It was not that long ago that a Tom Brady led Tampa Bay Buccaneers team was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in their home stadium. Just three years later, the organization is doing its best to hold on to some of its best assets and remain competitive.
With the NFL offseason now in full swing, organizations will explore trades, free agency and franchise tagging players to build a championship roster. The Bucs find themselves in a difficult position with three of their star players set to hit the free agent market. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is coming off arguably his best season in the NFL, could be on the move for the fourth time in his short career. Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr. are also approaching the end of their contracts.
Todd Bowles will begin his third season in charge with plenty of tough decisions ahead of him but the head coach remains adamant that he hopes to retain both Mayfield and Evans.
“We love Baker. Baker had a heck of a year,” said Bowles. The chemistry was outstanding with him and all the receivers and the offense as a whole.”
Coach is covering all of your favorite @Buccaneers:
Head Coach Todd Bowles on Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Calijah Kancey, and YaYa Diaby #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/ybjdj8oUeR
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) February 27, 2024
Bowles conceded there is a business side to football and Mayfield won’t come cheap after finishing the season with over 4000 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Mike Evans was instrumental in the Buccaneers winning the Super Bowl in 2021 but could be on the way out after an extremely efficient and productive 10 seasons in Tampa Bay. The 30-year-old receiver led the team with 13 receiving touchdowns last seasons and finished with 1255 receiving yards.
“He had a career year last year,” said Bowles. ‘Mike is great for the community, he’s great for the team, he’s great for the guys and he’s a heck of a ball player.”
The Buccaneers are yet to use their franchise tag but are expected to use it on safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in the coming days.
