The clock is ticking for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield.

With training camp less than three weeks away, the two sides remain without a contract extension despite both publicly expressing a desire to remain together long-term. Some of the latest reporting, including information from Pro Football Talk, suggests Tampa Bay isn’t rushing to get a deal completed before camp opens.

That approach could prove to be a costly mistake.

The Buccaneers Appear Comfortable Waiting

According to reporting from Pro Football Talk, the Buccaneers believe they will ultimately offer Mayfield more than any other team would be willing to pay. The expectation appears to be that once Tampa Bay presents its best offer, Mayfield will accept it rather than risk entering free agency.

On paper, that strategy makes some sense.

Mayfield is scheduled to earn roughly $40 million this season because of money carried over from 2025, although his contract still averages $33.33 million per year. His base cash earnings for 2026 sit at $27 million before incentives.

The problem is that quarterback contracts aren’t negotiated on past numbers.

They’re negotiated against the current market.

Baker Mayfield Has Earned a Raise

The veteran quarterback has watched several passers receive contracts exceeding $50 million annually.

Whether Mayfield belongs in that financial tier is open for debate, but it’s easy to understand why he believes he deserves a significant increase.

He’s revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, become the unquestioned leader of the offense, and helped stabilize the franchise after the Tom Brady era.

Waiting to reward your franchise quarterback rarely makes negotiations easier.

It usually makes them more expensive.

The Buccaneers Are Taking an Unnecessary Gamble

One point raised by Pro Football Talk deserves serious consideration.

If the Buccaneers allow Mayfield to play out the final year of his contract without an extension or a future franchise tag, they risk losing control of the situation.

Most assume Tampa Bay would still be the favorite to retain him.

But football isn’t always about maximizing every dollar.

Mayfield has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s fiercest competitors, and he’s never been afraid to bet on himself. If he believes another organization values him more than the Buccaneers do, it’s not impossible to imagine him considering another opportunity, even if it means leaving money on the table.

That may sound unlikely today.

It becomes much more realistic if negotiations continue to drag on.

The Buccaneers Have Too Much Riding on This Decision

Replacing a starting quarterback is one of the most difficult tasks in the NFL.

Jake Browning, Connor Bazelak, and Jalon Daniels all have intriguing qualities, but none has demonstrated they can replace Mayfield as Tampa Bay’s franchise quarterback.

The Buccaneers have assembled a roster capable of competing for the playoffs now.

Allowing uncertainty at the most important position in football to linger into the season creates unnecessary risk.

If Tampa Bay truly views Baker Mayfield as its long-term quarterback, there is little to gain by waiting.

There is, however, plenty to lose.

The Buccaneers may believe patience gives them leverage.

They should be careful it doesn’t end up costing them the quarterback they want to keep.

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