Report: Bucs trying to re-sign Mayfield, who won't take hometown discount

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield and are "making every effort" to retain him, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported, citing sources.

Mayfield isn't willing to take a hometown discount to stay in Tampa Bay, sources told Russini. The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested if Mayfield does hit the open market.

The 28-year-old is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens. Teams can begin negotiating with players on March 11.

Mayfield signed a one-year, $4-million deal with the Bucs last offseason. The Cleveland Browns traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and he struggled in six starts, going 1-5 and completing 57% of his throws. The Panthers waived him and he was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, starting four contests for L.A. late in the season.

The former first overall pick resurrected his career with Tampa Bay in 2023, going 9-8 en route to the NFC South crown. The Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32-9 in the wild-card round as Mayfield threw for 337 yards with three touchdowns. The Bucs lost to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

Tampa Bay signed star wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $52-million deal on Monday. Evans and Mayfield had instant chemistry, totaling 1,255 receiving yards and 13 scores.

Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) last season.

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