Triumph and Gratitude: Baker Mayfield’s Journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As the curtain fell on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2023 season, a sense of pride and gratitude permeated the locker room despite the disappointing 31-23 playoff divisional loss to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had guided the team to an NFC South title in his first year as the Buccaneers’ signal-caller, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity and his hopes for a continued partnership in the seasons to come.
A Resounding Endorsement from Coach Todd Bowles
In the immediate aftermath of the playoff defeat, head coach Todd Bowles wasted no time in expressing his unequivocal support for Mayfield’s return in 2024. “He most definitely has earned the right to return,” Bowles declared, acknowledging Mayfield’s instrumental role in leading the Buccaneers to a 10-9 record and the franchise’s first division title since the Tom Brady era.
Bowles’ unwavering confidence in Mayfield stems from the quarterback’s exceptional performance throughout the season. Mayfield’s leadership, resilience, and ability to connect with his teammates on and off the field have left an indelible mark on the Buccaneers organization.
Mutual Desire for a Reunion
Mayfield reciprocated Bowles’ sentiments, expressing his genuine desire to remain with the Buccaneers beyond the 2023 season. “I love this group,” Mayfield asserted, emphasizing the authenticity of his connection with his teammates and his belief in the team’s potential.
The quarterback acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, but his hope for a reunion with the Buccaneers was palpable. “Obviously, who knows how it’s going to play out, but I can’t say enough about this organization and the opportunity they gave me this year,” Mayfield stated.
Contract Negotiations on the Horizon
While no formal discussions regarding a new contract have taken place during the season, Mayfield’s representatives are poised to engage in negotiations with the Buccaneers in the offseason. Both parties recognize the importance of securing a long-term agreement that reflects Mayfield’s contributions to the team’s success.
A Franchise Icon’s Uncertain Future
The Buccaneers also face the delicate task of addressing the contractual situation of wide receiver Mike Evans, the franchise’s all-time leader in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, receptions, and total touchdowns. Evans, who has expressed his desire to remain a Buccaneer for life, has one year remaining on his current deal.
General manager Jason Licht has made it clear that retaining Evans is a top priority for the organization. “It would mean everything for the franchise, ownership, all of us,” Licht stated, underscoring the immense value that Evans brings to the Buccaneers both on and off the field.
Evans, for his part, echoed Licht’s sentiments, acknowledging the deep connection he has forged with the Buccaneers and the city of Tampa. “I’ve been on record saying how much I love this place and how much I want to be here,” Evans declared.
However, the wide receiver also acknowledged the business realities that may come into play. Evans and his agent had previously set a deadline for a new deal prior to the start of the 2023-24 regular season, but the Buccaneers did not extend an offer before that deadline. Evans believes that talks will resume after the Super Bowl.
Teammates’ Endorsements and Hopes for Continuity
Mayfield and Evans’ teammates have been vocal in their support for both players’ return. Wide receiver Chris Godwin, who has played alongside Evans since 2017, expressed his fervent hope that both players will be back in the Buccaneers’ uniform next season.
“It would be amazing,” Godwin said of Evans’ potential return. “I think him not being here sounds and feels very, very weird. I don’t like that we got to this point. But hopefully we can keep this thing going.”
Godwin also praised Mayfield’s seamless integration into the team, highlighting his fighting spirit and the respect he has earned from his teammates. “I think we all love Baker and we have a lot of respect for him,” Godwin stated.
The Road Ahead
As the Buccaneers embark on the offseason, the focus will inevitably shift towards securing the long-term futures of Mayfield and Evans. The franchise faces a critical juncture in its history, as it seeks to maintain the momentum it has built in recent years while also addressing the contractual needs of two of its most important players.
The Buccaneers’ front office, led by Licht, will have the daunting task of balancing the team’s financial constraints with the imperative to retain its core players. The decisions made in the coming months will have a profound impact on the franchise’s trajectory and its ability to compete for championships in the years to come.
For Mayfield and Evans, the offseason will be a time of reflection and anticipation. Both players have expressed their desire to remain with the Buccaneers and continue building on the success they have achieved together. As the NFL landscape shifts and new challenges emerge, the Buccaneers will look to Mayfield and Evans to lead the charge and bring another Lombardi Trophy to Tampa Bay.