TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held their second training camp practice Thursday at the AdventHealth Training Center, opening the session to the general public after the first day was exclusive to Krewe members.
The practice drew a large crowd. A team staff member said the session was nearly at full capacity, creating a busy atmosphere with fans around the facility, ice pops being handed out, and children wearing Baker Mayfield jerseys.
Mayfield spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since he tabled contract negotiations with the Bucs until after the season. He said he is grateful for the opportunity Tampa Bay gave him, but also believes he has shown his value to the franchise.
“I’m at the point of my career and understanding what I’ve brought to this franchise, one, I’m very, very thankful for the chance they gave me,” Mayfield said. “Do not get me wrong on that, but I also know I really know what I’ve brought to this franchise, leadership-wise, and even play-wise.”
Mayfield said the past two seasons have been “some of the best years” of his career and said he believes his play will continue to improve.
Interesting stuff from Baker Mayfield today, he sounded so at peace despite his contract negotiations with the #Bucs falling short without a new deal.
I asked him if it was difficult for him to get to that point mentally, take a listen!
That shoulder has a chip on it! @BN9 https://t.co/m857sE42Kb pic.twitter.com/fiUq75dR2Q
— Michael Epps (@MichaelEppsTV) July 30, 2026
“So disappointing in that regard to not have, you know, to feel disrespected a little bit,” Mayfield said. “And that’s really the disappointing part, to feel undervalued after, you know, thinking you’ve earned it.”
Mayfield said he was not seeking sympathy but was evaluating his standing among other quarterbacks.
“I can sit here and look at other quarterbacks and peers and evaluate myself based on that and put myself in certain categories that I deserve to be compensated for that,” Mayfield said.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield remains popular with fans and has built support through his work with children and in the community.
“They love him, behind (LeBron James) going to Philly, Baker’s probably the second most popular guy out here right now,” Bowles said. “He does a lot for the kids, especially in the community. And they really love when he does come out here, and they support him a lot.”
Buccaneers Training Camp 2026
On the field, fans watched Emeka Egbuka make several catches during practice. Tez Johnson also had a notable touchdown catch during the 11-on-11 portion near the end of the session and followed it with a flip.
“It’s great on a Thursday coming out and a lot of people were at work, but these guys come out all the time and support us, and they’ve been outstanding over the years, and they’ve been outstanding today,” Bowles said.
Mayfield said Tampa has felt like home since he arrived and said he hopes to remain with the team.
“Tampa has felt like home from the beginning,” Mayfield said. “That’s probably the worst part about it is we do want to spend the rest of my career here, however long, God willing, that is.”
Friday’s practice is again exclusive to Krewe members, while the Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 practices are open to the general public.