“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” — Theodore Roosevelt
In December 2022, just 48 hours after joining the Los Angeles Rams to replace injured starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield led a dramatic 98-yard game-winning touchdown drive in the final two minutes of a Thursday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, giving the Rams a 17-16 victory. It became one of the most memorable comebacks of the 2022 NFL season.
Following that game, a Rams offensive coaching source told me that if he had to pick any quarterback in the league other than Stafford to be his starter, it would be Mayfield.
Baker has already proven to be a great fit for the Buccaneers—and a winner. Tampa Bay captured division titles in 2023 and 2024. His teammates love him. The fans love him.
So what’s the problem?
Management.
It appears head coach Todd Bowles supports paying Mayfield what he’s worth—a salary closer to $50 million a year, in line with other franchise NFL quarterbacks. His current deal averages roughly $33 million annually. But the ownership group and front office are screwing this up.
And even if they eventually reach an agreement, Mayfield may never feel quite right playing for an organization that made him feel undervalued. He has said he feels “disrespected” and “undervalued” after the Buccaneers failed to offer him the long-term extension he was seeking. He is now expected to play out the final year of his contract and could become a free agent after the season.
If Tampa Bay doesn’t lock up Mayfield now, I’m betting a strong 2026 season will force the Buccaneers—or another NFL team—to pay his asking price.
Sports history is filled with teams that had the talent but failed because of the people making the decisions. Great front offices know when to invest—and when to get out of their own way. Bad ones waste talent, alienate stars, and convince themselves they’re smarter than everyone else.
The Chicago Bulls are a textbook example. After winning six NBA championships with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson, management dismantled the dynasty instead of keeping it together, ending one of the greatest runs in sports history.
Franchise quarterbacks are hard to find. Bad front offices are everywhere.
