NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield, Bucs 'Working Hard' on New Contract After Mike Evans Deal | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Andrew Mccoy The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield are reportedly hopeful for a reunion in the 2024 season.
As the Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday, "When I last checked in with sources, Mayfield and the Bucs were working hard to strike a deal, especially after they locked up WR Mike Evans."
The Buccaneers had three huge free agents coming into this offseason: Mayfield, Evans and star safety Antonine Winfield Jr.
While the former's status remains up in the air, Evans received a massive two-year, $52 million deal and the Bucs used the $17.1 million franchise tag to retain Winfield. It is expected that the team will ultimately agree to a long-term extension with the safety, however.
That leaves the 28-year-old Mayfield, who is coming off a fantastic year that saw him throw for career highs in yards (4,004) and touchdowns (28) to go along with 10 interceptions, 40 sacks taken and a 64.3 completion percentage.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetFrom The Insiders on <a href="">@NFLNetwork</a>: With Mike Evans locked in on a new deal and Antoine Winfield on the franchise tag, all eyes turn to QB Baker Mayfield. <a href="">
The return of Evans should help sway Mayfield's decision if he's having second doubts about a potential return.
"If I'm back, I want Mike back," he told reporters in January. "That guy's a stud."
If Mayfield does hit the open market, he would likely be the No. 2 option on the board for quarterback-needy teams behind Kirk Cousins, though some of those teams may also inquire about the availability of Justin Fields given the very strong possibility that the Chicago Bears will use the top overall pick on Caleb Williams.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic speculated that Mayfield could even earn a contract in the vicinity of the four-year, $160 million deal that Daniel Jones signed with the New York Giants last offseason.
NFL on FOX Podcast @NFLonFOXPodHow much money is Baker Mayfield worth a year? 💰<a href="">@gregauman</a> 🎙: <a href=""> <a href="">
One year into that overpay the Giants likely have serious buyer's remorse, but Mayfield was better in 2023 than Jones has even been in his career, and by a fairly wide margin. He's two years older than Jones, but quarterbacks play well into their 30s in the modern NFL.
Mayfield and the Bucs proved to be a good fit, and a reunion still feels like the best outcome for both sides.
