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Baker Mayfield Overshadows Buccaneers’ Mike Evans Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, a tight game that left both teams still chasing something bigger. Tampa Bay's season has spiralled, with seven losses in their last eight games, but they still cling to a path to the playoffs.

If Atlanta slips in one of its next two games, the Bucs can lock up the NFC South by beating Carolina in Week 18. Miami’s win keeps them steady in their own hunt for postseason positioning, making the game feel heavy despite the close score.

Tampa Bay's performance was messy. The offense left points on the field. Key fourth-quarter chances went begging, and the Bucs couldn’t convert when it mattered most. Before the game, Mayfield echoed the urgency per buccaneers.com: "This is our last chance, and it's blatantly obvious."

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Amid the frustration, Mike Evans still hit career milestones. Evans is now in his 12th NFL season and has already moved past Art Monk’s 12,721 total to reach 12,735 and, in Week 17, passed the 13,000-yard mark on a 16-yard third-down catch. That grab was clinical, another reminder of Evans’ longevity and consistency. This season he’s continued to produce reliable work as the veteran leader of the receiving corps.

But Baker Mayfield dominated the narrative with the loss. With his swagger and leadership even after a game with two interceptions, fans echoed for Mayfield more than Evans.

"Baker just sent us to cancun," one fan said.

"What happened to baker man," a fan wrote.

"What happened to baker man," another fan said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans makes NFL history. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

"Mayfield throw to everybody but his stars," one commented.

"Getting out played by a rookie qb lol Mayfield is so ahh," another fan wrote.

On the other hand, rookie Quinn Ewers played well for the Dolphins. He posted 172 yards, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Fins playoffs also hangs, along with the Buccaneers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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