Buccaneers HC discusses futures of Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans

It was suggested over the weekend that Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans could be a "package deal" as it pertains to the two possibly reaching free agency in March. 

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles spoke about the futures of both players during a Tuesday appearance on the NFL Network "Good Morning Football" program. 

"It's an extremely high priority, obviously," Bowles said about Tampa Bay holding onto Mayfield, per Grant Gordon of the league's website. "You know, we got a couple days before the league year begins, but we love Baker. Baker had a heck of a year. He fit right in with us all the way around. The chemistry was outstanding with him and all the receivers and the offense as a whole, so you want to hope to build on that. I understand the business side of it. Like I said, we like Bake and we hope things get worked out."

A report revealed last week that Tampa Bay wants to save the franchise tag for safety Antoine Winfield Jr., but logic suggests general manager Jason Licht will keep that asset in his back pocket just in case he needs to retain Mayfield's rights before next Tuesday's deadline for teams to use their tags arrives. The fact that new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen was seemingly hired in part due to his previous working relationship with Mayfield indicates the 28-year-old isn't going anywhere next month.

Meanwhile, Bowles noted that Evans "had a career year last year" playing alongside Mayfield. Specifically, ESPN stats show the 30-year-old club icon finished the 2023 regular season tied for the league lead with 13 receiving touchdowns. 

"Obviously, he had a heck of a year and he's been doing it for a decade now, and obviously, we want him to retire as a Buc and everything we're trying to do," Bowles added about the receiver who has played only for the Buccaneers since he entered the NFL via the 2014 draft. "Put all our resources to sign him back as well because 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."

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk mentioned on Tuesday that the Buccaneers "should be able to keep Winfield, Mayfield and Evans" with the league's salary cap increasing from $224.8M for this past season to $255.4M for 2024. "Should" isn't the same as "will," but Licht still has some time before he needs to make a final call about using the franchise tag.