Baker Mayfield
Quarterback #6
Baker Mayfield News
Cowboys Defense A Streaming Option Against Buccaners Sans Baker Mayfield
The Dallas Cowboys have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL so far this season, on paper, on film, and in the stat sheet. In fantasy football, they're the worst defense, depending on your scoring system, and haven't scored double-digit fantasy points in any of their games. They've allowed 28 points per game to opposing offenses. They even dipped into negative scoring in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. But the matchup is so good in Week 5 that they might finally be worth starting in deep leagues. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense fell completely flat in Week 4, as starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) missed the game with a thumb injury and was replaced by backup QB Jalon Daniels. He He threw for just 148 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, and was sacked three times. Dallas will have home-field advantage for the contest. The Cowboys would benefit from having a real threat at pass-rusher, but in such an easy matchup, they have at least some upside in very deep leagues.
Oct 7, 2026 2:32 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Expected to Miss the Next Three to Six Weeks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly he is able to grip the football, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Mayfield has avoided an injured reserve stint for now, but the Bucs will give him at least a few weeks off after he recovers from a dislocated thumb and works to regain his grip strength. Mayfield is just two years removed from a QB4 fantasy finish in 2024, but he has taken a step backward since then. Through the first three games this year, he completed just 63.5% of his pass attempts for 615 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also had a rushing touchdown, 13 sacks, and three lost fumbles. Mayfield is a risky fantasy starter when healthy, and the same can be said of undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels, who will make his first career start as the Bucs' primary quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Oct 4, 2026 4:35 AM EST
Baker Mayfield to Have Stitches Removed Monday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is scheduled to have stitches removed from his thumb on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Mayfield suffered a dislocated right thumb injury in a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles recently said that Baker is expected to miss a "minimum of three weeks," but Pelissero noted that Mayfield is pushing to beat that timeline and could potentially be targeting a Week 6 return against the Pittsburgh Steelers. ESPN's Jenna Laine reported that Mayfield avoided damage to the ligament and tendon in his thumb. While Mayfield is out, Jalon Daniels is expected to start at quarterback for the Buccaneers.
Oct 3, 2026 6:39 AM EST
Baker Mayfield to Miss "A Minimum of Three Weeks"
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) will miss "a minimum of three weeks" with a dislocated right thumb that he suffered on Sunday in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Todd Bowles told Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. The Bucs will not place him on Injured Reserve as of now, and the Bucs will lean on undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels as the starter, beginning with a Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Mayfield received good news from his MRI exam, as tests showed that he did not suffer a fracture or any tendon or ligament tears. However, he is still going to miss some time over the next couple of weeks, so fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues are going to need to adjust. If Mayfield heals quickly and properly, he could be in play to make his return for a Week 7 divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers. After an injury-plagued and disappointing 2025 campaign for the 31-year-old, Mayfield is off to a bad start in 2026, going 0-3 and throwing for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games.
Sep 28, 2026 10:27 AM EST
Baker Mayfield's MRI Shows No Ligament Damage, Will Still Miss Time
Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield's (thumb) MRI exam on Monday showed no additional damage to his dislocated right thumb, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mayfield is still likely to miss time, but it is relatively good news based on testing. The veteran signal-caller will get a second opinion. Mayfield suffered a gruesome dislocated thumb late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and immediately came out of the game in favor of undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. The good news is he avoided any fractures or tendon/ligament damage, so he could return in as soon as two weeks. In the meantime, fantasy managers who have been starting Mayfield in two-QB superflex leagues are going to need to go in another direction. With Daniels looking likely to make his first NFL start in a Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, fantasy managers will also need to downgrade all of Tampa's offensive skill players with Mayfield set to miss some time in the next couple of weeks. Before injuring his thumb on Sunday, the 31-year-old Mayfield had another disappointing day at the office, throwing for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Sep 28, 2026 8:39 AM EST
Baker Mayfield Will Miss at Least Two to Four Weeks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is believed to have suffered a dislocated right thumb during Sunday's Week 3 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mayfield will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, but the expectation is that he'll miss two to four weeks, at a minimum. If the MRI reveals any ligament damage, he could miss more than a month. Losing a starting quarterback is the last thing the Bucs need right now, as they're 0-3 and trying to dig out from the basement of the NFC South. Rookie Jalon Daniels will step in as the Buccaneers' starter until Mayfield is healthy enough to play again. Daniels was a preseason sensation, but he came back down to earth in his limited action on Sunday, going 0-for-3 passing with one interception.
Sep 28, 2026 7:00 AM EST
Baker Mayfield Dislocates Right Thumb, Likely to Miss Time
Updating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) reportedly suffered a dislocated right thumb, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mayfield is expected to get an MRI on Monday to assess the damage, but is likely to miss time, per Rapoport. Mayfield left a 23-16 Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings late in the fourth quarter. Mayfield walked off the field with medical staff, while clutching his hand, before heading back to the locker room for further evaluation. Unfortunately for Mayfield, the injury took place on a fourth-and-13 play in which he was intercepted by Minnesota linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Tampa Bay backup quarterback Jalon Daniels will likely start for the Buccaneers if Mayfield does miss any time.
