There is a lot riding on today for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only would a win put Todd Bowles and company one step closer to winning their second NFC South title, but there is also a way for one key player to win on an individual level.

Baker Mayfield has been one of the best deals in the NFL this season and has outperformed his contract by exponential margins. It is more than fair to expect him to get more money from one area or another. 

As it stands, that area seems like it should come in the form of various incentives in Mayfield's contract, and several could get hit today to make the holidays all the better for Tampa's QB1.

We’ve been updating Baker Mayfield’s contract incentives all season. His final playing time tier is 85% of the Bucs’ offensive snaps and he can all but lock that up today. That would give him $1 million, and it doubles if Bucs make the playoffs. Doesn’t have to win division.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 24, 2023

While most fans may look at a $1 million incentive (or two) and not think much, the number is actually quite impressive when you think about Mayfield's $4 million base salary.

Baker just playing and being healthy today gets him one step closer to both of the above goals (playing time and playoffs-especially as the Saints fall off).

While Mayfield would probably say that he doesn't care about the money as much as he wants to win, more money certainly doesn't make the relationship between team and quarterback worse, especially not when it seems like this relationship should continue for the next few years.

Today should lead to happier holidays for Mayfield and his family, win or lose, as long as he can stay healthy. A win against a quality Jaguars team would just be the cherry on top.

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