What Happened to Baker Mayfield?
Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner and former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, has experienced a career marked by both significant highs and challenging lows. After a tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams, he revitalized his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to consecutive division titles and playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. As of July 2026, he is entering the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers, with ongoing negotiations for a long-term extension.
Quick Answer
As of July 16, 2026, Baker Mayfield is the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, entering the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract signed in March 2024. He is currently in contract negotiations with the Buccaneers for a long-term extension, having set a deadline of July 28, 2026, for talks to conclude before training camp. Off the field, Mayfield and his wife Emily welcomed their second child, a son named Maverick Thorne, in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Wins Heisman Trophy
As the quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, Baker Mayfield wins the Heisman Trophy, capping off a stellar collegiate career.
Drafted No. 1 Overall by Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns select Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Sets NFL Rookie TD Record
Mayfield sets a new NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie in a season with 27.
Leads Browns to Playoffs
Mayfield leads the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first playoff victory since 1994.
Traded to Carolina Panthers
After requesting a trade from the Browns, Mayfield is traded to the Carolina Panthers.
Claimed by Los Angeles Rams
Mayfield is released by the Panthers and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams, where he leads a dramatic comeback win in his debut.
Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield signs a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, beginning a significant career resurgence.
First Pro Bowl Selection and Playoff Win with Bucs
Mayfield leads the Buccaneers to an NFC South title, a playoff victory, and earns his first Pro Bowl selection.
Signs Three-Year Extension with Buccaneers
Mayfield signs a three-year, $100 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with $50 million guaranteed.
Career-Highs in Passing Yards and TDs, Second Pro Bowl
Mayfield achieves career highs with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and setting new Bucs franchise records.
Buccaneers Guarantee 2026 Salary
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers restructure Mayfield's contract, guaranteeing $30 million of his $40 million salary for the 2026 season.
Plays Through Multiple Injuries
Mayfield plays through a season plagued by multiple injuries, including MCL, PCL, bone bruise, biceps tendon injury, and an AC joint sprain, impacting his performance.
Announces Second Pregnancy
Baker and Emily Mayfield announce they are expecting their second child, a boy, in April 2026.
Welcomes Second Child, Maverick Thorne
Baker and Emily Mayfield welcome their second child, a son named Maverick Thorne Mayfield.
Featured in Netflix's 'Quarterback' Season 3
The third season of Netflix's 'Quarterback' docuseries premieres, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Mayfield's 2025 season.
Ongoing Contract Negotiations with Buccaneers
Mayfield is actively negotiating a long-term contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a self-imposed deadline of July 28, 2026, before training camp.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Baker Mayfield's football journey began with a remarkable collegiate career, first as a walk-on at Texas Tech and then at Oklahoma, where he became the first walk-on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff, showcasing exceptional passing ability and a fiery competitive spirit.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield's early professional years were a mix of promise and inconsistency. He set an NFL rookie record with 27 touchdown passes in 2018 and, in 2020, led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first playoff victory in 26 years. However, a performance decline in 2021, exacerbated by injuries, led to a trade request and his departure from Cleveland.
His 2022 season saw brief, challenging stints with both the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams. After winning the starting job with the Panthers, he was later released and claimed off waivers by the Rams, where he delivered a memorable 98-yard game-winning drive in his debut.
The turning point came in 2023 when Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He quickly revitalized his career, being voted a team captain and setting then-career highs in completions (364), passing yards (4,044), and passing touchdowns (28), leading the Buccaneers to an NFC South title and a playoff victory. His success continued into the 2024 season, where he established new career highs with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and setting new Buccaneers' single-season franchise records for completion percentage (71.4%) and passer rating (106.8).
The 2025 season presented new challenges for Mayfield and the Buccaneers. While he started all 17 games, he played through a significant list of injuries, including sprained MCL and PCL, a bone bruise, a biceps tendon injury, and an AC joint sprain. His performance saw a statistical decline compared to 2024, with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, and the team finished 8-9, missing the playoffs. This period was chronicled in the third season of Netflix's 'Quarterback' series, released in July 2026.
Currently, as of July 16, 2026, Mayfield is in the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract with the Buccaneers. He has publicly stated his desire for a long-term extension and set a deadline of July 28, 2026, for contract talks to conclude before training camp begins. Reports indicate that while both sides want a deal, they are not yet close on terms, with Mayfield reportedly seeking a deal in line with top-tier quarterbacks. The Buccaneers had restructured his contract in July 2025 to guarantee $30 million of his 2026 salary, demonstrating their commitment. Off the field, Baker and Emily Mayfield welcomed their second child, a son named Maverick Thorne, on April 16, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Baker Mayfield made different choices?