Baker Mayfield finished his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in spectacular fashion, achieving a personal performance with 4,279 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. With 310 more rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, Mayfield proved his worth in guiding the Bucs to the NFC South title.
But Sunday’s Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints isn’t just about qualifying for the playoffs. For Mayfield, it’s also about locking in significant financial rewards tied to his contractual incentives. Let’s break this down.
In-Game Contractual Incentives
According to Greg Auman of Fox SportsMayfield is set to earn $2.5 million in contract bonuses if he reaches key passing milestones in the final game of the season. Here’s what’s at stake:
Performance-Based Bonuses:
- Ferryman Rating:
- Current Ranking: 3rd in NFL, 2nd in NFC
- Prime : 500 000 $
- Passes de Touchdown :
- Current Ranking: Tied 2nd in NFL, 1st in NFC
- Bonus : 500 000 $
- Yards Past:
- Current Ranking: 3rd in NFL, 2nd in NFC
- Bonus : 500 000 $
- Success Percentage:
- Current Ranking: 2nd in NFL, 1st in NFC
- Bonus : 500 000 $
- Yards Par Tentative :
- Current Ranking: 7th in the NFL, 6th in the NFC
- Bonus : 500 000 $
If Mayfield maintains his rankings in these metrics, he will earn $2.5 million in bonuses just for his individual performance.
Incentive to the Playoffs:
- Bonus : 500 000 $
- Scenario : The Bucs secure a playoff spot with a victory against the Saints. A draw, combined with a defeat of the Falcons against the Panthers, or a defeat of the Falcons at all, will also allow Tampa to secure a place in the playoffs.
Mayfield’s career earnings so far
In March 2024, Mayfield signed a lucrative three-year contract extension worth $100 million with Tampa Bay, cementing his role as the team’s star quarterback. During his seven-year NFL career, Mayfield earned $85,256,674, according to Spotter. With this season’s incentives, he could add a substantial boost to that total.
Playoff issues for the Bucs
Sunday’s game isn’t just a payday for Mayfield—it’s a defining moment for the Buccaneers. A victory would secure their fifth straight playoff appearance and establish Mayfield as a pillar of Tampa Bay’s success.
As Mayfield takes the field with millions and a postseason spot on the line, all eyes will be on him to succeed in this high-stakes face-off.
