent of his pass attempts.
Sixteen percent? That’s Looney Tunes.
A Hard Line In The Sand
Jones didn’t have a lengthy, impressive body of work to justify that contract, and neither does Mayfield. If Mayfield demands a 4-year, $160 million deal fully guaranteed, the Bucs should swallow long and hard … and pass.
Team Glazer must have a limit, writes Ira Kaufman.
Although Tampa Bay’s options behind Mayfield are uncomfortably limited, this is a negotiation. You can’t allow Mayfield’s side to dictate the outcome and force a foolish deal.
Speaking of fools, Mayfield would be a dunce to base his decision solely on the structure of the contract. Whether it’s the Bucs, Falcons or Vikings, he’s in for a big payday. Tampa Bay makes the most sense for his NFL future and in the end, that should carry the day.
All the important signs point to Mayfield returning to One Buc Place. Hiring Liam Coen as offensive coordinator was Step 1. Was Mayfield consulted? You betcha.
Bringing Mike Evans back was Step 2. Common sense tells you the Bucs made assurances to Evans that Mayfield will be returning under center. In the unlikely event Mayfield moves on, you can bet Evans will have Jason Licht on speed dial, demanding an explanation.
That’s not the way an organization wants to start the new calendar year.
Mayfield and the Bucs makes sense. Mayfield and the Bucs need each other. This is not to say Mayfield is going to give Tampa Bay a huge hometown discount. But if the Bucs are at least in the ballpark with an offer, this should be a no-brainer.
Who has the leverage? Mayfield does. He bet on himself last year and he won. If he bets on free agency, he’ll have serious suitors. But if logic prevails, Mayfield will be lured back to familiar surroundings with a young roster, a head coach who believes in him and one of the league’s premier wide receiver tandems.
Licht and his assistant GM Mike Greenberg have been here before. They know how to manipulate the salary cap and they usually find a way to keep the guys they want to keep.
Mayfield’s a keeper — at the right price.
Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr. have already crossed the finish line. Mayfield’s moving up on the rail, looking like a 1-5 favorite to join them in Tampa Bay’s winner’s circle.
Ira drives a 2020 Ford Escape (cherry red).
March 6th, 2024 at 4:26 pm
“Jones didn’t have a lengthy, impressive body of work to justify that contract, and neither does Mayfield. If Mayfield demands a 4-year, $160 million deal fully guaranteed, the Bucs should swallow long and hard … and pass.”
——–
Well, actually the Bucs should laugh out loud, and say, wait, lets make this a TikTok, we can get a billion views!
Then, they should say, hey, lets be friends, and go talk to the Falcons and we’ll do everything we can to drive up their cost.
The idea of the Falcons and Saints, both stuck with two of the worst QB contracts in the NFL, that would be fantastic.
In any case, I’ll take Wilson + $30m, or heck, I’ll take Trask + $40m, and I don’t even like Trask, but I doubt he’s all that much worse than middling Baker.
March 6th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
He should test free agency, like you said he bet on himself and he won. Also he has familiarity with a few teams coaches and management. Falcons being one, that would be poetic justice if that happens.
March 6th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
“Mayfield’s moving up on the rail, looking like a 1-5 favorite to join them in Tampa Bay’s winner’s circle.” Is that a Derby Lane reference Mr. Sage?
March 6th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
I disagree. I don’t think Baker has much leverage.
1 I don’t think another team is going to pay $40M or even $30M on a journeyman QB. I think QB needy teams would rather draft a guy and pay him mince nuts while they rebuild.
2. The Bucs have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin who can prop a QB up. Do other teams have that kind of talent to support Baker? If not, you’re getting the Carolina version.
3. Bucs have options. Baker was a joke at this time last year. There are a dozen Bakers available … cheap, talented QBs … including one on the bench.
If this is a staring contest, Baker will blink first.
March 6th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
“but it’s folly for the Mayfield camp to use the $40 million Daniel Jones contract as a starting point.”
Don’t be ridiculous Ira. Starting points are not follies. They are prices you EXPECT to come down from.
A reasonable price is 30-35 mil so what ?
The agent supposes to undercut himself in the normal process of give and take and start within the range his client should actually get?.
bad nego – you give yourself some room to come down
March 6th, 2024 at 4:50 pm
Testing the market increases leverage. When Raiders, Pats, or falcons offer Jones/Carr money, the Bucs will sign. Ego and validity play a part in this dance.
Bakers agent wants it known what others will pay, it gives added validity to the contract the Bucs eventually sign, when they can point to other teams and say, “See, he was gonna get this somewhere, it might as well be here.” Both sides will win.
March 6th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Have you even done research on Daniel Jones contract? It’s not 160 million guaranteed, and they can get out of it after this year
March 6th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Derek most of the degenerates that come here don’t even know what a football looks like
March 6th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
Ira Says :”If Mayfield demands a 4-year, $160 million deal fully guaranteed, the Bucs should swallow long and hard … and pass.”
Exactly tell him thanks but no thanks….
March 6th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
BakerFan Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
He should test free agency, like you said he bet on himself and he won.
Dude I am pretty much on your path now. I’ll continue as a Bucs fan but I am seeing the benefits to my NFL enjoyment of being able to follow Baker as a second team without all this wing bat stuff I get out of here
Bolt Baker. If an agent doing his job starting at 40 is folly then Bucs starting at 25 is enough folly to go test the waters. Steelers would be my firs choice though.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:08 pm
If he wants to play hardball, let Atlanta pay him 160 for 4.
Roll with Trask, Wolford & JJ if he falls to 26 or Pratt later in the draft. Or sign a vet like Brissett.
I’m not a Traskateer or a Baker lover, so don’t anyone try to put me into your delusional mold.
Trask, if I had to GUESS, is a Brad Johnson type QB.
Brad was physically tougher that Kyle is, but my GUESS is that Kyle gets up to speed quicker in his career than Brad did.
