According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets are considering a dive into the backup QB market. Along the names given by Cimini, Jake Browning is one of the top names to monitor.

The advantage Browning has over the rest of the list is that he will be free. Many of the other QBs included on the shortlist already have a team, which means a trade would need to happen. Even if it’s a cheap trade, in Browning’s case it would be a free transaction.

Browning still has some alarming things

Browning was the clear cut favorite to win the backup role on the Buccaneers. He lost the spot to an undrafted free agent in Jalon Johnson. Also, the last we saw of Browning in the NFL wasn’t very good.

Sure, this is a backup role he’d be getting, but his numbers are not impressive. If the Jets pull the trigger on Browning, they’ll be getting a quarterback that had a 0-3 record, for a 64.8% completion, 771 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025.

Jets updated QB depth chart

Given that Browning is still not on the Jets, the fact is that the team would also have to move some names on their depth chart. As of now, these are the Jets quarterbacks:

• Geno Smith
• Cade Klubnik
• Brady Cook

“I’m very optimistic about it,” the General Manager said, via Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. “He wants to play. He wants to prove to us that he is the franchise quarterback that we said that he was. So, we’ll just have to see how it plays out. I’ll never close the door on anything in the short term, but right now, he’s focused on football.”

With a new season in Tampa Bay just around the corner, the future of the former Cleveland Browns quarterback beyond the 2026 campaign remains uncertain. Will Licht be able to reach an agreement and keep Mayfield in Tampa Bay for many more years to come?

Where do the Bucs stand with Mayfield right now?

The contract extension talks between Mayfield and the Bucs hit a wall right before training camp. While Tampa Bay was willing to pay top-tier money—around $50M per year—the impasse comes down to length: the front office only offered a short two-year deal, whereas Mayfield is hunting for a long-term commitment as their franchise guy.

After setting a firm deadline for the start of camp, Baker openly admitted feeling “disrespected” by their proposals, shut down any further in-season negotiations to focus purely on football, and is now set to play out the 2026 season before hitting free agency in 2027.

The Bucs need Baker Mayfield

After a disappointing 8-9 campaign in 2025 that saw Tampa Bay miss out on the postseason, Mayfield’s production took a natural hit—finishing with 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while battling injuries across his receiving corps and offensive line. Still, the Bucs desperately need him dialed in if they want to crash the playoff party again.

In an NFC South that remains wide open, Baker brings the swagger, toughness, and proven track record of elevating this offense; without a long-term deal locked in, Tampa’s entire season hinges on whether their fiery QB can turn that disrespected chip on his shoulder into another career bounce-back year.

How to watch Jaguars vs Buccaneers in the USA

The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason finale will be available to stream in the USA through Fubo and NFL+.

Can I watch Jaguars vs Buccaneers for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, and its official game listing for Buccaneers vs. Jaguars displays a “Try for free” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Jaguars and Buccaneers close out the preseason with very different priorities. Tampa Bay enters the finale with a perfect 2-0 record, after beating the Jets 24-16 and the Chiefs 16-15, while Jacksonville is 1-1 following a 24-20 win over New Orleans and a 34-17 loss to Carolina.

For Jacksonville, the final game is especially valuable for players trying to earn a role behind the established starters. Liam Coen has indicated that the Jaguars’ starters are not expected to play, following two days of joint practices with Tampa Bay. That means Friday’s matchup should once again put the emphasis on younger players and roster hopefuls rather than Trevor Lawrence and the first-team unit.

Tampa Bay is taking a similar approach. The Buccaneers are not expected to play their starters, meaning Baker Mayfield and other established players should remain on the sidelines while the coaching staff evaluates the depth of the roster.

The team also added wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson this week, giving him an immediate opportunity to compete for a role after joining the roster on Wednesday.

What time is the Jaguars vs Buccaneers match?

The Jaguars vs. Buccaneers game kicks off on Friday, August 28, at 7:30 PM ET. The matchup will be played at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

In fact, for the Jacksonville Jaguars, this is a fact. Starters won’t play, which means the quarterbacks vs. Buccaneers will be Joey Aguilar and Carter Bradley. Maybe backup Nick Mullens also plays, but it seems like the Jags are more interested in knowing who to keep between Aguilar and Bradley.

