The author Fred Goodall is a sports writer for the Associated Press.

TAMPA, Fla.

Baker Mayfield has decided to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has come to terms with a three-year deal valued at a maximum of $115 million, according to a source who is knowledgeable about the agreement.

An anonymous source revealed to the Associated Press that the agreement, which includes a guaranteed $50 million, was still being finalized.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Mayfield is set to earn $30 million in both 2024 and 2025, with $20 million being guaranteed in the second year of the agreement. The newspaper also mentioned that the quarterback’s earnings will rise to $40 million in 2026.

In 2023, Mayfield revived his career by signing a one-year contract with the Bucs. This came after playing for four different teams in the previous three seasons. He joined the Bucs after Tom Brady retired and led the team to their third consecutive NFC South title.

In 2018, the top pick from the draft threw for a personal best of 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns. This time, they avoided making costly mistakes that had plagued their previous playing experiences with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams.

In the previous season, only Mayfield and Dak Prescott managed to achieve at least 28 touchdown passes while keeping their interceptions under 10, making them the only NFL quarterbacks to do so.

In both of Tampa Bay’s playoff games – a victory against Philadelphia in the NFC wild-card round and a loss to Detroit in the divisional round – 28-year-old Mayfield achieved over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns.

After Tampa Bay signed star receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $52 million contract, Mayfield also agreed to terms just two days later. Both players decided not to test the free agency market. Evans has consistently achieved 1,000 receiving yards for 10 consecutive seasons and tied with Tyreek Hill for the most touchdown receptions in the league at 13.

A crucial factor in securing Mayfield’s comeback was the choice to appoint Liam Coen as offensive coordinator in the previous month, following Dave Canales’ departure to coach the Panthers.

Coen collaborated with Mayfield during his time with the Rams in 2022.

Before free agency begins, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has secured Mayfield and Evans. He can now focus on negotiating a permanent deal with standout safety Antoine Winfield, who is currently under a one-year, $17.12 million contract as a result of the franchise tag.

Renegotiating the contracts of linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin are top priorities for the Buccaneers, as well as exploring an extension for left tackle Tristan Wirfs, whose fifth-year salary option is set at $18.2 million for next season.

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AP’s Pro Football Writer, Rob Maaddi, contributed to this report.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Source: wralsportsfan.com