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Baker Mayfield isn’t playing like a $55 million quarterback with Buccaneers off to 0-2 start

PUBLISHED Sep 21, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

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Baker Mayfield isn’t playing like a $55 million quarterback with Buccaneers off to 0-2 start

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 18

Center 100%

Sources: 18

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to an 0-2 start following a 23-19 defeat against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who recently signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension, completed 21 of 34 passes for 182 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Mayfield missed a potential go-ahead touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka in the final minute and failed to connect with rookie Ted Hurst on a crucial late-game drive during heavy rain. Mayfield acknowledged the missed execution issues, while head coach Todd Bowles faces mounting pressure to reverse the team's early-season offensive struggles. The defeat highlights early pressure on Mayfield to perform up to his franchise-record contract valuation amid challenging weather conditions and execution errors. Tampa Bay aims to correct these offensive inconsistencies during upcoming practice sessions ahead of their next regular-season matchup on the schedule.

By Haya | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On March 15, 2024, Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to contract extension.
On September 1, 2026, Baker Mayfield agreed to a three-year contract extension.
On September 13, 2026, Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their opening regular-season game.
On September 20, 2026, Baker Mayfield threw one interception against the Cleveland Browns.
On September 20, 2026, Emeka Egbuka dropped a potential go-ahead touchdown pass.
On September 20, 2026, Ted Hurst missed a crucial fourth-quarter pass reception.
On September 20, 2026, Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 23-19 to Cleveland Browns.
On September 21, 2026, analysts evaluated Baker Mayfield contract value and performance.
On September 22, 2026, team leadership reviewed offensive mistakes ahead of practice.
On September 22, 2026, sports analysts projected intense scrutiny on upcoming games.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Intensified sports media scrutiny over quarterback contract performance values nationwide.
Possible long-term US impact: Increased pressure on franchise management decisions regarding high-value player contracts.
Most affected groups: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, coaching staff, and sports media analysts.
Reader priority: Monitor official team injury reports, game statistics, and press conference statements.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 18
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 18

Explain Framing

Left: Focuses on socioeconomic aspects of athlete compensation and team investments. Center: Reports game statistics and player performance objectively without political framing. Right: Emphasizes individual accountability, personal merit, and traditional work ethic standards.