Liam Coen is not risking any of his starters in this game and he is wise to do so. The Jaguars were a revelation last year, and he could be on the verge of making the Jags actual AFC contenders.

Is Baker Mayfield the QB for Bucs vs Jaguars?

Baker Mayfield is not expected to play vs Jaguars. The starting signal-caller will be either Jake Browning or Jalon Daniels. Both are in an intense battle for the backup role as Baker Mayfield is clearly the QB1.

As for who’s starting, head coach Todd Bowles said, “Not yet. We’re going to sit down and meet about it.“ So, while both will play, there is no information as to who will start the game.

Bucs and Jags have a thing in common

Both franchises have former number one overall picks as their quarterbacks. However, both of the quarterbacks have high plenty of highs and lows. Mayfield has been able to rebuild his career after many roadblocks.

As for Lawrence, he was touted as one of the best prospects to ever come out of college. However, he has had just two good seasons in five years in the NFL. Hence, it’s time to prove he is actually becoming a franchise quarterback.

This will be a particularly interesting appearance for Mayfield because it marks his first preseason action since the Buccaneers’ contract-extension situation became a major storyline. Tampa and their quarterback were unable to reach an agreement on a new long-term deal, and Baker has made it clear that he will not continue negotiating during the 2026 season.

That means Baker Mayfield is playing the 2026 season in the final year of his current contract, setting up the possibility of free agency in 2027. For now, though, the focus is on football, and Saturday’s matchup against the Chiefs will give Mayfield his first opportunity to get live-game reps in Tampa Bay’s new-look offense.

Will Baker Mayfield play against the Chiefs?

Yes. Baker Mayfield is expected to start the game and play approximately one or two series for the Bucs against the Chiefs. Todd Bowles indicated that the Buccaneers’ starters should receive somewhere between eight and 15 plays, depending on how the game unfolds.

That limited workload is designed to give the starters some valuable game-speed work without exposing them to unnecessary preseason risk. Once Mayfield leaves the field, the Buccaneers will turn their attention to the competition behind him. Jake Browning is expected to receive an opportunity, with Connor Bazelak and Jalon Daniels also part of the battle for the backup quarterback job.

Who will replace Baker Mayfield at quarterback?

Jake Browning has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the No. 2 job and will have another opportunity to strengthen his case against Kansas City. The veteran quarterback has experience in the NFL and is competing with both Bazelak and Daniels for the backup role.

Bazelak is also expected to see action as the Bucs continue evaluating their quarterback depth. He has remained in the mix, but the competition became even more interesting after Jalon Daniels impressed during the preseason opener against the Jets.

Daniels, who signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent this offseason, has drawn attention from the coaching staff for his poise and ability to make plays with his legs.

Baker Mayfield’s contract situation adds another layer

Mayfield’s appearance against the Chiefs comes with an intriguing backdrop. The Buccaneers have not been able to give their quarterback the contract extension he was looking for, while Mayfield has decided to put negotiations aside and focus on the 2026 season.

The quarterback enters the final year of his deal, and unless the situation changes, he could reach free agency after the season. That gives every game additional importance as Mayfield looks to demonstrate his value on the field while the Bucs determine how far they’re willing to go to keep him beyond 2026.

For now, Mayfield’s immediate goal is much simpler: get his work in, stay healthy and help the Buccaneers prepare for the regular season. His first appearance against the Chiefs should provide a brief but important glimpse of where he stands heading into a season that could have major consequences for his future in Tampa Bay.

How to watch Buccaneers vs Chiefs in the USA

For streaming, Fubo lists Buccaneers vs. Chiefs among its NFL preseason games, while NFL+ also provides live streaming of preseason games. These are the only two streaming options available for the game.

Can I watch Buccaneers vs Chiefs for free?

Eligible Fubo subscribers can use a 5-day free trial to watch Buccaneers vs. Chiefs. It currently offers free trials on select plans, although its official terms note that the duration and availability can vary by plan and account.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason at Raymond James Stadium, with both teams using the matchup to evaluate their rosters ahead of the regular season.

