Bucs GM Jason Licht shares his text to Baker Mayfield on $100,000,000 extension: “You’re a motherf—er”
Baker Mayfield revived his career last season, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs. Mayfield signed with Tampa Bay last offseason, his fourth team in two years, in search of stability.
After a 9-8 season and a playoff berth, Mayfield was awarded a three-year, $100 million contract extension with $50 million guaranteed from the Buccaneers ahead of this season.
Three days before free agency, Mayfield was left without a deal and texted Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht to increase the offer the Bucs had given him. That same afternoon, Licht 'sweetened' Mayfield's deal and texted the quarterback with a comical text to let him know about the contract extension.
“Hey listen, you’re a motherf—er. Congratulations.”
Mayfield and the Buccaneers were able to hammer out a long-term deal before the start of free agency, taking one of the quarterbacks off the free-agent market.
Last season, Mayfield threw for career highs in touchdown passes (28), yards (4,044), and completion percentage (64.3.)
Baker Mayfield was out with teammate Tristan Wirfs when he received his contract extension
When Baker Mayfield heard the news about a new deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was out with his wife Emily, teammate Tristan Wirfs and his girlfriend.
Mayfield recalled the moment as surreal and was happy to celebrate with his wife, Wirfs, and his girlfriend.
“I was like, are you serious?“ Mayfield said. "So I hung up the phone and was able to celebrate with those three. The relief, I was like, ‘Yes, this is what I wanted, and it wound up happening.’ It was so surreal.” [via The Athletic].
Mayfield and his wife welcomed their first daughter, Kova Jade Mayfield, in April.
Meanwhile, Mayfield's friend, Wirfs, hasn't received a contract extension yet, despite being one of the best tackles in the league. Wirfs is looking for a new contract and isn't participating in team activities until he gets a new deal done.
Wirfs is, however, 'holding in' by being present at the team facility and being around the team while he seeks a new contract. Head coach Todd Bowles said that the team is hopeful that something gets done.