What happened: Baker Mayfield's July 28 deadline passed without a new contract. He told ESPN that Tampa Bay offered a two-year deal, while he sought a longer commitment.
Why it matters: His current deal carries a $51.9 million cap hit in 2026, leaving the club to weigh a longer extension against an expensive one-year retention mechanism. The disagreement over contract length leaves his future unresolved entering the upcoming season.
By the numbers: The projected 2027 tag is roughly 96% of Mayfield's current $51.9 million cap hit.
What to watch: Watch whether Tampa Bay revisits talks after the 2026 season or uses the tag before free agency.