Offseason workouts kick off soon at One Bucs Place, but all eyes lock on our gunslinger entering the final year of his $100 million deal. He carved out Pro Bowl glory in 2023 and 2024, slinging 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns over three seasons, but 2025’s shoulder woes dropped him to 3,693 yards, 26 TDs, and 11 picks. GM Jason Licht squashes trade talk flat-out: “Not going anywhere.” Mayfield chases redemption, and the stakes skyrocket with Mike Evans’ free agency bomb dropping this week.
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Mayfield’s Extension Buzz Ignites Hope
Jason Licht goes on record during “P Live” and signals a fat extension comes this offseason. He praises Mayfield’s locker-room pull—free agents flock to play with him on both sides of the ball. Licht calls the current pact a steal at $33 million annually, ranking 19th among QBs despite Baker’s division titles and playoff runs. Mayfield thrives under new OC Zac Robinson, who imports Falcons’ creativity to unlock his arm. I hear Baker hits the weight room hard, sheds the injury rust, and eyes 4,500-yard revenge. Licht doubles down: Mayfield stays, period. This commitment fuels roster tweaks as Tampa rebuilds post-2025 collapse.
Evans Free Agency Saga Tests Mayfield’s Core
Baker speaks fire on The Ronde Barber Show, insisting Mike Evans returns for one more NFC South chase. “Mike cares too much about Tampa to bow out without 1,000 yards or playoffs,” Mayfield declares. Evans misses eight games in 2025 with hamstring and collarbone hits, snapping his 1,000-yard streak, but he snags franchise records forever. His agent hints at market testing, and Diana Russini reports Evans weighs options. Mayfield loses his safety blanket—rookie Emeka Egbuka steps up last year, but nobody replaces 24 TDs over three seasons. Baker rallies troops publicly, but whispers swirl: Evans bolts, and Mayfield shoulders extra load with Lavonte David also pondering exit.
Backup Moves and Leadership Void Looms
Bucs lock in backup QB Bazelak at $1.005 million, the league minimum, securing depth after Teddy Bridgewater’s 2025 flop. New QB coach Chandler Whitmer molds the room, but everyone knows Baker carries this offense. Roster overhauls hit hard—offensive staff gutted, new blood everywhere. Mayfield emerges as the rally point; he leads huddles, woos free agents, and proves doubters wrong again. Without Evans, Egbuka and young guns demand targets, testing Robinson’s scheme. Todd Bowles demands daily grind; Mayfield delivers that swagger.
Why Bucs Nation Hangs on Every Word
I live for these high-wire acts because Mayfield flips narratives like clockwork. Tampa Bay craves playoffs after 2025’s fade—Baker anchors the surge. Licht bets the farm on extension talks heating up pre-draft. Evans stays? Super Bowl contention. He walks? Mayfield grinds harder. Offseason workouts start next week; I predict Baker slings lasers in OTAs. Bucs fans, sound off—what’s your call on Evans and Baker’s next deal?
