Cody Mauch said Friday that Baker Mayfield is "100 percent" a franchise quarterback, giving the Buccaneers quarterback public backing as his contract dispute spills into camp.
Mauch said the standoff will not change Mayfield's approach on the field, adding that the quarterback is focused on playing for the 2026 Bucs rather than dwelling on negotiations.
His comments also underscored the distraction around the dispute, with teammates now fielding questions about Mayfield's deal even as Tampa Bay tries to keep attention on the season.
Mauch suggested Mayfield could ultimately benefit if no agreement comes now, saying strong play in 2026 could leave him with even more leverage — and possibly a path out of Tampa Bay in 2027.