Sep 27, 2026 4:01 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Leaves Late With Hand Injury
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (hand) exited late in the fourth quarter of a 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 with an apparent hand injury. According to Buccaneers reporter/writer Brianna Dix, Mayfield walked off the field with medical staff while clutching his hand. He was later spotted headed to the locker room. The play happened on a fourth down in which Mayfield was intercepted by Minnesota linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. The severity of the injury is not yet known. If Mayfield is forced to miss time, backup quarterback Jalon Daniels will be thrust into action for the Bucs.
Sep 27, 2026 3:45 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Falls Into QB2 Conversation
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is off to a slow start to the season. Through two games, Mayfield has thrown for 398 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Fantasy managers expected more from Mayfield out of the gate, given his success under center since joining the Bucs in 2023. It's unlikely going to get better for Mayfield this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings defense. A defensive unit that didn't allow a passing touchdown to the Chicago Bears in Week 2. At some point, Mayfield should turn a corner, but until then, fantasy managers should put him in the QB2 conversation for Week 3.
Sep 25, 2026 2:51 PM EST
Baker Mayfield's Passing Production Keeps Sliding
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has gotten some help from his legs through two weeks, because there has not been much happening through the air. Mayfield has thrown for 398 yards, one touchdown and one interception while taking seven sacks. He failed to reach 220 passing yards in either game, including a 182-yard performance against Cleveland last week. Mayfield has chipped in 59 rushing yards and a touchdown, but the passing decline goes back further than September. He threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns during his huge 2024 season before falling to 3,693 yards and 26 scores last year. The start to 2026 has not reversed that trend. Mayfield practiced fully all week despite an illness, so health should not be an excuse against Minnesota. He checks in 23rd among quarterbacks this week and sits in the group that can come off most rosters. The rushing helps, but Mayfield is a tough quarterback to trust right now unless the passing game starts producing again.
Sep 25, 2026 11:22 AM EST
Baker Mayfield has QB1 Upside for Week 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is looking to rebound after a messy performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Mayfield looked fine as a passer, completing 23-of-27 passing attempts for 216 yards. He didn't throw any touchdowns, but he also didn't throw any interceptions. The biggest problem for Mayfield was his three fumbles during Sunday's loss. Luckily, Mayfield will have a great chance of rebounding in Week 2. He'll draw a matchup against the Cleveland Browns defense that allowed 10.7 yards per pass attempt last week. The Browns also allowed four passing touchdowns in their season opener. Mayfield has a great chance to bounce back against his former team. Fantasy managers should treat him as a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside for Week 2.
Sep 18, 2026 10:52 AM EST
Baker Mayfield Still a High-Upside Target Despite Week 1 Dip
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had four turnovers in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading to an apparent decline in his fantasy stock. However, fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to one bad week, especially when Mayfield has had games like this before. The 31-year-old plays with a level of recklessness, and although it led to three fumbles on Sunday, he's just as capable of harnessing that playing style and dropping three or four touchdowns. He's a high-ceiling, low-floor fantasy quarterback, and he's worth rostering in most leagues simply due to his talent, track record, and strong supporting cast. Dropping a dud game against a subpar Bengals defense is far from ideal, but he should bounce back against an even worse Browns squad in Week 2. He continues to rank as a mid-range QB2 with QB1 upside depending on the matchup. There's rest-of-season appeal here, but he's also a very intriguing short-term streamer.
Sep 14, 2026 9:48 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Offers QB1 Value in Favorable Matchup
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield opens up the season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fresh off an extension, Mayfield is ready to make some noise to start the season. The 31-year-old finished as the QB12 last season, but finished as a top-10 QB each of the last two seasons before that. The Bucs are without long-time wide receiver Mike Evans, who departed in free agency. The Bucs believe that Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. can carry the load in the passing game. Mayfield will get a favorable matchup to start against the Bengals' defense, which ranked in the bottom-10 this past season. The 31-year-old might not be as great a fantasy option as years past, but he carries QB1 value into Week 1.
Sep 11, 2026 1:04 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Strong Option off the Waiver Wire for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield signed a three-year extension with the Bucs on Thursday and enters the 2026 season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder after finishing the 2025 season as the QB17 on a points-per-game basis (17th) after finishing as the QB4 in 2024. Mayfield dealt with a handful of injuries last season and finished the year throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 382 rushing yards, giving him a safe floor to go with his passing volume. Mayfield has a strong matchup in Week 1, going up against the Cincinnati Bengals, who ranked bottom 10 against opposing quarterbacks last season, allowing roughly 19.1 fantasy points per game to the position. Second-year standout receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) appears to be trending toward playing in Week 1 to go along with another of Mayfield's go-to targets, Chris Godwin. Mayfield is being drafted as a QB2 in most formats, but his Week 1 matchup may be too good to pass up. Fantasy managers looking to stream a quarterback in Week 1 should look Mayfield's way.
