Jets could capitalize on Buccaneers' murky Baker Mayfield situation in 2027

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield appear to be hurtling towards a messy contract situation, especially with training camp just around the corner.

Mayfield is entering the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract he signed in March 2024, and it's obvious he'd like to stay in Tampa Bay for the long haul. The Buccaneers front office doesn't seem as interested in getting a deal done.

Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but they know my deadline: As soon as training camp starts, we're not doing any contract stuff. It's all ball," Mayfield said via ESPN's Jenna Laine. "It's not up to me when that gets done by. So hopefully before that. If not -- still going to have a good year."

If Mayfield and the Buccaneers can't agree on an extension, and he ends up hitting the free agent market in 2027, could the New York Jets make the former No. 1 overall pick their new bridge quarterback?

Are the Jets a threat to poach Baker Mayfield from the Buccaneers?

The Pewter Plank's Josh Crysler compiled a list of teams that could steal the Buccaneers' signal caller from them in free agency next March, and the Jets, with their long-standing quarterback woes, made the list.

"If they don’t address the quarterback spot through the draft and choose to pursue a veteran instead, Mayfield could be the exact leader they need to inspire a much-needed culture change and provide reliable QB play. Based on their history, New York may not feel like a very attractive landing spot for any quarterback, but...they have the money to entice Mayfield with the lucrative offer he’s seeking."

Josh Crysler

While Mayfield is a solid starting NFL quarterback, a pairing with the Jets in 2027 would mean several things have gone wrong.

For starters, it means Geno Smith was absolutely horrendous in 2026. While the journeyman quarterback had a brutal year with the Las Vegas Raiders last season, there's reason for optimism that he could bounce back with a better supporting cast in New York.

But there's also the possibility that Smith is just washed up and continues to deteriorate as a starting quarterback.

If that's the case, then the Jets may need a new bridge quarterback in 2027, even if they do go out and get a new youngster to develop in the draft.

Mayfield certainly wouldn't be a bad option, but considering the contract he's looking for, he would exactly be the type of quarterback you pay just to later bench for a rookie. Spotrac expects the former Cleveland Browns trigger man to ink a four-year, $214.4 million extension with Tampa Bay.

Of all the quarterbacks the Jets have had in recent memory, Mayfield certainly wouldn't be the worst. But the fit really wouldn't make all that much sense with New York's current timeline.

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