Baker Mayfield. Honestly, if you asked a casual fan three years ago if this would be the answer, they probably would’ve laughed in your face. But here we are in 2026, and the former number-one overall pick isn't just a placeholder; he’s the undisputed heart and soul of the Tampa Bay franchise.
It’s been a wild ride. You’ve seen him go from a Cleveland "bust" to a Carolina castoff, and even a brief stint in LA before landing on a one-year "prove it" deal in Tampa back in 2023. Most experts thought he was just there to keep the seat warm after Tom Brady rode off into the sunset. They were wrong. Mayfield didn't just win the job; he revitalized a city that was bracing for a post-GOAT hangover.
Who is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback in 2026?
As of right now, Baker Mayfield is the man under center for the Bucs. He is currently playing under a massive three-year, $100 million contract he signed after his breakout 2024 campaign. That deal basically cemented him as the "franchise guy" through the 2026 season.
What’s interesting is how the team doubled down on him. Just last summer, the front office reworked his contract to guarantee $30 million for this 2026 season. It was a clear signal to the league: Tampa isn't looking for a replacement. They found their guy.
He’s currently 30 years old, which is basically the prime of a quarterback's life these days. He isn't that reckless kid who used to pick fights with Gatorade coolers anymore. Well, he’s still got the fire, but it’s directed. He’s smarter. He’s more efficient.
Why Baker Won Over Tampa Bay
Basically, it comes down to the numbers and the "vibe." You can't ignore what he did in 2024. He threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Let that sink in for a second. That put him in an elite club with Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Burrow as some of the only guys to hit 4,000 yards and 40 TDs while completing over 70% of their passes.
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His 2025 season was a bit more of a rollercoaster—26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions—but he still led the team to some massive wins, including a nail-biter against the Falcons and a gritty victory over the 49ers. He’s become the ultimate "locker room guy." If you watch the mic'd up segments, the way the offensive line protects him tells you everything you need to know. They love him.
The Backup Situation: Life After Kyle Trask
For a long time, the name most people associated with the backup spot was Kyle Trask. The former Florida Gator was a second-round pick, and fans were waiting for him to finally get his shot.
Well, that ship has officially sailed.
In late 2025, the Bucs made the tough call to waive Trask. It was kinda shocking to some, but not to those watching practice every day. He just couldn't beat out the veterans. Nowadays, the depth chart behind Mayfield looks like this:
- Teddy Bridgewater: The seasoned vet. The Bucs brought him in to be the steady hand. If Baker goes down for a quarter or two, Teddy is the guy who won’t panic. He’s the ultimate "professional backup."
- Connor Bazelak: A younger name you might see on the practice squad or as an emergency third string. He’s more of a developmental project for the future.
It’s a different room than it was a few years ago. No more "will they or won't they" with Trask. It’s Baker's show, with Teddy waiting in the wings.
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The Financial Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about the money, because it’s going to be a massive talking point for the rest of 2026. Baker’s cap hit this year is hovering around $51 million. That is a huge chunk of change.
Because 2026 is the final year of his current contract, things are getting a bit "sticky," as some insiders like to say. General Manager Jason Licht has been vocal about wanting an extension, but Mayfield’s price tag has only gone up. You've got guys like Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins making huge APY (Average Per Year), and Baker is going to want to be in that conversation.
The question is: how high will the Bucs go? They have a team that is built to win right now. With guys like Mike Evans—who is still somehow defying age—and Chris Godwin catching passes, you can't really afford to "rebuild" at quarterback.
What Most People Get Wrong About Baker
A lot of people still think of him as a "game manager." That’s a mistake. He’s one of the best deep-ball throwers in the league right now. In 2025, he had 54 passes that went for over 20 yards. He isn't just dinking and dunking. He’s aggressive.
Also, his mobility is underrated. He’s not Lamar Jackson, obviously, but he knows how to move in the pocket. He scrambled for nearly 400 yards last season. That’s enough to keep defenses honest.
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What’s Next for the Bucs?
The 2026 season feels like a "last dance" of sorts for this specific core. With contract talks looming and some of the veteran stalwarts getting older, the pressure is on Mayfield to deliver more than just a division title.
If you're a fan or someone following the team, keep an eye on the following:
- Contract Extension News: Expect rumors to fly before the mid-season mark. If a deal isn't done by October, the "Free Agency" talk will become deafening.
- Health: Baker’s playstyle is physical. He takes hits. At 30, those hits start to linger a bit longer. His health is the single most important factor for Tampa’s success this year.
- The Rookie Influence: Watch how he incorporates some of the newer guys like Emeka Egbuka. If Baker can turn these young receivers into stars like he did with the vets, his value to the franchise becomes immeasurable.
Honestly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback situation is more stable than it’s been since the Brady era. Mayfield has earned his stripes. He’s the leader, the face of the franchise, and for better or worse, the man who will decide how far this team goes in 2026.
To stay updated on Baker's performance, check the official Buccaneers injury report every Friday and monitor the NFL transaction wire for any movements in the quarterback room. If you're looking to grab tickets, the mid-season games against division rivals are where you'll really see Mayfield's leadership tested under pressure.