Kyle is heady, more mobile than most think and would protect the ball.
Can the Bucs win a SB with a game manager Trask at QB (if that’s his ceiling)?
Answer: They won with Brad.
Brad won with an epic, elite defense, but Kyle would presumably have a better offense than Brad had under Gruden
^^mtnbucman^^
Since ’76
March 6th, 2024 at 5:08 pm
A BM6 deal will come down right before the legal tampering period starts. All will be fine!! IMHO.. it makes so much sense to all parties involved. It will happen.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:08 pm
I watched every game last year, and am a season ticket holder. I like Baker. Always have liked Baker. However, you cannot mortgage the team’s future on one player. I would hate to see him go, but I trust the team to make the best choice. Open competition is how Baker got the job. If he goes then someone else will step in. We have a great core of players. If Baker needs crazy money let someone else swim in that pond. If his first read is not there you can almost count on a blocked pass. I love the guy, but it’s a business at the end of the day. He should have taken the 25 million, and been happy to get it. No one else will pay him that. If they do then good for him. If he can squeeze 30 million he should over the moon. We are not as stupid as the Giants.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Bucben61…the triggered one of the cult. You’re calling Ira a degenerate.
I’ve always thought of him as a nice guy every time I’ve ran into him.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:13 pm
First of all I don’t know what to believe. One report said Mayfield and the Bucs had a deal and would probably announce it today now I am hearing they are far apart. Nevertheless, $40 mil for Mayfield seems far fetched. I am not an owner or GM but that to me is ridiculous far a guy who played well but not lights out. As a 48 year Bucs fans I rather see the Bucs roll with Trask who know the offense the Bucs are gonna run next season pretty well than to see them over paid for any position player and I am sure the Bucs are not going for that either. As I said I don’t know what to believe until thing are done like with Evans
March 6th, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Posted it earlier but will post it again, Baker needs to follow the saying “ a bird in the hand is better than two in the bushes!” Be a man of your words about playing for Tampa, find common ground and get it done.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:16 pm
Whereas I’m happy for Baker’s success last season, I am dead set opposed to paying 40 million a year. No freaking way. There were definitely some questionable moments last season. If Baker wants to play in a city who supports him and an organization who does as well for a reasonable paycheck that still makes him millions, then let’s do it. Just not a price that kills us. We still need more pieces. GO BUCS!
March 6th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
I’m sure that the Bucs have a pretty good idea of the range that BM will be offered, and by whom, if he actually drifts into FA.
I’m betting were going to see around a 4/140 deal. Both the Bucs and Baker would be nuts not to get a “market” deal done.
Forget the $25/per deals. That ship sailed during end/post-season. If the Bucs are successful in bolstering the O-line we’ll see BM performing in the top 10 range.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
LongTimeBucaneer…tread lightly my friend. If you oppose Baker or have a negative opinion of him, his cult will be by to call you names…
Unless you’re really David posting under a new name…
March 6th, 2024 at 5:18 pm
As silly as $40 mil sounds for Baker, I wont put anything past The ReTodd. He’s in love with the mediocre QB and will convince Licht to pay him whatever he wants.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:21 pm
^^mtn^^ Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 5:08 pm
Kyle is heady, more mobile than most think
LOL….I’d like Baker to walk even its 20 mill he is asking for. This I got to see.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:23 pm
Couch Fan…don’t say mediocre. That really riles them up for some reason.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
It’s over Ira. The Trask era has begun.
Mayfield is about Mayfield. He wants 40+ million.
Someone will give him 32-35 and he’ll walk without blinking.
Bucs just don’t have the cap space.
Handwriting is on the wall. Accept it.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:27 pm
If Baker hits free agency, he will have a lot of leverage. You guys act like Baker has not been throwing to different receivers his whole career. Guy builds chemistry with whoever the receivers are. Atlanta and Minnesota play in domes. Domes pad stats like placekickers in Denver. Not a far-fetch to think playing in a dome can be worth more than tax-free statehood.
Outside of Kirk Cousin, Baker is the best free agent QB in the McVay wide-zone offense on the market. All the teams needing QBs are moving to this offense. Baker proved he is a fit with this offense with the Rams with play without any off-season preparation. And last year. If Minnesota loses Cousins and Baker is out there, you better believe they will pay him $35-40M+ for 3 years. Kevin O’Connell came directly from McVay’s staff. You think McVay is not singing Baker’s praises? Minnesota wrote Cousins $35M checks for the last 3 years and no playoff victories. They already have that money set aside for a QB to win now and make playoff runs. Baker has 2 playoff wins in 6 season whilst Cousins is now 1 playoff win in 12 seasons. For those running it with Fields, Bakers’ first three seasons in the league playing for a previously 1-31 Browns team runs circles around the three years Justin Fields has shown including QB’ing in this offense which Chicago utilized the last 2 years. The guy is not an anticipatory passer which is what you need to thrive in this offense. He’s a fullback that has average throwing skills. And Baker has to be salivating at throwing to nearly 1000 yard rookie Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson and Justin Freaking Jefferson. No offense to Otton, on his last contract year Godwin and Evans – but Baker’s weapons in Minnesota 2 years down the road do project better there.
If Minnesota keeps Cousins, Atlanta will be knocking. Zac Robinson in Atlanta also used the same offense and came from Sean McVay Ram’s staff too. Baker would be a valuable asset helping Zac coach this young talented Atlanta team on this offensive scheme. You can’t measure that in individual stats but you will in wins. And wrecking the Bucs’ plans would be the cherry on top.
I hope Licht and the Bucs don’t try to treat Baker like Geno Smith for long. That dog won’t hunt in the Baker Camp. He took two projected to struggle teams to playoff appearances and wins in the last 4 years while dealing with new OCs. Not a shabby record. That screams $35-40M guaranteed for at least 2 years with options to keep the player in year 3 and 4 with built in pay escalators. Don’t blow it! We are so close to making some deep playoff noise again.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:30 pm
My bad 87. Ill try to behave.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Remember you all put the screws to Trask for this guy.
