Who Should I Start? Baker Mayfield or James Cook

Tuesday, March 24, 10:40 AM

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to discuss a contract extension with quarterback Baker Mayfield this offseason, league sources told Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Mayfield's three-year, $100 million deal expires in March of 2027. Howe adds that Mayfield's next contract won't necessarily be team-friendly after he has proven his worth as the team's franchise QB. He is currently the 16th-highest-paid signal-caller at $33.3 million per year. Mayfield and the Bucs have both publicly stated their desire to stay together beyond his current contract. It remains to be seen if Tampa is willing to give him at least $50 million annually after he regressed in 2025 with totals of 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. Still, Lowe thinks he'd be justified in asking for four years and $224 milion or five years and $280 million, with at least half fully guaranteed. In fantasy football, Mayfield will be considered a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 option, with his upside limited now that he doesn't have future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans to throw to.