坦帕湾海盗队四分卫贝克·梅菲尔德与俱乐部就合同延期谈判失败，梅菲尔德随后表示感到被球队管理层不尊重。[1]梅菲尔德将继续按照原三年1亿美元合同的最后一年履行职责，该年合同价值预计在5000万至5500万美元之间。[1]
梅菲尔德在加盟海盗队以来表现出色，前两个赛季均入选职业碗，并连续带领球队赢得NFC南区冠军。[1]在2024赛季，他完成传球4500码、41个达阵，完成率71.4%，评分达到106.8。[1]尽管合同谈判陷入僵局，梅菲尔德表示将专注于赛场表现，目标是帮助球队赢得超级碗。[1]梅菲尔德说道："我认为我是一支球队的四分卫。我被告知我是一支球队的四分卫。"[1]球队进攻截锋本·布雷德森对梅菲尔德予以肯定，称"贝克没有改变，他仍然是我们的四分卫，仍然是同样的领导者"。[1]
NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield has expressed feeling "disrespected" by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization following unsuccessful negotiations over a contract extension [1]. Rather than reach a new deal, Mayfield will proceed under the final year of his original three-year, $100 million agreement [1], with the contract value for the upcoming season projected to fall between $50 million and $55 million [1].
Despite the breakdown in talks, Mayfield remains committed to the team's success. "I think I'm a quarterback for a team. I've been told I'm a quarterback for a team," Mayfield stated, underscoring his expectation of being treated as a franchise cornerstone [1]. The quarterback plans to focus on his performance on the field with the goal of leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory [1]. Offensive tackle Ben Bredeson reinforced this sentiment, noting that "Baker hasn't changed—he's still our quarterback, still the same leader" [1].
Mayfield's track record with Tampa Bay supports his position. Over the past two seasons, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl and has guided the Buccaneers to consecutive NFC South division championships [1]. In the 2024 season, he recorded 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, a 71.4% completion rate, and a 106.8 passer rating [1].