You blew up the guy we drafted for Baker ME ME ME Mayfield.
What do you think 40 mil will do to this roster, huh?
You’ll have a barren roster to go with your m o x i e
You got played. You all got played.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Yesterday Capt Tim said there’s polls out there that state 85% of the fan base want Baker back…..cept I can’t find these polls anywhere.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:32 pm
Mostly Peaceful Trask Fan Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
It’s over Ira. The Trask era has begun.
Sorry Its already done. You just haven’t figured it out. Even if Trasks would ball out it his final year he would be giving no discounts to the team that sat him for three years
2025 BYe Kyle
March 6th, 2024 at 5:32 pm
Baker will be back. They are likely negotiating money vs length, and they will get it right. Just north of 3/$100 sounds about right.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:37 pm
Sly your in for a surprise. Atlanta will off 35 million per . Baker went to the playoffs with one of the worst running games in the history of the NFL. Well Bucs said Trask was close in the competition last year but Baker had more experience so they went with him. If that’s true Baker is gone .
March 6th, 2024 at 5:42 pm
Mostly Peaceful Trask Fan Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Remember you all put the screws to Trask for this guy.
You blew up the guy we drafted for Baker ME ME ME Mayfield.
What do you think 40 mil will do to this roster, huh?
———
The problem with this statement is that you are assuming they actually care about the Bucs. I think at this point, its clear the only thing they care about is Baker getting paid and of course starting anywhere/everywhere.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:43 pm
“The Trask era has begun.”
Poor Kyle. I hope that he’s not following this and getting his hopes up.
The truth: Not extending Mayfield would be a huge mistake for both the player and the team. It would be like starting over — again.
A team that’s predicted to win 2-3 games by almost everyone does a 180 after a mid-season slump (defense shared responsibility) and you guys think that they should move in a different direction at QB? Seriously?
Come on (some of) you guys. Talk some sense. They’re just in the negotiation “dance” at this point.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Tony Marks….if they let Baker go. You’ll be devastated .
Stay from the Sunshine Skyway buddy.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:49 pm
Buc1987 Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Tony Marks….if they let Baker go. You’ll be devastated .
Nope I have joined Bakerfan. I’d like to see Baker play for another team Like Atlanta. Just like I rooted for him independently for years before. I’d root for the bucs every other game but get to laugh at you haters when Bucs play the Falcons.
Get it done.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:54 pm
I’m a Mayfield fan, but I agree with Ira. Baker is not worth 40M. Hard pass at that number!
March 6th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
I agree the Giants made an enormous mistake with the Jones contract and now it is causing others to want the same deal. Hopefully, Baker follows Mike’s lead instead and stays with the Bucs too. No panic yet, Let him test the waters. It isn’t Jason’s first rodeo either. He knows what he is doing.
March 6th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Couch Fan – Baker doesn’t want to play in the Tampa backwater.
He wants to sign a big contract in a major market and be on TV all the time.
All these clowns fell for his act.
Worse case scenario for Baker is he has the Tampa offer to fall back on. Now he’s trying to jump to make the big contract.
He’s good as gone.
Lets get behind Trask. He’s the home town guy.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Great Article Ira, Thanks!
You’re absolutely right. It makes perfect sense for Mayfield to sign with the Bucs!
But, this is the Bucs. Worst win/ loss record of any pro sports team in History!
I watched Doug Williams, Steve Young, and Trent Dilfer all QB this team.
Then I watched every one of themwalk out of this building, and win SuperBowls for other teams
It was sickening. It SUCKED.
But it wouldnt surprise me for history to repeat itself.
Baker Mayfield and the Atlanta Falcons. Multiple time NFC South champions.
Beating Tampa unconcious everytime we face them.
Our QB?
Noodle armed Trask.
The old fragile statue Kirk Cousins.
Fields, who has never known who to throw to. Cant read defenses.
Penix, a badly damaged, not great rookie.
Or worse- Wilson. Who has lost all of his former talent, and has also gone nuts!
You do the math. Think”Josh Freman” style tailspin.
Im almost 60. I just wanna sit around, playing oldies on my Bass,and watching the Bucs play some good football.
Im usually Happy with the Lightning and Rays. Now its fun going to see the Magic again.
Lord,Let the Bucs sign Mayfield
Or let me find out who some of the Haters are- so I can call and torment them every Sunday! Lol
March 6th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
Man, Ira has done nothing except talk well about Baker — and because he doesn’t think the Bucs should pay him franchise QB money, WOW, look how quick the Baker Boi(s) turn on him. Remarkable.
This is why I don’t even bother to try to hold a reasonable conversation with those people — and I love talking football, and stats, and historical comparisons, etc. Yet you can not talk reasonably to people who have dedicated to their life to Baker because they saw him on TV in a commercial and now think he’s their friend, and they’ll do anything to prove to their new friend how loyal they are.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:02 pm
GhostofBrady let him walk.
Take the money you save on the deal and load the roster.
Trask will ball out – especially if they sign a RB they’ll be weapons everywhere.
Bucs will be loaded on offense and defense in 2024 with the cap space they have. No need to break the bank with Mayfield who runs hot and cold.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:04 pm
Im all for anyone that wins an open and fair QB competition. LFG!
March 6th, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Buc1987,
HEY! I HAVE A COPYWRITE ON ALL SKYWAY JOKES! Im the guy who first started posting about the Skyway Jumper station!
Write your own Material! Lol
March 6th, 2024 at 6:14 pm
Boy, Bills Center Mike Morse would sure look good in Red and Pewter!
Team captain and former Allpro.
Mayfield and R White would be happy to see that happen.
Then let J Licht find a small school stud to coach up!
March 6th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
Rod Munch
We’ve been telling them for a year now. They wouldn’t listen. Baker’s ego is immense and he thinks very highly of himself and where he should be.
