Baker Mayfield Expresses Gratitude to Buccaneers, Hopes for Return in 2024
In the aftermath of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ heartbreaking playoff loss, quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans have made their aspirations clear: they want to remain with the team beyond the current season.
Mayfield’s Impressive Performance Earns Praise from Coach and Management
Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht have been effusive in their praise for Mayfield’s contributions to the Buccaneers’ success in the post-Tom Brady era. Mayfield led the team to a 10-9 record and an NFC South title in his first year with the franchise.
“He most definitely has [earned the right to return],” Bowles said of Mayfield. “Obviously, it’s too early to talk about that and business is business, but Baker had a hell of a year. We love him. The guys love him. And we’ll see what the future holds.”
Licht echoed Bowles’ sentiments, sharing a lengthy hug with Mayfield outside the locker room after the playoff loss. The organization’s appreciation for Mayfield was evident, as he had become a valuable asset to the team in a short amount of time.
Mayfield’s Desire to Return and Build on Success
Mayfield expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Buccaneers and his hope to continue with the team in the future. He acknowledged the importance of retaining key players and building upon the progress made in his first year with the franchise.
“I love this group,” Mayfield said. “I said that all year. And it’s authentic. I mean that. It would mean a lot for me, to bring back a lot of key pieces, to get this back together, to get it to Year 2 in the system, you can make huge strides. I would love that.”
Unresolved Contract Situations for Mayfield and Evans
Despite Mayfield’s impressive performance and desire to remain with the Buccaneers, contract negotiations have yet to take place. His representatives are expected to meet with the team in the offseason to discuss a new deal.
Similarly, star wide receiver Mike Evans, who has been with the Buccaneers since 2014, is also seeking a new contract. Evans has expressed his unhappiness with the lack of progress on a new deal prior to the start of the 2023-24 regular season.
Evans’ Legacy with the Buccaneers and Hopes for the Future
Evans, the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, receptions, and total TDs, has become an iconic figure in Tampa Bay. He has achieved the remarkable feat of recording over 1,000 receiving yards in 10 consecutive seasons, a record unmatched in NFL history.
Licht has emphasized the importance of keeping Evans with the Buccaneers for the remainder of his career, stating that it “would mean everything for the franchise, ownership, all of us” to make Evans a Buccaneer for life. Evans reciprocated this sentiment, expressing his love for the city and the franchise.
Teammates’ Support for Mayfield and Evans’ Return
Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans’ teammate, expressed their hope that both players would return to the Buccaneers next season. Godwin praised Evans’ contributions to the team and acknowledged the importance of keeping the core group of players intact.
“The person that Mike is, the player that he is, like obviously you hope that things would have been done earlier, but that’s the business side of it. We can’t control that. But again, I hope he’s back and I hope we get to do this thing again,” Godwin said.
Regarding Mayfield’s potential return, Godwin stated, “He fit right in. I think we had a bunch of fighters — guys fighting through the same types of things — and I think he came in and fit the mold. I think we all love Baker and we have a lot of respect for him. We can’t control the business side of it, but we hope that they’ll be able to do it.”
Uncertain Future for Mayfield and Evans in Tampa Bay
While both Mayfield and Evans have expressed their desire to remain with the Buccaneers, the future remains uncertain. Contract negotiations will play a crucial role in determining whether they will continue to be part of the team’s success story.
The Buccaneers face important decisions in the offseason as they aim to maintain their competitiveness and contend for another Super Bowl title. The retention of key players like Mayfield and Evans will be essential in achieving this goal.
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