The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are methodically working their way through the free agents on their roster as free agency is quickly approaching and just over a week away. They franchised tagged S Antoine Winfield Jr. on Tuesday while they tried to reach a contract agreement with the All-Pro safety and just a day before they were able to come to a two-year contract extension with beloved WR Mike Evans.
With two key pieces figured out, at least for now, the Buccaneers still have a couple of more moves to make – one of those being getting QB Baker Mayfield back in the fold.
Dec 3, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) takes the field for warms ups before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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Prior to Evans’ signing, both himself and Mayfield seemed to be hot commodities around the league as plenty of teams were, and are, keeping a close eye on what happens in contract negotiations with the Bucs. However, one team in particular seemed to be interested in both Tampa Bay stars and were ready to make a move for both – the New England Patriots. Unfortunately for the Pats, neither Evans nor Mayfield wanted to head to the Northeast to play according to The Athletic’s Chad Graff.
“They had planned on making a run at Buccaneers free agent-to-be wide receiver Mike Evans. But even before Evans agreed to a two-year contract Monday to stay in Tampa Bay, the receiver had no interest in coming to the Patriots, according to a league source. The same may be the case for his quarterback.”
The Patriots are going through a bit of change. They lost Tom Brady a few years ago, they let go of Bill Belichick following the 2023 season, and hired a new head coach with almost a completely different-looking staff. It is likely that staff wants a complete overhaul of the roster after a lackluster past couple of seasons, so looking to get both Evans and Mayfield makes sense. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, it appears that neither Evans nor Mayfield even sniffed at the idea of playing in New England.
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Now, all eyes will be on whether or not the Buccaneers can give Baker Mayfield what he is asking for in order to try and run things back.
