Baker Mayfield is capping off his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in spectacular fashion, delivering a career-best performance with 4,279 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. With an additional 310 rushing yards and three rushing scores, Mayfield has proven his worth in guiding the Bucs to the brink of the NFC South title.
But Sunday’s Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints isn’t just about clinching a playoff berth. For Mayfield, it’s also about locking in significant financial rewards tied to his contract incentives. Let’s break it down.
Contract Incentives on the Line
According to Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Mayfield is set to earn $2.5 million in contract bonuses if he hits key passing milestones in the season finale. Here’s what’s at stake:
Performance-Based Bonuses:
- Passer Rating:
- Current Rank: 3rd in the NFL, 2nd in NFC
- Bonus: $500,000
- Touchdown Passes:
- Current Rank: Tied 2nd in the NFL, 1st in NFC
- Bonus: $500,000
- Passing Yards:
- Current Rank: 3rd in the NFL, 2nd in NFC
- Bonus: $500,000
- Completion Percentage:
- Current Rank: 2nd in the NFL, 1st in NFC
- Bonus: $500,000
- Yards Per Attempt:
- Current Rank: 7th in the NFL, 6th in NFC
- Bonus: $500,000
If Mayfield maintains his standings in these metrics, he’ll cash in $2.5 million in bonuses just for his individual performance.
Playoff Incentive:
- Bonus: $500,000
- Scenario: The Bucs secure a playoff berth with a win over the Saints. A tie, combined with a Falcons loss to the Panthers, or a Falcons loss outright, will also earn Tampa a playoff spot.
Mayfield’s Career Earnings So Far
In March 2024, Mayfield signed a lucrative three-year, $100 million extension with Tampa Bay, solidifying his role as their franchise quarterback. Over his seven-year NFL career, Mayfield has earned $85,256,674, per Spotrac. With this season’s incentives, he could add a substantial boost to that total.
Bucs’ Playoff Stakes
Sunday’s game isn’t just a payday for Mayfield—it’s a defining moment for the Buccaneers. A win would secure their fifth consecutive playoff appearance and establish Mayfield as a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s success.
As Mayfield steps onto the field with millions and a postseason berth on the line, all eyes will be on him to deliver in this high-stakes showdown.