Quarterback Baker Mayfield shared his frustration about failing to sign an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering a contract year.
The two sides couldn't make substantial progress on a new deal ahead of the start of training camp, which served as Mayfield's self-imposed deadline. However, he reported to camp with the rest of the team Tuesday.
Tampa Bay offered Mayfield a two-year deal, which was "probably the most disappointing" part, he told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He also said that the offer was "pretty far" from the $50-million salary he sought.
"I think I'm a franchise quarterback. I've been told I'm a franchise quarterback," Mayfield said after practice Thursday. "It's been said publicly from ownership down here. So, to not have a deal done is very disappointing, but I said, 'The deadline was the deadline.' I addressed the team to let them know I meant that."
He added, "That's really the disappointing part: to feel undervalued after thinking you've earned it."
The 31-year-old passer plans to play out the final year of a three-year, $100-million contract signed in March 2024. He currently ranks 16th among quarterbacks with an annual average salary of $33.3 million, per Over the Cap.
Despite being unsatisfied, Mayfield expressed gratitude to the Buccaneers organization Thursday for providing him with the opportunity to resurrect his career in 2023, and he remains confident heading into the upcoming season.
"I know I'm gonna have a good year," Mayfield said.
While the team could choose to franchise tag the two-time Pro Bowler in 2027, Mayfield isn't convinced Tampa Bay will have the cap space necessary to use the one-year tender on him. Franchise tag values are calculated shortly before the start of free agency each year.
The Bucs also find themselves at an impasse with defensive tackle Vita Vea, who requested a trade earlier this week. He's been sidelined to start training camp due to a back ailment.
"Hopefully Vita gets his back fixed and gets his deal done," Mayfield said.