Tampa Bay enters the game with a 1-0 preseason record after beating the New York Jets 24-16, while Kansas City opened its schedule with a 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Kansas City faces a different situation at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes did not play in the preseason opener and may not see action this summer as he continues his recovery from last year’s ACL tear. That puts additional attention on the Chiefs’ backup quarterbacks and younger players fighting for roster spots.

The game also carries some history. Tampa Bay and Kansas City last met at Raymond James Stadium in Super Bowl LV, when the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9 to become the first team to win a Super Bowl in its home stadium.

Saturday’s preseason meeting will be the first time Kansas City has played a preseason game in Tampa since 2010. Overall, the teams have met six times in the preseason, with the Buccaneers winning five of those matchups.

What time is the Buccaneers vs Chiefs match?

The Buccaneers vs. Chiefs game kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 7:30 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Mahomes has made remarkable progress in his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered last season. He has been cleared for full-team work and has looked increasingly comfortable during training camp, but the Chiefs have no reason to expose him to unnecessary preseason contact with the regular season approaching.

That makes Saturday’s matchup against the Buccaneers another opportunity to evaluate the quarterbacks behind him. Justin Fields will get the start, while Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun are also expected to receive significant playing time as the Chiefs continue preparing their roster for the 2026 campaign.

Will Patrick Mahomes play today against the Buccaneers?

No. Andy Reid’s decision is primarily about protecting Patrick Mahomes and making sure his star quarterback is ready when the games begin to count. The Chiefs have already kept him out of their preseason opener, and Reid confirmed that Mahomes will also sit out Saturday’s game in Tampa Bay.

The quarterback’s recovery has been the main topic for Kansas City throughout the offseason. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL last December and underwent surgery, but his progress has been described as encouraging. He has even participated in full-team work during training camp as he works toward the regular-season opener.

Still, there is a major difference between looking good in controlled practice situations and returning to the real pace and physicality of an NFL game. The Chiefs appear determined to avoid taking that risk in August, especially with Mahomes’ return to regular-season action becoming the priority.

Who will start for the Chiefs vs Bucs?

Justin Fields is expected to be the Chiefs’ starting quarterback against Tampa Bay, giving him another important opportunity to run Kansas City’s offense in preseason action. Reid previously announced that Fields would receive roughly the first quarter and a half of the game.

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take over after Fields, with the seventh-round rookie also projected to receive roughly a quarter and a half of playing time. That should give the Chiefs another extended look at the young quarterback as they evaluate their depth behind Mahomes.

Chris Oladokun is then expected to handle the fourth quarter. Reid described the planned rotation as a rough itinerary, meaning the exact distribution could change depending on how the game develops.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news Wednesday, with the new deal worth $30 million and keeping the two-time Pro Bowler under contract with Tampa Bay for the next two seasons. Vea had entered the final year of his previous contract before requesting a trade after extension talks stalled.

“Two-time Pro-Bowl DT Vita Vea and the Buccaneers reached agreement today on a one-year extension for $30 million, tying him to Tampa Bay for two more seasons. He gets $6 million in new money this season. The Buccaneers’ extension with Vita Vea means he’ll play his 9th and 10th NFL seasons with the same team that drafted him No. 12 overall in 2018.”

Vita Vea gets contract extension from Bucs

The agreement brings a surprising conclusion to what had become a major source of uncertainty for the Buccaneers.

Vita Vea requested a trade in late July after failing to reach an extension with the team, raising questions about whether the franchise was prepared to move on from the longtime defensive centerpiece. Instead, Tampa Bay found a way to give Vea the new money he wanted and keep him in place for the 2026 season and beyond.

The Vea extension comes as the Tampa Buccaneers prepare for a pivotal 2026 season, but the team’s biggest unresolved contract situation remains at quarterback.

The problem is Baker Mayfield

The Busca and Baker Mayfield were unable to reach an agreement on a new extension before training camp, meaning the veteran quarterback will play out the final season of his current deal. Mayfield is currently positioned to become a free agent after 2026. He wanted at least $50 million per season in a four-year deal. It didn’t happen.

