Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent wide receiver Mike Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore, said that "Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him -- and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn't want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority." Evans is expected to draw interest from several teams in free agency, including the Bucs. The 30-year-old and the Bucs are far apart in contract talks, and Evans announced on Friday that he plans to test the free-agent market, which doesn't bode well for him re-signing with the Buccaneers. The five-time Pro Bowler has reached the 1,000-yard mark in all 10 seasons in Tampa and is one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the game, even at 30 years old. QB Baker Mayfield had a career year in 2023, but he is by no means considered an elite signal-caller, and is a free agent himself.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has reportedly been in discussions with the organization on a possible long-term deal. Despite that, it sounds like Evans wants to see what he is worth on the open market. Evans could always return to Tampa Bay, but he wants to test free agency and see what teams are interested in his services. Last season, Evans finished with 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in his first 10 seasons in the league. The 31-year-old still has plenty left in the tank and should land himself a massive deal this offseason.

Right now it looks likely that impending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield will re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, but NFL Network's Tom Pelissero mentions the Atlanta Falcons as a dark-horse candidate to get involved. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that re-signing Mayfield is an "extremely high priority" after the former first overall pick had the best season of his career in Tampa in 2023. New Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson know Mayfield from his short stint with the Rams at the end of 2022. Atlanta is seriously looking to upgrade the QB position this offseason over Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, and Mayfield would represent an upgrade. However, all signs are pointing to the Bucs and Mayfield running it back in 2024.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are actively working to re-sign five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, who is scheduled for free agency in a little over two weeks. "He's an unprecedented player. We want him to be a Buc for life. We're working towards that," general manager Jason Licht said. "Obviously it takes two sides. I know he wants to be a Buc. We'll probably have to strain a little bit but we're working towards that right now." The two sides worked unsuccessfully to work out a deal before the start of last season, but he still put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2023 with 13 TDs, which tied for the league lead. The 30-year-old pass-catcher has reached 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th straight season -- an NFL record for the start of a career and one shy of tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's overall record. Evans has shown no signs of slowing down.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and impending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield have started "preliminary talks about a new contract" this offseason. General manager Jason Licht is expected to meet with Mayfield's representation during the NFL scouting combine next week. After the 28-year-old Mayfield had a career season in his first year in Tampa in 2023, it's expected that there is mutual interest in a reunion for 2024 and beyond. Mayfield had a career-high 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and even led the Bucs to a wild-card playoff victory over the Eagles. The former No. 1 overall pick won't have offensive coordinator Dave Canales working with him in 2024, though, and there's a possibility he'll also lose top wideout Mike Evans in free agency. Mayfield's fantasy appeal as a solid QB2 would take a big hit if he doesn't have Evans to rely on.