RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesRight now there is a quarterback who was a former top three pick in the 2018 NFL draft that is negotiating for a new contract. This quarterback infamously busted with the team that drafted him, played for the Carolina Panthers and another team before resetting his career with an NFC team that joined the league in 1976. In a few short months, there will be another quarterback who was a former top three pick in the 2018 NFL draft that will be negotiating for a new contract. This quarterback also busted with the team that drafted him, played for the Carolina Panthers and another team before achieving NFL immortality with an NFC team that joined the league in 1976.
Of course I am talking about Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal caller Baker Mayfield, who is seeking an extension as he enters the final year of his current three-year deal. However, the contract situation is quickly devolving into a public standoff between the Bucs and Mayfield, who feels "disappointed" by the amount of years and money offered to him by Tampa.
Baker Mayfield tells ESPN the Bucs offered him a two-year deal, which was ‘probably the most disappointing’ part. Wanted long-term commitment. Added Bucs were ‘pretty far’ from $50+M per club, which he wanted to enter. More to come on @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/B0ydNRWG8U
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 30, 2026 The reason I am bringing any of this up is obvious. There are countless parallels between Baker Mayfield and Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, as I mentioned in the beginning paragraph. Seattle should be paying close attention to how this dilemma between Mayfield and Tampa plays out, because it could potentially be a "past is prologue" sort of situation.
Baker Mayfield has been every bit a capable starter during his time in Tampa. He's started all 54 possible games, including the playoffs - which he has guided Tampa to twice during his tenure, including a Wild Card victory in 2023. Even with that resume, it's clear the Bucs still have some hesitancy long term with him. A two-deal just means they're back in the same situation next offseason. Could the Seahawks be finding themselves in a similar spot when it comes to determining if they want to keep Darnold around? After all, the only reason Darnold is in Seattle is because they were willing to move on from Geno Smith. Plus, the Seahawks drafted Jalen Milroe only last year, and with that Super Bowl LX ring, Darnold won't be playing on the discounted deal he is right now.
Despite all that, I truly believe the Seahawks are going to do their best to avoid a similar situation. For starters, Sam Darnold is... let's just say, "lower maintenance" than Baker Mayfield is personality wise. Darnold is not the kind of player to take a dispute public. Additionally, Darnold is two years younger than Mayfield. Investing more years in him is a safer bet than a quarterback who is 31, and will be 32 next year. Not that early 30's is the crypt keeper age in today's NFL, but youth is on Darnold's side here.
There is of course the aforementioned Super Bowl ring. In one season, Darnold did exactly what was needed and helped guide the Seahawks to their second Lombardi trophy in franchise history.
General manager John Schneider tends to handle his business quickly and quietly, and the Seahawks aren't afraid to pay their guys big money when earned. Of course, with the new ownership, we will have to keep an eye to see if their spending philosophy remains in line with the Allen family's policies. For now, the Seahawks will observe the unfolding situation in Tampa from afar, assuredly taking notes on what to do... and more importantly, what to avoid.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Could Seahawks, Sam Darnold have similar contract dilemma as Bucs and Baker Mayfield?
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