CBS NEWS: Baker Mayfield announce his departure in…

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made a big decision about Baker Mayfield’s contract, which could see the quarterback hitting the open market.

Mayfield had a great season with the Bucs after signing a one-year deal in 2023, even making it to the Pro Bowl for the first time and leading the team to the NFC South title Divisional round of the playoffs.

But instead of using the franchise tag to keep Mayfield at Raymond James Stadium, the team is planning to use it on star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. The 25-year-old safety had an amazing season in 2023, earning First-team All-Pro honours.

If the Bucs use the franchise tag on Winfield, he’ll get $16.2 million guaranteed next season. The transition tag would cost less at $14m, but the Bucs would be taking a risk if another team offered the star safety a contract.