Following a surprising postseason surge in 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face challenging decisions in 2024, with a multitude of impending free agents. However, according to Head Coach Todd Bowles, the primary focus appears to be retaining quarterback Baker Mayfield, who showcased the best performance of his career, guiding the Bucs to an NFC South title and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Speaking on Good Morning Football from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Bowles emphasized the significance of re-signing Mayfield, stating, “It’s an extremely high priority, obviously. You know, we got a couple days before the league year begins, but we love Baker. Baker had a heck of a year. He fit right in with us all the way around. The chemistry was outstanding with him and all the receivers and the offense as a whole, so you want to hope to build on that. I understand the business side of it. Like I said, we like Bake and we hope things get worked out.”
Mayfield, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, experienced highs and lows during his tenure with the Cleveland Browns before a stint with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams in 2022. However, upon joining Tampa, he flourished, achieving career highs with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Despite the optimism surrounding Mayfield’s potential re-signing, with the quarterback position uncertain and Kyle Trask entering his final season, the Buccaneers remain open to drafting a quarterback.
General Manager Jason Licht, also speaking at the combine on Tuesday, acknowledged the possibility of drafting a quarterback but emphasized the current focus on re-signing Mayfield, stating, “You can never rule it out. You never rule it out. But I will say right now the focus is on (re-) signing Baker.”
Mayfield has expressed admiration for the Buccaneers, indicating that the team holds the “upper hand” in contract negotiations. He has also expressed his desire for wide receiver Mike Evans to return.
“Mike deserves to be a Buccaneer for life,” Mayfield remarked before the Super Bowl.
Bowles echoed this sentiment, praising Evans for his stellar performance in the 2023 season, which marked his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season and included a league-leading 13 touchdowns. Bowles affirmed the team’s commitment to retaining Evans, highlighting his contributions on and off the field.
While the decisions regarding impending free agents, such as safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White, present challenges, Bowles remains steadfast in his desire to have Mayfield and Evans return for the 2024 season.