Mayfield’s agent opens with 44 mil – Bucs noped out QUICK.
Mayfield thought he was going to cash in and Evans would be the one making that hard choice.
Bucs signed Evans & franchised Winfield back to back in a BLINK. Then Mike puts out the insta post Not Bleeping Leaving! I AIN’T GOING NOWHERE. (Message to Bakey)
Now that’s done – that sent a message to Baker on who the Bucs thought were the more important guys to lock down. Also tells you they think high of Trask.
That forces Baker to be a man of his word on how much he loves Tampa and blah blah blah to take a team friendly deal. Ha fat chance.
They were never going to sign all three at top of market. Was never going to happen.
Baker will sign the first deal over 32 per – and it won’t be the Bucs.
Again I repeat…
THE TRASK ERA HAS JUST OFFICIALLY BEGUN.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:29 pm
Capt.Tim Says:
You’re absolutely right. It makes perfect sense for Mayfield to sign with the Bucs!
But, this is the Bucs. Worst win/ loss record of any pro sports team in History!
———–
I was going to say… that’s inaccurate, that the Timberwolves overtook the title from the Bucs in 2021, so they hold the title. But just to be sure, I went and looked up the info, and I guess the Timberwolves have had a big season this year and actually passed the Bucs, so you’re right, it’s back into last place.
Personally, I love that stat – that the Bucs have the all-time lowest winning percentage in all of sports, yet they’re also tied for the all-time highest winning percentage in the Super Bowl, tied with only the Ravens.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
“Capt.Tim Says:Buc1987,
HEY! I HAVE A COPYWRITE ON ALL SKYWAY JOKES! Im the guy who first started posting about the Skyway Jumper station!
Write your own Material! Lol”
Well, I’m the only one to make the jump & survive …. haven’t been the same since.
Seriously tho, if you’re old school, are you more Roundabout & Ramble On or more Thank you & Higher Ground?
^^mtnbucman^^
Since ’76
March 6th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Capt Tim
LOL Denial ain’t a river in Egypt.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:38 pm
Man, many of you guys will turn tail on ANYONE! If it wasn’t Baker, it would be Trask or anyone else who QB’s this team.
These are negotiations, nothing else boys. The Bucs offer of $25M is too low, and evidently $44M is too high. So, like I said for weeks now, $35M seems about right.
Calm down.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:45 pm
Baker Fan
But But But thats the market price.
Tony
But, thats just the starting point.
Capt Tim
He will light it up somewhere else.
Jacoby Brisset is ranked higher than Baker on the FA list LMAO
Let that SINK IN for even half a second.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:50 pm
Wyoming click on my link – and then welcome yourself to reality.
That’s just too much to make up – the cap space doesn’t exist for Baker at the market numbers getting thrown around.
They would have to add several void years and take on huge risk while strapping themselves most certainly meaning losing very good players elsewhere.
Or…
They could roll with Trask and load up on talent.
Baker came in hot at a high water mark deal and the Bucs made their decision.
Mayfield either takes a very team friendly deal – or he signs elsewhere.
In your heart of hearts what do you think Baker does?
March 6th, 2024 at 6:50 pm
MTN
Im am “immigrant Song”, “Black Dog”, “Hey Joe”, and I stole your Love”
Kinda guy! “Roundabout”?, nah. I aint got those chops!
Its like watching Les Claypoole. Love to watch it. I cant play it. And dont really listen to it.
Virtuoso wise- Im more of a Stanley Clarke, Joco Pastorius influence. But other than “School Days” I dont play alot of their stuff, either!
I shoulda been more dedicated to the Instrument.
But always, we were in it for the chicks and free drinks!lol
Do you Play?
March 6th, 2024 at 6:51 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 6th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
Man, Ira has done nothing except talk well about Baker — and because he doesn’t think the Bucs should pay him franchise QB money, WOW, look how quick the Baker Boi(s) turn on him. Remarkable.
Looked though thread and didn’t see this . Its just another of your lies . NO one has turned on Ira for not wanting to pay 40 Million. I am on record that if Baker demands 40 Million per year
BUCS SHOULD LET HIM WALK
Bye Baker. I’d go as far to say that with a bad season in 2022 Baker hasn’t shown he is up to that yet.
Now do I find it breathtakingly silly among people who claim to be in their 50s, 60s and 70s who have bought houses, cars and all kinds of thing negotiated to conflate STARTING OFFERS (which are EXRESSLY INTENDED to come down off off ) as final offers?
Yep . Its dumb. Totally dumb. Ira doesn’t quite go as far as the comments do but the idea its folly is better but still off.
March 6th, 2024 at 6:53 pm
Jaco*
March 6th, 2024 at 6:53 pm
Bucs should pull their offer and wish Baker and his family a long and happy life in Minnesota
March 6th, 2024 at 6:58 pm
No one knows what he’s asking for it’s all speculation and click bait for the sheep
March 6th, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Ahhh, Come On Come Over & The Chicken, nice
March 6th, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Ira – obviously $160M for 4 years guaranteed is absolutely ridiculous. But be more specific, where do you draw the line for contract terms? Is $35M for 4 years too much? How about $37M over 3 years?
It’s easy to say we need to keep Baker as long as the contract isn’t outrageous. But let’s hear your opinion of specifically what the Bucs should be willing to pay for Baker.
March 6th, 2024 at 7:05 pm
Not sure why people think 160 for 4 years is ridiculous. By year three, when the market resets, and Allen, Mahomes are flirting with 60 a year, the 160 mill contract will seem small. Its the later years where the value for the bucs lies. Prescot may alter the landscape this offseason….
March 6th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
BillyBucco,
Well OF COURSE Jacoby Brissett is more Highly Ranked! He took that broken ass team , with no running game, to the NFC South Championship.
Won in a first round Blowout, then game really close in round 2.
