Sep 17, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans Credits Baker Mayfield For Major NFL Decision

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 5:14 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield have been beneficial to each other. In Tampa Bay, Mayfield found a team he can truly call his NFL home. Conversely, Mayfield has ensured the Buccaneers a solid presence under center following the departure of Tom Brady.

With Mayfield taking over the QB1 role for the Buccaneers have continued to rule the NFC South division and make the playoffs. In their first two seasons with Mayfield, the Bucs finished first in the NFC South twice while earning a playoff win, which came during the 2023 postseason.

The tandem of Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans in Tampa Bay’s dangerous passing attack will once again be relied upon by the team in the coming 2025 NFL season. That duo could have been broken up had Evans left the Buccaneers via free agency, but he ultimately chose to stay and continue his career with the only team he’s played for so far in his time in the league.

Mike Evans gives Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB his flowers

Jan 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) during the second half in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

During a recent appearance on Kevin Hart’s “Cold as Balls” show, Evans praised Mayfield for the quarterback’s work, also crediting the former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick as a reason why he decided to sign an extension with the Buccaneers.

“He’s a big reason to why I came back,” Evans said of Mayfield (h/t Jacob Camenker of USA TODAY). “The energy that he’s brought to Tampa after Tom, that’s some huge shoes to fill – a huge act to follow. I think he’s done an unbelievable job winning two division championships and making it to the postseason.”

Evans, who has 11 1,000-yard NFL seasons under his belt, has recorded a total of 2,259 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns on 153 receptions in 31 games with Mayfield.

Dec 3, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches the ball and runs it in for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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