Vinay Kumar
NFL insider Adam Schefter said via ESPN’s NFL Live that it’s an open competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray in the Minnesota Vikings.McCarthy has not been healthy. And there have been quarterback revival stories in the past, happens once every year, like Sam Darnold to Daniel Jones to Baker Mayfield. So, Kyler Murray could be the next one in 2026. Or it could be J.J. McCarthy.But according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Murray handpicked that [quarterback revival] situation in Minnesota. He could win the starting job. And get his career back on track. But there’s a new twist to this theory.Now, Baker Mayfield did have his QB revival story established in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; after coming from the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, but he may not be happy there. He wants an extension.But the contract talks aren’t happening, and he’s publicly expressed his disappointment. Mayfield even went on to say that he was feeling “disrespected.”
Vikings QBs Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy could compete with Buccaneers signal caller Baker Mayfield
According to CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo, the Minnesota Vikings are the perfect fit for Baker Mayfield.Talented players like wide receiver Justin Jefferson could improve Mayfield’s chances of success.The odds of a quarterback competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray could mean the Vikings might hunt for a quarterback in 2027. Instead of doing that, they could consider Mayfield.Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, who played quarterback with NFL legend Tom Brady in the New England Patriots in 2008, could help a former first-round pick like Mayfield thrive in Minnesota.Just like O’Connell did with Sam Darnold. Look at Darnold today; he is a Super Bowl LX champion with the Seattle Seahawks.Mayfield is another comeback story waiting to happen. He could be that story in Minnesota. Because Tampa Bay is probably not giving him an extension even when he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 season.“I think I’m a franchise quarterback,” Mayfield told reporters on July 30.“I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said publicly from ownership down here. And so, to not have a deal done is very disappointing.But I said the deadline was a deadline. And I addressed the team to let them know I meant that. It’s all ball. I’m with these guys.”Spotrac compared Mayfield to elite quarterbacks such as Jared Goff, Dak Prescott, Kirk Cousins, and Matthew Stafford, based on their age, contract status, and statistical production, to create a contract projection.According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Mayfield is projected to sign a four-year, $214 million contract, which gives him $53 million annually.
Baker Mayfield trade rumors
| Category | Details |
| Player Name | Baker Mayfield |
| Current Franchise | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Landing Spots | Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Contract Status | 2026 is the last year of his 2024 contract |
| Contract Value | He signed a three-year, $100 million contract, including a $28 million signing bonus, $50 million in guaranteed money, with an average annual income of $33 million |
| Cap Hit and Dead Cap Value | In 2026, he is scheduled to earn a $10 million base salary with a $17 million roster bonus, while carrying a $39 million cap hit and a $59 million dead cap value |
| Years Left On The Contract | UFA [unrestricted free agent] in 2027, one year left. |
| Spotrac’s Calculated Market Value | Four-year, $214 million contract with an average annual salary of $53 million. |
Tampa Bay’s contract dispute with Vita Vea
Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea wanted a contract extension. But did not get any. So, he requested a trade. But the veteran DT is showing up at training camp alongside head coach Todd Bowles. Showing up but not practicing because he tweaked his back in the team’s conditioning test Tuesday, and he was getting treatment, ESPN reported.
