Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa Bay has turned into one of the NFL’s most profitable bets. The Buccaneers’ decision to commit three years and $100 million to him back in March 2024 looked like a gamble at the time. Now, it’s starting to look like one of the best investments in the league. Two playoff runs later and a 5-1 start to the 2025 season, Mayfield seems to be getting better with age.

That success has led the Buccaneers to revisit his deal. According to The Athletic Insider, Dianna Russini, Mayfield’s extension updates have resurfaced. 

“Baker Mayfield has one year remaining on his contract after 2025, and I’m told any extension talks will happen after the season, giving Mayfield space to focus on his third year in Tampa,” Russini posted on X. 

Tampa Bay has had a successful start to 2025 thanks to Mayfield. The Buccaneers are now 5-1 on the season and have a 5-game winning streak. The squad has led the NFL in yards per play for the last two weeks under his leadership, averaging 7.0 yards per play. 

“I’ve always said he’s a man of the people, not about flash.” General Manager Jason Licht told Dianna Russini.

Through the first six games of 2025, Mayfield has recorded 1,539 passing yards, which is fourth in the NFL, 12 touchdowns, tied for fourth place, and just one interception, tied for twenty-sixth. He has a 108.5 passer rating.  

Since arriving in Tampa Bay before the 2023 season, Baker Mayfield has brought sharper decision-making and greater consistency to the Buccaneers’ offense. This season, he has completed 66.2% of his passes, a notable improvement over his career average. In their most recent win, Tampa Bay’s defense recorded six sacks and held opponents to just 67 rushing yards, complementing the rhythm Mayfield and his receivers have built on offense.

Bucs seem ready to make a stronger postseason run now that this contract extension is set in stone. In week 7, they face the Detroit Lions, known for their balanced offense and defense, especially when controlling the line of scrimmage. 

Lions clash with Buccaneers for NFC control

In Week 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5-1, play the Detroit Lions, 4-2, in a crucial NFL game. Amid concerns over inconsistent calling, Detroit’s attempt to maintain momentum stalled as they fell 30-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs, snapping their four-game winning streak.

“My job is to move forward here, and I know this: we don’t have Branch. I can worry about that, or I can worry about what we do have and how we adjust.” Dan Campbell told Lions Wire.  

Sparking a post-game confrontation with JuJu Smith-Schuster after Detroit’s loss to the Chiefs, safety Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions will miss Week 7 due to a one-game ban upheld by the NFL.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is coming off a league-best start and hopes to keep up its momentum. Detroit has historically won 32-29 in regular season encounters with Tampa Bay, giving them a slim lead in the series. 

Detroit has allowed 23.7 points per game and averaging 31.8 points per game, which is second in the NFL. Through six games, the Lions’ offense has produced 1,849 total yards, which includes 1,393 passing yards and 772 rushing yards.

With a 5-1 record, Tampa Bay is one of the league’s highest scoring teams. This Monday night game looks to be a crucial NFC matchup. With Detroit looking to regain control and Tampa Bay committed to maintaining consistency.