This time next year, quarterback Baker Mayfield could be preparing for a season with a new team.
Entering Year 4 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' franchise QB, Mayfield, an Oklahoma legend, told media earlier this week that he and the Bucs are still far from a deal and he set a stout deadline for the start of training camp because he won't negotiate during the season. If a deal isn't reached, Mayfield would be a free agent next offseason and destined for his fifth NFL team, unless the Bucs can manage to keep him in Tampa at that point.
Baker Mayfield says he wants to stay in Tampa but they’re not close on a new contract and he’s set a deadline of the start of training camp, not wanting to negotiate after that during the season. pic.twitter.com/RkVX9Nxg9s
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 5, 2026
With the possibility of Mayfield being available next year, there are a few teams already emerging as a possible next destination for the former top overall NFL Draft pick.
Read more: What Baker Mayfield would have spent his NIL money on at Oklahoma
New York Jets
The Jets might have the worst QB room in the NFL right now between starter Geno Smith and backups Cade Klubnik and Brady Cook. Maybe Klubnik, a rookie, surprises, but more than likely they'll want a new QB1 in New York after 2026. And that's why the Jets would certainly enter the potential race for Mayfield.
This seems like a situation Mayfield would avoid, though, because it's as close as he could get to getting stuck in the same debacle he was in with the Cleveland Browns at the beginning of his career.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This has been the most popular option as plenty others look forward to potential Mayfield suitors. The Steelers have one year left with Aaron Rodgers, who will retire after this upcoming season. Behind Rodgers, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar. None are franchise QB material, especially not as soon as 2027.
If Mayfield does end up on the market, the Steelers will probably be at the top of his list barring anything drastic during this season. And the feeling would be mutual on both sides.
Los Angeles Rams
Stars would have to align, but this would be the best destination for Mayfield and his greatest chance to win a Super Bowl before his career ends.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is the reigning NFL MVP, but he's on borrowed time. If Stafford is done after this season, the Rams' next options would be Stetson Bennett IV or Ty Simpson, who L.A. shockingly drafted in the first round this year.
The Rams are in a small Super Bowl window, so they need someone who could keep that window open. Brand new starters couldn't, but Mayfield definitely could with his ability and experience. He also has a short but impactful history in L.A. when he was claimed off waivers, then two days later led a comeback and game-winning drive. That caught the respect of Rams head coach Sean McVay and he'd at least entertain having Mayfield run his offense full-time.
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