Earlier this spring, whispers started circulating the web that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might look at Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr as a possible first-round target in the 2027 NFL Draft. When that talk first started up, the assumption was that current Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield would be back and that Carr would essentially spend a year learning under him before getting handed the keys to the kingdom in 2028. However, things are shifting quickly down in the Sunshine State.
On Thursday, contract extension talks apparently broke down between Mayfield and his team, and the quarterback now says that he’s done discussing a new deal. Now the plan looks to be that Mayfield will play this season on the final year of his contract and then try the free agent route in March next year.
There’s still no guarantee that CJ Carr will leave Notre Dame after this season, and even if he does, there’s no guarantee that the Bucs would draft him. However, if both those things do happen, it certainly appears that the path is cleared for him to be a contributor and possible starter far earlier than he would have been if Mayfield and Tampa weren’t feuding.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield says he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued” by the contract offers he received. He believes he’s a franchise QB, says he’s going to have a big year, and that the team is going to pay for it in the end.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 30, 2026
Here’s everything Mayfield said. He was very… https://t.co/W38UH7pPPp pic.twitter.com/hq4GRZkKwU
Baker Mayfield contract impasse could benefit Notre Dame football QB CJ Carr
“I told them it was going to be all ball after that,” Mayfield said about cutting off contract talks this week. “And I did mean that. And I don't know if they thought I was just going to take some of the offers that they gave. But I'm at the point of my career and understanding what I've brought to this franchise.”
One, I'm very, very thankful for the chance they gave me. Do not get me wrong on that. But I really know what I've brought to this franchise leadership-wise and even play-wise. It's been some of the best years of my career. Career, and I think it's only going to trend upwards, just being comfortable and feeling that. So disappointing in that regard to not have, you know, to feel disrespected a little bit.”
It’s only a good thing if there are more teams out there looking for a quarterback next spring. Especially for someone like CJ Carr who doesn’t have a ton of college football under his belt.
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