Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht emphasized retaining Baker Mayfield after the quarterback’s resurgent 2023 season, but an agreement between the two sides was far from guaranteed.
Mayfield eventually signed a three-year contract worth $100 million, including $50 million as a massive promise that the former No. 1 overall pick can continue his upward trajectory and propel the Buccaneers’ offense to new heights beginning in 2024.
Baker Mayfield’s Take on Tampa Bay
However, Baker Mayfield’s contract was far from guaranteed.
“There were times when we weren’t sure if we’d get it done before free agency,” Mayfield recently told reporters,
according to ESPN. “There were many ups and downs. I have to think about [Plan B]. We wanted to return, but if
it wasn’t the right fit for us, we were going to let God take control again, which was the most important thing. We
tried to be as patient as possible. I would be lying if I said we were always pleased, but everything turned out as it
should.”
Last season, Mayfield topped 4,000 passing yards for the first time, ending with 4,044 yards and 28 touchdown passes to only 10 interceptions.
Mayfield’s return coincides with a two-year contract with All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans, following 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns in one of Mayfield’s most productive seasons.
According to one current NFL executive, the Buccaneers’ choice to retain Evans and Mayfield together was the most important of the offseason thus far.
Despite former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales going to become head coach of the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay obviously believes that Mayfield’s excellent supporting cast and familiarity with his teammates will allow him to maintain his success.
Leave a Reply