Baker Mayfield on Mike Evans influencing free-agency decision: 'Hell yeah'
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off his best NFL season, and wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the main reasons why.
Both are free agents, and during an appearance on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams" the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft didn't shy away from discussing Evans' impact on his decision.
"Hell yeah," Mayfield said when asked if Evans would "weigh into" the equation of where he plays in 2024.
"We both have to do what's best for ourselves, but, yeah... if I'm back in Tampa, I would love to have Mike back," said Mayfield.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported in January that the Buccaneers and Mayfield have a "mutual interest" in working out a contract extension.
Former NFL agent Joel Corry wrote for CBS Sports that a potential deal could look similar to the one Derek Carr and the Saints agreed to last offseason. That deal pays the veteran quarterback $150 million over four seasons, an average of $37.5 million per year.
Evans will account for roughly $22.2 million in dead money over the next three seasons if he doesn't re-sign. But a reunion makes sense beyond financial reasons for the Bucs. He's the NFL's only player to begin his career with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and needs one more to tie all-time great Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in league history.
Per Over The Cap, the Buccaneers have $36.9 million in cap space and can restructure the contracts to Chris Godwin, Vita Vea and Tristan Wirfs to free up another $30 million, which would allow them to easily re-sign both of their valued 2024 free agents.
Mayfield wasn't shy about his feelings regarding playing with Evans next season. After the duo helped lead Tampa to a third consecutive NFC South crown, it would be a surprise if the Bucs don't bring the band back together.
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