The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the offseason with multiple key players entering free agency. Most notably, Quarterback Baker Mayfield, future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield, Jr., among others.
Baker Mayfield became a hero of sorts to the Tampa Bay fans as well as his teammates almost immediately upon arrival. He signed with the Bucs in 2023 on a 1 year, $4,000,000 deal opting to bet on himself performing well. Baker exceeded expectations, leading Tampa Bay to a third straight NFC South title as well as a playoff win against the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield has stated he wants to remain in Tampa and the front office expressed interest in re-signing Baker to an extension during the off-season. Spotrac projects Mayfield to sign a deal for as much as $120,000,000 over three years ($40M APY), though the actual deal could look different.
The Bucs’ number one receiver, Mike Evans is also a front and center priority. GM Jason Licht has made it clear the organization would like to keep Evans in the Bay, telling the media during his NFL Combine interview that he wanted Evans to be a Buccaneer for life. Evans clearly has some gas left in the tank, posting his tenth consecutive 1,000 yard season in 2023. A new Mike Evans deal will likely come with a cost of $25-35 million per season.
Rounding out the household name free agents is safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who is coming off an outstanding 2023 season that saw him make 1st Team All-Pro, becoming the first Buccaneers Safety to receive the coveted designation. General sentiment from Tampa Bay insiders is that Winfield Jr., could be franchise tagged, although a new deal could be met before the season begins. In 2023, Winfield Jr. tallied 122 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, and led the league with 6 forced-fumbles. Winfield is absolutely vital for Todd Bowles’ defense and is regularly lauded by his coaches for his work ethic both in practice and on game day.
Other important free agents include linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White respectively, tackle Tristan Wirfs, and RB Chase Edmonds. When asked about retaining free agents during a Tuesday media session, Jason Licht mentioned everyone except Devin White, prompting speculation the linebacker, who requested a trade at one point last season, will not be back in 2024.
Stay tuned here at Sports Club Florida for regular updates on Buccaneers roster moves.