With ateam 29th in Pass defense,last in rushing offense, and last in TE production.
Unbelievable! He finished with a 109.4 QB playoff rating. He thru over 300 yards and 3 Tds in each game.
109.4 is ALL TIME FRANCHISE PLAYOFF RECORD!
Then he went to PROBOWL and won MVP.
The guy Is incredible! Somebody should sign that guy to a Long term contract!
Oh, Wait.
That was BAKER MAYFIELD!
WHO THE F IS JACOBY BRISSETT? I didnt see him in the Playoffs!
I dont trust anyone, who knows who the F is Jacoby Brissett.
I heard he is some noodle armed loser- Sorta like Trask!
Well, go follow him, Billy! Im sure Baker will whip his ass, if they play each other next year.
Stick that in yer ranking and SMOKE IT! Lol
March 6th, 2024 at 7:18 pm
Capt.Tim,
lol…I have to admit…that was good 🙂
March 6th, 2024 at 7:19 pm
Let em Bake Says
“Not sure why people think 160 for 4 years is ridiculous. By year three, when the market resets, and Allen, Mahomes are flirting with 60 a year, the 160 mill contract will seem small.”
I’m sure Giants fans thought the same thing.
March 6th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Mtn
“A portrait of Tracy”.
Lately Ive been listening to Marcus Miller. Hes almost convinced me to buy a “Sire” bass. Bet I still dont sound like him! Lol
Do you Play? Is so, what Bass. Ive been playing Ibanez lately. And just recently got a wicked Purple 5 string by LTD. Its that “ Forest” body shape!
Oh, wait- GO BUCS!
March 6th, 2024 at 7:28 pm
Give Baker his $40 million and lock him in for 4 yrs. This guy is a leader and has the right mix of skill, leadership, swagger, and humility to lead this team for years to come. He’s the natural successor to Brady. We don’t want to end up with Justin Fields or Cousins and find ourselves looking for a franchise QB again in 1-2 years. Make Tampa Bay Dangerous Again 😀
March 6th, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Offer him 100 million for 3 years with 50 million guaranteed.
March 6th, 2024 at 7:31 pm
I think both sides are probably close on a yearly figure. I would assume the wrestling is over the guaranteed part. And if I was guessing I would expect Mayfield is trying to get his finances back to where he thought they would have been if he had signed a second contract in Cleveland. And not being mentioned by anyone is the 10,000,000+ that disappeared through his father’s “investment” company. Looking at all that, this is a rare, possibly one-time chance, to get himself back on sound financial ground.
March 6th, 2024 at 7:42 pm
Mostly on 24.75 & 25.5″ six strings.
Building a lot of 27-8 bari right now & almost done sprucing up a 30″ Sq VI. After that have a custom VI ready to start.
Have a few 34″s, but right now putting a 32″ Jag together using a PB body & modifying the upper & lower horns to Jag specs …. will probably route to fit a Lace Aluma Bass Bar I want to try
Also close to finishing a fretless Reliced JB
March 6th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Yeah, Jaco is insane.
I can fight my way out of a wet paper sack on bass but don’t think he’s within my range ability wise.
Not even thinking about 5 string at all, not enough time in the day, lol.
Been playing 6 strings since I was a kid.
That forest is really cool. That arm contour looks nice. Does that upper horn ever get in the way?
March 6th, 2024 at 7:54 pm
It might if I was Flea, our some crazy bass Slapper.
Im a bottom end, finger plucker. Doesnt bother me.
Transcribing my scales to a 5 string gets in the way! Lol
March 6th, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Yeah different tuning on a 5 string, right?
I remember when a bassist named ‘Tiny’ went to a 5 string. He killed it right off the bat
March 6th, 2024 at 8:09 pm
I’m just a poor Peavey Milestone 4 string man myself.
Just recently started playing. Plays like butter with LaBella flats and a sweet Peavey amp.
March 6th, 2024 at 8:17 pm
Kirk Cousins is the #1 free agent QB… yall wanna pay 40 Mil a year for a guy not as good as Kirk Cousins??
March 6th, 2024 at 8:22 pm
Nothing wrong with a Milestone my friend. Is it a P or J?
Decided to use flats when building my 1st ’52 P and sounded so dope, I got hooked. They last too.
I’m actually changing half my collection to flats, both guitars & basses. Going to start with my Jazmasters, 1/2 of them.
March 6th, 2024 at 8:26 pm
Mtn,
Jazz bxp
March 6th, 2024 at 8:27 pm
My 2nd bass wass a Peavy T40. Loved the low end on that thing. Ended up with a White, Red, and Natural T-40. Had to give’em up! Soooo heavy, my shoulder still droops. There was a poster of me playing the White one, in a few local clubs decades ago.
I was lucky. A friend had A Fender Bassman 10 amp. Played thru it for decades. Now, Im a Hartke guy, although I do use A TC amp sometimes.
What kind of 6 strings are you playing?
March 6th, 2024 at 8:33 pm
Wooo, Mike S has got himself percolating… Finally. some entertainment. The crash will be hard but enjoyed by many…
March 6th, 2024 at 8:41 pm
Buccaneer Bonzi,
Thanks! I thought that was pretty funny.
Wait til you see my list of Loser QBs, making between 40 and 65 million a year right now. Brrrr.
I shoulda been a QB! Some of those guys getting 50 mil really suck!
March 6th, 2024 at 9:00 pm
Hartke’s are very nice. Is your atc mono?
Have a ss Bassman & use it with guitar too when you need that sound.
Had a ’67 Blackface bandmaster head (had quite a history) that a guy named Fatty down on Broadway in Denver tricked out for me. He’s worked on some of the best guitarists amps that come thru town -Clapton, Shepherd, Trucks etc. He has a nice line of boutique amps.
6 strings? You name it. Mostly Les Pauls, Teles & Strats, some Jazzmasters and keep a few of my customs (used to build them in pairs – sell 1 & keep 1)
I give Rick Nielsen a run for his money, lol
March 6th, 2024 at 9:06 pm
Bakers signs for 3 years at $100M or less.
