ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are “on a collision course for the franchise tag.”

04 August 2026

Tampa’s two-year offer to Mayfield was reportedly close to “two years worth of franchise tags,” so it certainly seems like they’re going to do this after the season. Mayfield, entering into his age-32 season in 2027, would then be a potential trade candidate or could negotiate a long-term extension with Buccaneers depending on how this year goes. It does seem like the Bucs don’t really have any intention on letting Mayfield leave despite not extending him.