TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t agree to a new contract with quarterback Baker Mayfield this offseason, they just might pivot to a future Hall of Famer and perennial Pro Bowler.

Mayfield is set for a career payday after his tremendous bounce-back season with the Bucs this year. But if the 28-year-old pending free agent ends up departing Tampa Bay this offseason? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated that the Buccaneers could be a landing spot for Denver Broncos signal-caller Russell Wilson:

 

“Mayfield is a free agent, and if Tampa Bay can’t reach a new deal with him, the Bucs would make a lot of sense for Wilson. Tampa offensive coordinator Dave Canales was on Seattle’s offensive staff throughout Wilson’s 10 years there, and the two maintained a close relationship. In Canales’ two years as Wilson’s quarterbacks coach, Wilson was efficient with 66 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.”
The Broncos are expected to release Wilson before the new league year begins on Mar. 13. He was benched for the team’s final two games of 2023 because of his refusal to restructure the injury guarantees in his contract. Denver would have owed Wilson $37 million in guarantees for 2025 if he suffered an injury.

In a move that will go down as one of the greatest bargain signings in recent memory, Mayfield accepted a one-year pact with the Buccaneers last offseason. The 2018 first overall pick threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading Tampa to a third straight NFC South division title.

 

Mayfield continued the Cinderella run on Monday by leading his Bucs to an upset over the Philadelphia Eagles on Super Wild Card Weekend. He tossed 337 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 32-9 blowout victory.

The best case scenario is for Mayfield and the Bucs to reach an agreement on a new deal following his resurgent year. For now, the focus is on getting ready for the Detroit Lions in Sunday’s Divisional Round tilt.