Book it!
March 6th, 2024 at 9:09 pm
I’m a Bears/ Bucs fan who watches both teams every week and I’m gonna make a case for Justin Fields to the Bucs. More upside than Baker. Younger. Much cheaper in the short term (which matters to the Bucs.) Plus I think Baker last year was somewhat a product of Canales and I wouldn’t be surprised if he falls back to earth a little next season with a new playcaller. Maybe not…maybe they keep the offense similar and he gets even better. But I wouldn’t be shocked if he regresses. Everything went perfect for that offense last year. On the flip side, everything has been stacked against Fields and he might do well with Evans, Godwin, a line that can protect him, and a competent play caller. He would turn Rashaad White into a superstar.
March 6th, 2024 at 9:21 pm
@Dooosh, keep with it, like Tim said, it’s great for the ladies and maybe even some free drinks.
@Tim, somehow not all my posts seem to be getting thru. I don’t see them but when reposting it says ‘I said that already’ or something like that
March 6th, 2024 at 9:25 pm
OK, clear cookies & cache and see all the other posts now
March 6th, 2024 at 9:39 pm
I know Joe doesn’t like hearing this and he made his stance pretty clear yesterday in his article but….. if Baker wants crazy money let him walk and go get Wilson. Joe thinks Baker situation last year is different than Wilson this year but both were/are a 50/50 chance. Give Wilson some talent like the Bucs have and he could really surprise everyone. Wilson is a SB wining QB, something Baker is not, plus Wilson has shown he can do it at a high level year after year. Yes, Wilson’s last 2 years haven’t been great, last year wasn’t too bad considering the coach he had and him never wanting Wilson. As Bucs fans we all know how arrogant Payton is. I think Wilson is a good option if Baker wants to break the bank. Saying all that about Wilson, I think Baker has earned the right to a good contract and deserves another go in Tampa. I would take Baker first hands down. I just would have tagged him and had him prove another year before giving a big deal.
March 6th, 2024 at 9:56 pm
Very Cool.
I committed Musician Suicide! Got married to a hot Bartender. She had a kid. I bought a house, started getting domesticated. Then we had another kid.
Next thing I know, Im looking around, and cant find a bass, a piano, a microphone. My PA.
You get the picture.
Since My health forced me into early Retirement- I started restocking some of my Bass stuff. I had kept one, and an amp. Now, I happily single, and always looking for a cool new bass.
That marriage, and a few more crashed.
If you are young- stick to Music and posting on JoeBuc!
You’ll be happier! Lol
March 6th, 2024 at 10:16 pm
Let explain something to thick headed Baker Boi rubes.
There are 16 teams out there with $40M or more in cap space.
Let me list some for you:
Washington 96M
Tennessee 80M
New England 78M
Chicago 57M
Indianapolis 53M
Las Vegas 47M
Los Angeles 43M
Minnesota 41M
Atlanta 41
All of those teams have need at QB.
All of them are flush.
PFF lists the top 3 free agent QBs as follows
1. Kirk Cousins
2. Ryan Tannehill
3. Baker Mayfield
PFF hates Baker we know that. Please don’t cite Jacoby Brissett – he got benched for Sam Howell last season.
Baker is young at 28 and was 9th in passing yards and 7th in TDs
Someone is going to give Baker the contract he wants and it’s not going to be the Bucs.
The cap space is not there in Tampa unless they cut players and mortgage the future – and you don’t do that coming off a 9-8 season.
There is absolutely no reason for Baker to take a team friendly incentive laden deal – none whatsoever. He’s not going to leave $50M on the table. You are kidding yourself if you think he does.
This is why we of the Trask mob pounded fists on the table all year when we said it was a mistake to sign Baker and roll out the red carpet for him as the starter on a pretend QB competition and be all kinds of patient while he worked through his tough stretches.
Even in the best case – Baker plays like a top 10 QB, and his stats clearly back up that assessment of what happened, we said he was going to walk the year afterwards and the Bucs would be in no better shape than they were at the start of last year.
Instead of developing the QB they drafted, Ira and everyone said it was all about saving Bowles’ job and Baker is not that kind of guy and yadda yadda yadda.
I’d be shocked if Baker signs for 25 mil on a creative incentive laden contract. There’s absolutely no way it happens. There is no way he should sign before the tampering period unless he just loves Florida and doesn’t care about money – which would be absurd to believe.
One of those 9 teams I listed is going to give him the contract he wants and if they don’t then he can come back to the Bucs who will give him his 25-27. All he has to do is wait and collect offers.
WE ALL TOLD YOU SO BUT YOU DIDN’T LISTEN.
Now watch as it unfolds.
March 6th, 2024 at 10:18 pm
Miller5252
Wilson is washed. Stop with that nonsense.
March 6th, 2024 at 10:20 pm
4 years, $150 million. Guarantee 2 years $74 mil. Say “Baker you’re our guy, now let’s go get some rookies and stiff arm defensive guys! By next season the cap will move to cover the difference and you get to resign Godwin, Winfield again, cap moves up again the following.
PS, this season was FUN! You guys are way too serious…sit back, watch the Baker, Evans, Godwin, White, Winfield group get better and dance in the end zone some more, except this year do try to ENJOY and APPRECIATE it! 🏈
March 6th, 2024 at 10:28 pm
@ Tim
Old fart here, 60s guy, still running circles around the young bucks ….probably cause I stayed single
March 6th, 2024 at 10:28 pm
Gene the money isn’t there – the cap space isn’t there. The cap bump was this year – its not going to be big next year.
If they can somehow craft a contract to cover the 150 mil you’re talking about both Winfield and Godwin are assuredly gone along with other players.
