Licht Says He's 'Very Optimistic' on Mayfield, and the Roster Is Built Around That Bet

A month ago I wrote that Mayfield had pulled the plug on extension talks. The temperature has changed. GM Jason Licht said Friday he is "very optimistic" about keeping Mayfield in Tampa beyond 2026, and the organizational body language has shifted to match — the Buccaneers completed their 53-man roster and practice squad this week without making any move that suggests they're planning for life without him.

The backup quarterback situation tells the story plainly. The team tabbed Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie out of Kansas, as Mayfield's backup. That is a depth-chart decision, not a contingency plan. You don't hand the emergency role to an undrafted rookie free agent if you're nervous about your starter's commitment.

The remaining variable worth watching is Emeka Egbuka, who led the team with 938 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025 and remains questionable after the joint-practice injury in August. Cade Otton is back to active, which helps, but Egbuka is the passing game's engine. If Mayfield does re-sign, he'll want to know that weapon is available.

The Buccaneers also brought back cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, added Rueben Bain Jr. to the pass rush — his AC sprain is considered minor and he's expected Week 1 — and have the roster looking more stable than it did at any point this summer. The crisis tone of late July is gone. Whether the extension actually gets done is still an open question, but right now Tampa is building like it will.