Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield stated on July 3, 2026, that he will not be open to contract discussions once the team's training camp begins. Mayfield is currently in the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers are preparing for their 52nd season. Head coach Todd Bowles has a 35-33 record leading the team. Last season, the Buccaneers finished with an 8-9 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.

The team's preseason schedule includes games against the New York Jets on August 14, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs on August 22, 2026, and the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 28, 2026. The regular season is set to begin against the New York Jets on September 13, 2026.

The Buccaneers' 2026 regular season schedule includes home and away matchups. They will play the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13, the Cleveland Browns on September 20, and the Minnesota Vikings on September 27. The team will also play the Green Bay Packers on October 4, the Dallas Cowboys on October 8, and the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 18. Additional games include the Carolina Panthers on October 25 and November 30, the Atlanta Falcons on November 1, and the Chicago Bears on November 8. Their December schedule features games against the Detroit Lions on November 22, the Los Angeles Chargers on December 6, the Baltimore Ravens on December 13, and the New Orleans Saints on December 20.

The Buccaneers' roster includes wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr., Ted Hurst III, running back Bucky Irving, and Kadarius Calloway. Godwin is listed first on the wide receiver depth chart, with Hurst ranked second. On defense, Calijah Kancey is the starting left defensive end, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches is the starting nose tackle.

Why It Matters

Mayfield's decision to halt contract talks once training camp starts establishes a timeline for any potential extension as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter their 52nd season with their starting quarterback in the final year of his deal. The team did not make the playoffs in the previous season, finishing with an 8-9 record under head coach Todd Bowles. The upcoming season is scheduled to begin against the New York Jets on September 13, 2026, following a three-game preseason.