That situation may have helped Tampa Bay prioritize Vea without committing additional long-term money to their quarterback. With no new Mayfield extension on the books, the Buccaneers were able to focus on securing one of their defensive leaders. Vea’s new contract gives the team certainty on the interior of the defensive line while leaving the quarterback question for another day.

“I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year,” the quarterback said, via JoeBucsFan.com. “And so I’m excited.” According to Mayfield himself, it’s very difficult to tune out the outside noise, although it can often be used as motivation to accomplish great things.

“You can’t avoid it,” the QB said. “The TVs [are] everywhere. Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record.” The Bucs will look to return to prominence after missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2019, following a dramatic finale against the Carolina Panthers.

The motivation of starting on the road

Paycor Stadium will be the setting for the first major test for a Bucs team looking to start the season on the right foot. There, Baker Mayfield and his teammates will face the Cincinnati Bengals, and while it could be a challenging matchup, playing on the road provides extra motivation for the QB.

”You’re with your guys, and it’s just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you’re going to, and so I think it’s a good opportunity for us against the Bengals,” Mayfield also added.

A tough schedule ahead for the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face a challenging season ahead, with trips to stadiums where the home crowd tends to make its presence felt. Among the toughest road games are visits to the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears.

Not only that, but Raymond James Stadium will also host opponents who can easily be considered contenders. Among them are the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers.

How to watch Jets vs. Buccaneers in the USA

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets preseason game will be televised nationally on NFL Network and NBC. For streaming, NFL+, Fubo and ESPN Unlimited provides live access to the matchup.

Can I watch Jets vs. Buccaneers for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can use the platform’s 5-day free-trial offer to watch the Jets vs. Buccaneers game. Fubo currently lists the matchup on its New York Jets programming page and advertises a free-trial option for viewers.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason opener comes after two intense joint practices in Florham Park, giving both teams an unusual amount of competitive work before their first exhibition game.

New York quarterback Geno Smith is set to start, and he enters Friday’s matchup looking to build on the work he did against Tampa Bay’s defense during the practices. The Jets’ first-team offense had some struggles early, but Smith and the unit found more rhythm as the sessions progressed.

For New York, one of the biggest storylines will be how the offense looks with Smith, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson on the field, while rookie edge rusher David Bailey has emerged as one of the standout players of training camp.

Bailey was particularly impressive during the joint practices, including a near-sack of Baker Mayfield. The Jets are also evaluating a number of young players and roster hopefuls as head coach Aaron Glenn shapes his first team entering the 2026 season.

Tampa Bay has its own reason to pay close attention to the opener. Mayfield led the Buccaneers’ first-team offense during the joint practices and finished Wednesday’s two-minute drill with a 68-yard touchdown drive, going 5-of-6 and finding tight end Cade Otton for the score.

That performance came after Tampa Bay’s offense had another opportunity to test itself against New York‘s starting defense, making Friday’s game a chance to see whether that production carries over into live preseason action.

What time is the Jets vs. Buccaneers match?

The Jets vs. Buccaneers game kicks off Friday, August 14, at 7:00 PM ET at MetLife Stadium. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

Head coach Aaron Glenn and Geno Smith himself confirmed his appearance for the game against the Buccaneers. “Just to get out there and just play ball, feel the real live game atmosphere, being in the huddle with my guys, having the clock run down, being in front of the fans back in MetLife,” Smith said.

Baker Mayfield won’t be playing vs Jets, but the Buccaneers will still want to win the game. Still, it’s unlikely that Smith will play the whole game. In fact, he is likely to play just a couple of offensive series, or a quarter at most.

Geno Smith’s preseason stats

Smith is a veteran in the NFL with more than a decade of experience. Sometimes, he’s been a starter, other times, he’s been a backup. Hence, his preseason appearances have been very irregular.

Jets’ preseason schedule

Two of the Jets’ three preseason games will be played at home. However, one of them is against the Giants, who also play in MetLife Stadium. Two of the opponents are from the NFC, with only the Pittsburgh Steelers being an AFC foe.