Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has his team on the cusp of a playoff berth in his first year under center with the team.
If he succeeds, it’ll be the first time Mayfield’s been to the postseason since he led the Cleveland Browns in 2020.
Even more, though, is that Mayfield will earn a $1 million contract bonus with a playoff berth and could finish with another $1.2 million in bonuses based on how he performs statistically, according to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman.
Mayfield has earned $1 million in playing time incentives, and those double to $2 million if the Bucs make the playoffs, so a win today is worth $1 million to Mayfield. He has some stat-based incentives and is on course to earn $1.2 million of a potential $1.5m more from those. https://t.co/DR2Rmjdnf5
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 7, 2024
But first, the Buccaneers will have to beat a downtrodden Carolina Panthers squad with nothing to play for in Week 18 except maybe thwarting their division rival’s chances to make the postseason.
If Tampa Bay loses, the winner of the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints matchup will win the NFC South to earn a playoff spot.
Mayfield will assuredly be the reason either why the Buccaneers do or don’t make the playoffs.
He tossed two interceptions a week ago in a big loss to the Saints that set up the pivotal Week 18 match.
But otherwise, Mayfield has proven to be an adept starting quarterback for a Tampa team searching for Tom Brady’s replacement.
Mayfield’s performance should also set up what the Buccaneers do at the quarterback position this offseason.
He only signed a one-year deal with the team and isn’t a lock to return in 2024 if the Buccaneers want to go in a different direction at the position.
Mayfield’s play this year has been enough to lead Tampa Bay to a possible playoff berth, though, which should at least count for something in a league where mediocre quarterback play runs rampant.
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