Sep 8, 2026 7:01 PM EST
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Reach Agreement on Three-Year Extension
Two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $165 million on Tuesday that will prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2026 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Mayfield broke off contract talks with the team as training camp opened at the end of July, but with the regular season kicking off this week, a deal was revisited and agreed upon. The 31-year-old veteran was a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in Tampa in 2023 and 2024, but he played through injuries in 2025 and dropped down to 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games and failed to make the postseason. Mayfield's fantasy football stock is down overall heading into the 2026 campaign with top wideout Mike Evans now in San Francisco and Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) banged up going into the season opener this Sunday. However, he should still be considered a midrange QB2 in superflex leagues, and he has some QB1 upside in Week 1 in a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sep 8, 2026 1:24 PM EST
Baker Mayfield Extension Talks Still on Hold
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said there are no immediate plans to restart contract talks with quarterback Baker Mayfield, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Mayfield set the start of training camp as his deadline for negotiations, and nothing came together before then. He is now heading into the last year of the three-year, $100 million deal he signed with Tampa Bay in 2024. Mayfield started all 17 games last season, throwing for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 382 yards and another score. There isn't much here that changes his 2026 fantasy outlook. Mayfield is Tampa Bay's unquestioned starter, and the contract situation is more of a concern for what happens after the season. For now, the Bucs appear content to play things out before deciding what comes next.
Sep 1, 2026 7:37 AM EST
Baker Mayfield Criticizes Buccaneers' Physicality After Joint Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was not happy with the team's effort in Tuesday's joint practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars and said that if it were a full game, he doesn't think the Bucs would have come out on top, according to Pewter Report. Mayfield called the session "eye-opening" and said that he thought they were "out-physicaled." It is not exactly what Buccaneers fans want to hear, but it is also the preseason, so there is still some time left for the team to work on their weaknesses. The 31-year-old signal-caller was banged up for much of last year but played through nagging injuries, finishing with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts after throwing for over 4,000 yards in his first two years in Tampa in 2023 and 2024. His fantasy stock is down following the step back in 2025, and he is heading into a contract year in 2026 in a new offense and without future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans. We are not counting Mayfield out by any means, but in fantasy, he is not much more than a low-end QB2 target in superflex leagues.
Aug 25, 2026 9:01 AM EST
Baker Mayfield: Bucs will Shock a Lot of People in 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is excited and ready for the season. He expressed his confidence by taking a question on Wednesday about the team's Week 1 matchup in Cincinnati and saying, "It's just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you're going to... I think we're going to shock a lot of people this year, so I'm excited to just get on the road and do that." Mayfield is in the final year of the three-year, $100 million extension and was unable to reach a new extension this offseason. He took a step back last year, with 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns after posting 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024. He played through injury during the season, which ended with the Bucs just missing the playoffs. He'll look to post a big year and earn a new deal, and he starts the year ranked as the No. 17 QB in RotoBaller's rankings.
Aug 20, 2026 5:59 AM EST
Kenny Gainwell Draws the Praise of his New QB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell has emerged as a potential sleeper to draft in fantasy football this year, and now, quarterback Baker Mayfield is singing his praises. "He's much more than a gadget guy," Mayfield said about Gainwell, who signed with the Bucs this offseason after a year in Pittsburgh. "I've just been completely overwhelmed with the amount of talent that he has." The veteran quarterback also made a point to shout out Gainwell for his versatility on offense, where he contributes as both a receiver and ball-carrier. The stats back up that claim, too, as Gainwell caught 73 passes for 486 receiving yards in Pittsburgh last season. The Bucs signed Gainwell to join a backfield that also features Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. While Irving is the clear No. 1 running back here, we expect to see Gainwell get plenty of volume, similar to his role with the Steelers in 2025. In Pittsburgh, he handled 114 carries and 73 receptions (187 touches) while teammate Jaylen Warren had 211 carries and 40 catches (254 touches). When all was said and done, the two backs combined for 441 touches, but Warren only had 67 more than Gainwell. Don't be surprised if we see Gainwell support Irving in the same way he did with Warren, which could allow him to rank as a top-24 running back in fantasy football once again. For now, he ranks as the RB37 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings.
Aug 18, 2026 7:17 AM EST
Baker Mayfield Will Play in Next Preseason Game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that quarterback Baker Mayfield will play in the team's second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. It will be a deviation from last year, when Mayfield didn't see any preseason action at all. Mayfield made headlines at the start of training camp when he had some negative things to say about the organization after they didn't seem too interested in getting a contract extension done with him before the start of camp. The 31-year-old former first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 from Oklahoma made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Tampa in 2023 and 2024, but he battled through injuries for most of last year and saw his numbers regress, finishing with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts to miss the postseason. In a new offense run by coordinator Zac Robinson, Mayfield and the Bucs are looking to bounce back, but it won't be easy without future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans. Going into his ninth year in the NFL, Mayfield's fantasy stock is down as a low-end QB2 with minimal upside.
Aug 17, 2026 8:02 AM EST
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