There is also talk of negotiations with receiver Mike Evans, so that both continue in 2024
DETROIT — Moments after the season of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended with a 31-23 divisional playoff loss to the Detroit LionsCoach Todd Bowles pointed out that the field marshal Baker Mayfield he earned the right to continue in 2024.
Baker Mayfieldwho had a one-year contract with Tampa, has indicated that he would like to continue, as has wide receiver Mike Evanswho was unhappy at the start of the season for not getting a new contract before Week 1.
“He definitely has,” Bowles stressed of Mayfield, who led the Bucs to a 10-9 record and an NFC South title in the franchise’s first year in the post-era.Tom Brady. “Obviously, it’s too early to talk about it and business is business, but Baker had an incredible year. We love him. The guys love him. And we’ll see what the future holds.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mike Carlson/Getty Images
General Manager J.ason light He shared a long hug with Mayfield outside the locker room, indicative of the organization’s feelings for the quarterback who played for his fourth team in two seasons.
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There have been no talks about a new deal for Mayfield this season, but his representatives will meet with the Bucs in the offseason to discuss one.
“I love this group,” he accepted. Baker Mayfieldwhose 349 passing yards on Sunday were the third most in a playoff game in the Buccaneers. “I said that all year. And it’s authentic. I mean it. It would mean a lot to me, getting a lot of key pieces back, putting this back together, taking it to Year 2 in the system, I would love that.”
“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. I’m just grateful and I hope it works out.”
Licht also said the team plans to reach a new agreement with the catcher. Mike Evansthe franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, receptions and total scores, finished with more than 1,000 passing yards for the 10th consecutive season, the only player in franchise history NFL in achieving that feat.
Licht responded to ESPN that “it would mean everything to the franchise, the owners and all of us” to make Evans a Buccaneer for life, and the star wide receiver shared that sentiment.
“I’ve made it clear how much I love this place and how much I want to be here,” said Evans, who had 147 receiving yards and a touchdown in the playoff game. “Not many players end up on a team, so it would be amazing if I make it. But we’ll see. I’m still trying to get over the loss.”
Evans and his agent, Deryk Gilmore, set a Sept. 9 deadline to finalize a new deal before the start of the 2023-24 regular season, or said they would not negotiate until the offseason.
Sources mentioned ESPN that the Bucs did not extend an offer before the deadline, which disappointed Evans.
Evans believes talks will take place after the Super Bowl.
“It’s meant a lot to me and my family,” Evans said of being a Buccaneer. “I didn’t grow up a Bucs fan or anything, but we’re lifelong Bucs fans no matter what. I love the city and I love the franchise.”
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Bowles was asked Monday about the idea that Mike Evans I would wear another uniform.
“I don’t even think about that. I don’t like being asked about it. I don’t want to know. And I hope that doesn’t happen,” he replied.
The wide receiver Chris Godwin He said he hopes both players continue.
“It would be awesome,” Godwin said of Evans, who has played with him since he was drafted in 2017. “I think not being here sounds and feels very, very strange. I don’t like that we’ve gotten to this point. But hopefully we can keep this going.”
Regarding Mayfield’s continuity, Godwin said: “He fits perfectly. I think we have a group of fighters, guys who were fighting the same type of things, and I think he came in and fit the mold.”
“I think we all love Baker and have a lot of respect for him. We can’t control the negotiations, but we hope they can.”
2024-01-23 03:48:05
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