March 6th, 2024 at 10:39 pm
OH and BTW – why Ira says Make it fast – he knows as soon as the offers from other teams start to come the Bucs lose leverage and the inevitable signing elsewhere becomes more likely.
March 6th, 2024 at 10:41 pm
Mike S Says:
Baker came in hot at a high water mark deal and the Bucs made their decision.
Mayfield either takes a very team friendly deal – or he signs elsewhere.
—-
They didn’t make any decisions. Under your scenario. It would mean Licht SCREWED UP if thats the case
and traskies are going to LOVE this ( a first from me)
The numbers were no mystery going forward. Its crazy to have a QB sign a prove it deal and then expect to then ask him after the prove it year to give you another “very” team friendly deal. This aint church or a charity. He doesn’t owe you squat. Not expecting to pay 40 mill is fine but thinking it going to dip into low 30s and even 20s as “Very friendly is another
Licht then should have passed on Baker And ran with Trask as starter in 2023.
worse could have happened is we’d be talking about who to draft with a top five pick. Acting like the bucs made their decision laying down the law as some virtue is silly.
Make him walk isn’t a tirumph for licht’s resolve
It means in 2023 you just blew your second round QB ( he he will bolt after you sat him for three years) AND you missed out on a top Five possible team savior QB for nothing but a divisional title .
Thats an abject failure not a triumph especially for a GM that should have seen the numbers coming..
March 6th, 2024 at 10:53 pm
Cap is semantics, structure it around the cap hit. It won’t matter to Baker much which year the bulk of the cash comes in and you can draft ten “leet” college qbs and never even smell the playoffs. Besides, that deal gives the BUCS 4 years to make it happen which is a good window with these players and it gives the BUCS the option of moving on in two years with the draft if need be.( The only way they’ll need to move on with Baker’s skill is if it all falls apart, injury, etc… and if that happens, the draft becomes a better play at the same time ) Besides, who DOESNT want to see all the talking heads scream that “Baker isn’t worth Dak money” for two weeks before someone says: ” Wait, Baker Mayfield won a playoff game last season in a blowout and damn near made the Championship game.what did Dak Prescott do?”
C’mon, that’s PRICELESS!! 😎
March 6th, 2024 at 11:00 pm
I made it into “moderation”…Thank you Joe, I feel like I belong here now! 🥰
March 6th, 2024 at 11:06 pm
Tony Marks – in fairness to Licht there was heavy organizational pressure to make the Bowles contract stay live. Glazers didn’t want to pay Bowles for three of his five year deal not to coach.
It’s not all on Licht.
Part of it was politics, but Trask didn’t get the reps in the 2 years prior for them to feel like he could take over. Trask had to take the gut punch post-Brady to set it all up for Bowles to stick year three and hopefully year 4 too.
They needed that political capital with the fans to sell tickets. It’s almost like they really weren’t looking ahead to 2024 in totality as long as they could keep Todd B in his role. The rest they would figure out later.
Then they signed Mayfield, made their backdoor deal on him starting and the die was cast.
What they didn’t expect was for Trask to heavily come on in camp and make a real run at the job. They had to cut the competition short because Trask was showing too much.
You know maybe last year was the developmental year Trask needed, but yeah getting one year to try to prove on a contract even if he somehow gets the job this season is going to be tough.
We’ll see what happens.
March 6th, 2024 at 11:34 pm
Mtn
Hitting 60 this year. Looking forward to the prunes and geritol!
Mike S,
You seem very stressed. Dont be. The Cap is mostly Smoke and mirrors.
Owners with bad teams use it as a reason not to spend. Owners with good teams can circumvent it to get the players they want.
Ever see the Cowboys in a cap crisis?
Jason can grt more money by cutting R gage, reworking Wirfs contract.loading Mayfields contract with ghost years and signing bonuses.
If Jason thought we would have lost our QB. He would have franchised him.
Ive said it would be 40 mil a year. Everyone chokes on that figure, but it is about Average for the NFl. If you look at QBs making 40 mil or up to 65 mil, its a huge list. Derek Carr, Daniel jones , Kyler Murray, Justin Fields, Dak Prescott, kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and many mory. Look it up yourselves.
Licht wants Mayfield. Mayfield wants to be here. 40 mil is a middle of the road price for QBs. Evans signed here, to play with Mayfield.
It will all work out.
We need to be more concerned about generating a pass rush
March 6th, 2024 at 11:41 pm
@Mike S
to be clear everything I wrote in my previous post was based on YOUR logic. I see reason to not accept it as follows
Reports indicate Bucs STARTD at 25. You don’t start where you end so to me that indicates they are willing to go up. 30s to me is fair and not team friendly. I give Licht for now the benefit of the doubt at working in and around space but it he can’t I see it as on him regardless.
March 7th, 2024 at 12:00 am
three-year 100 M with the option for 2 more at 35M each
March 7th, 2024 at 12:02 am
if Baker’s agent wants any more then roll with Trask and sign a veteran FA QB as a back up
March 7th, 2024 at 12:28 am
“Capt.Tim Says:Mtn
Hitting 60 this year. Looking forward to the prunes and geritol!”
got you by about 10 years. That’s the special sauce ^ & single malt
March 7th, 2024 at 12:37 am
Tony, Gene, Tim…
Again…
The cap is an obstacle. 15 mil per year to make up on 35ish per is not a small number.
Then you have other players that need to get paid and an entire rookie class to sign.
You just can’t hand wave that away. You don’t add void years during a rebuild.
As soon as the tampering period opens it becomes a whole new ballgame.
The most lucrative deal is most certainly going to come from outside the org.
You think Baker takes less money to stay in Tampa with a new OC yet again?
You think so?
Ok lets say it all works out…
What happens if Atlanta gets a QB? New Orleans gets their stuff together?
You think you’re going to field a complete team once you write the big check to Mayfield?
Ho ho ho ha ha ha.
Someone wins 11 games in the division and Bucs miss the playoffs at 9-8?
