Good News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Signed Two Best Players With…
INDIA — The Tampa Bay Bucs’ top goals this summer are holding onto receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
While Evans achieved 1,000 receiving yards for the tenth consecutive season, a record at the start of a career and only one short of the all-time record held by the famous Jerry Rice, Mayfield was taken off the scrap heap and went on to have his best all-around season.
Mayfield has the potential to make far more money than the $4 million he was given the previous season, but Evans is a legend with the team.
In addition to studying quarterbacks this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Buccaneers are still in negotiations with the soon-to-be free agent.
“He wants to be a Buc, I know that. That’s often a fantastic starting point because we want him to be a Buc,” general manager Jason Licht of Tampa Bay stated on Tuesday. “We want Baker’s return. You understand it, and I completely get it, but trust me when I say that in Tampa, I can’t walk two blocks without someone asking me that.
“He has greatly benefited our squad. We would really love to have Baker; he’s been fantastic for the organisation.”
As a starting quarterback, Mayfield, 28, is 40-46 with stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams. With the Bucs, he had a 9–8 record and recorded career highs of 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns.
The 30-year-old Evans tied Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill for the NFL lead with 13 touchdown receptions the previous campaign. Evans hauled in 1,255 yards on 79 receptions.
Todd Bowles, the coach of the Buccaneers, stated, “Mike came to work every day and he did an amazing job.” “You can tell from the numbers that he showed up to play each day. And in his ten years here, he has done the same thing year.
“Off the pitch, he’s quite humble, but he’s been really energetic and consistent. However, he plays with confidence. Among my favourite players is him. Mike is someone I greatly admire, and he deserves my admiration for everything he has accomplished.”
Evans just signed a $82.5 million, five-year contract with Tampa Bay.
However, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement before the 2023 season, and the extension discussions soured.
Licht opted not to address the current status of the discussions.
“He is a player like no other. We wish for him to be a lifelong Buc. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Licht stated. “It requires two sides, of course. He wants to be a Buc, I know that. We’re working towards it right now, but we’ll probably have to put in some financial hardship.”
Evans just signed a $82.5 million, five-year contract with Tampa Bay.
However, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement before the 2023 season, and the extension discussions soured.
Licht opted not to address the current status of the discussions.
“He is a player like no other. We wish for him to be a lifelong Buc. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Licht stated. “It requires two sides, of course. He wants to be a Buc, I know that. We’re working towards it right now, but we’ll probably have to put in some financial hardship.”
Evans just signed a $82.5 million, five-year contract with Tampa Bay.
However, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement before the 2023 season, and the extension discussions soured.
Licht opted not to address the current status of the discussions.
“He is a player like no other. We wish for him to be a lifelong Buc. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Licht stated. “It requires two sides, of course. He wants to be a Buc, I know that. We’re working towards it right now, but we’ll probably have to put in some financial hardship.”
Evans just signed a $82.5 million, five-year contract with Tampa Bay.
However, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement before the 2023 season, and the extension discussions soured.
Licht opted not to address the current status of the discussions.
“He is a player like no other. We wish for him to be a lifelong Buc. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Licht stated. “It requires two sides, of course. He wants to be a Buc, I know that. We’re working towards it right now, but we’ll probably have to put in some financial hardship.”
The Bucs also released outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett, freeing up nearly $5 million in salary cap space. In his five seasons in Tampa Bay, the 31-year-old was selected twice to the Pro Bowl.
Licht said, “Did not want to make that call.” Simultaneously, I wanted to give him enough time to search for another team, should that be his desire. He genuinely calmed me down on the phone, but we can’t really release him until the start of the league season.”