'Congrats, (Bleeper)!' Inside Mayfield Contract Text with Bucs GM

Last season turned into one of great value for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. What started as a transitional year for the Bucs instead became a step forward for the franchise.

Mayfield, originally thought of a bridge to an eventual younger face under center, instead led the Bucs to their third consecutive NFC South title and an appearance in the NFC Divisional round. For those efforts, he earned the permanent starting gig.

This offseason, Tampa Bay signed Mayfield to a three-year $100 million contract, committing to his and the surrounding roster's ability to contend over the next few seasons.

But the exciting news came with a humorous message from general manager Jason Licht, according to the Bucs' quarterback.

Days before Mayfield was set to hit free agency, he texted Licht wanting to get a deal done. Simultaneously, Mayfield's agent was finalizing terms with Licht, prompting the general manager to reply, “Hey listen, you're a m***********. Congratulations.”

A lighthearted moment, but one that caused Mayfield to reflect on the trajectory of his career.

“When I think back on it, it wasn't easy at all, but it was so worth it,” Mayfield said to The Athletic's Jeff Howe . “No part of my story so far in my life has been anywhere normal."

Related: Who Wants to Buy Tom Brady's $400,000 Rolls-Royce?

Once the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield had fallen from grace after a rough stint with the Cleveland Browns, seemingly headed for the journeyman career path, his success in 2023 flipped that script.

But that growth and achievement from the past has since been rewarded and the Bucs' quarterback will have to continue to churn out results.

Tampa Bay is built to contend among the better teams in the NFC, meaning the pressure seesaws back onto Mayfield to deliver once again.