Baker Mayfield finished his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in spectacular fashion, putting together a career-high 4,279 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. With another 310 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 making the playoffs. For Mayfield, it’s also about securing significant financial rewards tied to his contractual incentives. Let’s break this down.
Contractual incentives at stake
According to Greg Auman of Renard SportsMayfield stands to earn $2.5 million in contract bonuses if he hits key milestones in the final game of the season. Here’s what’s at stake:
Performance-based bonuses:
- Ferryman’s note:
- 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 passed:
- 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 per attempt:
- Current ranking: 7th in the NFL, 6th in the NFC
- Bonus : 500 000 $
If Mayfield maintains his ranking in these indicators, he will earn a $2.5 million bonus just for his individual performance.
Incentive to the Playoffs:
- Bonus : 500 000 $
- Scenario : The Bucs secure a playoff spot with a win over the Saints. A draw, combined with a defeat for the Falcons against the Panthers, or even a defeat for the Falcons altogether, 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 Observer. With this season’s incentives, he could add a substantial increase to that total.
Playoff problems for the Bucs
Sunday’s game isn’t just a payday for Mayfield, it’s a defining moment for the Buccaneers. A win would secure their fifth straight playoff appearance and make Mayfield a pillar of Tampa Bay’s success.
As Mayfield takes the field with millions and a playoff spot on the line, all eyes will be on him to pull off this high-stakes matchup.