Now you got 140 mil wrapped up in a QB and you’re not a playoff team?
Yikes.
March 7th, 2024 at 1:22 am
Let Mayfield hit and test the market, I doubt the market is high for him. I don’t see many teams lining up to make Mayfield their starting QB.
March 7th, 2024 at 1:25 am
Gene Says:
“4 years, $150 million. Guarantee 2 years $74 mil. Say “Baker you’re our guy, now let’s go get some rookies and stiff arm defensive guys! By next season the cap will move to cover the difference and you get to resign Godwin, Winfield again, cap moves up again the following.”
Mike S Says:
“GhostofBrady let him walk… Take the money you save on the deal and load the roster… Trask will ball out – especially if they sign a RB they’ll be weapons everywhere.”
Hey Mr. Gene – I think we are in agreement. $37M for two years guaranteed is fair for what he’s proven. I’d say 4 years $155-$160M total with $74M guaranteed. Give him a pay raise built in if we decide to keep him year 3 and 4. Make it sound like a notch higher than Derek Carr’s contract. Ignore the Daniel Jones correlations. That will play to Baker’s ego by hitting that $40M per year number which isn’t real unless he proves it. If he balls, we probably should be paying $40M per year considering the top 7-13 QBs (top 10 median) will be averaging $46M by 2026 after Goff, Tua, Dak and others get their turn.
March 7th, 2024 at 1:26 am
Mike S Says:
“GhostofBrady let him walk
Take the money you save on the deal and load the roster
Trask will ball out – especially if they sign a RB they’ll be weapons everywhere.”
Mike S – I certainly don’t blame some fans for wanting to risk it with Trask. If Trask sucks, we can put our hopes in drafting a future QB in 2025. Hopefully that QB will be good by the time all that money we saved now and spent on other assets aren’t in a position to re-negotiate even higher pay come 2028 when the draft finally learns this offense. Sure the other asset’s efforts will be wasted in 2024-2027. And maybe Evans will break his streak and not hit those incentives. But he did us a solid to stay and we don’t really owe him Baker. And if Trask balls, the gamble paid off. I mean we made it to the divisional playoff round 3 times in the last 20 years. BucNation can re-learn to hibernate our expectations.
March 7th, 2024 at 3:05 am
1. Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow: $55 million
2. Chargers QB Justin Herbert: $52.5 million
3. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: $52 million
4. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: $51 million
5. Broncos QB Russell Wilson: $49 million
6. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray: $46.1 million
7. Browns QB Deshaun Watson: $46 million
8. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: $45 million
9. Bills QB Josh Allen: $43 million
10. Rams QB Matthew Stafford: $40 million
10. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: $40 million
10. Giants QB Daniel Jones: $40 million
Top Ten
.a dozen more in Thirties to 40.
Just so everyone running around like the shy is falling.
Ive been saying 40 mil since the season ended.
Thats an average salary for a QB. If Tampa wants to have a QB, then they will have to pay $40;or More.
While this is New to all of you,we can hope that Jason Licht is aware of this.
Jenna Laine is full of Sh*T. If Licht offered 20 mil to a probowl QB- then he insulted him.
You wont get an old washed out scrub like Russell Wilson for less than 40 mil
March 7th, 2024 at 9:21 am
Can Baker carry this team as a franchise QB?
No.
March 7th, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Mike S Says:
“Let explain something to thick headed Baker Boi rubes.”
I agree with you on one thing, the Trask Mob will certainly be pounding their fist.
March 7th, 2024 at 1:31 pm
Capt.Tim Says: ”
1. Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow: $55 million
2. Chargers QB Justin Herbert: $52.5 million
3. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson: $52 million
4. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: $51 million
5. Broncos QB Russell Wilson: $49 million
6. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray: $46.1 million
7. Browns QB Deshaun Watson: $46 million
8. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: $45 million
9. Bills QB Josh Allen: $43 million
10. Rams QB Matthew Stafford: $40 million
10. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: $40 million
10. Giants QB Daniel Jones: $40 million ”
Thank YOU for putting up real data and not “Prices Right” guesses.
That does not include the $45-50M Cousins will get, $50M+ Dak will get, $50M+ Tua, $50M+ Goff will get, etc. in 2024/2025.
Can you name me out of the 16 QB names above who has more playoff wins than Baker Mayfield in the last 4 years?
Burrows, Stafford, Mahomes and Allen…
Lamar, Hurts, Goff and Dak are tied with Baker at 2. The rest have less playoff success the last 4 years. I am still scratching my head on the contracts for Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones and Justin Herbert. The same media and experts that got them their big contracts are the same ones telling us Baker is Gardner Minshew or Jacoby Brissett.
Point is – outside the “Elite” QBs with playoff success, the Top 7 – 16 QBs in the league will make north of $40M a year. And only a few actually have had playoff success equal or ahead of Baker. Meet his demands with $40M average per year but only guarantee $75-$80M for 2 years making the last 2 years team options with little to no dead cap. He’s worth it.
If Baker is asking for $100-$110M guaranteed, that’s a tough one. I can only guess this is where they are stuck – 2 or 3 years guaranteed. Maybe make it $105M guaranteed so if he sucks after 2 years, the team can split the extra $30M cap hit into two seasons.
If Baker ask for north of $120M guaranteed, that’s another story. If the Falcons or Vikings are willing to off him that, Tampa’s got some soul searching on whether they take a chance of Trask and tanking or having a good chance of owning the NFC South for at least 3 years with Baker. Can’t wait for this all to play out next week and we find out what the negotiation points really were. If not painful to see him leave or get a pay hit that hurts the overall team. It will be interesting to read how Licht and a mid-tier QB agent negotiate.
March 7th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
sounds reasonable
March 9th, 2024 at 7:47 am
He’s definitely not worth 40 million if he wants to sign for 25 I’m game otherwise let’s move on and move on quick so we don’t lose out on other free agents and we have to sign Levante David now