The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield are believed to be far apart on terms for a contract extension. But if there’s one player who can potentially tip the balance with his thoughts on Mayfield, it’s all-world wide receiver Mike Evans.
Speaking to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Evans made it clear that he believes Mayfield is an elite quarterback. He said that he has a great relationship with him too.
“Me and Baker have a really good relationship. I think he’s an elite quarterback,” Evans said.
Evans is coming off his fifth Pro Bowl season and led the NFL in touchdown receptions with Mayfield at the helm. He finished the year with 79 receptions for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mayfield himself had a career-year, putting up career-highs in nearly all categories. But after playing out the season on a one-year deal, he’s ready to cash in and the Buccaneers appear reluctant to give him top tier quarterback money.
It certainly doesn’t help that the Buccaneers just signed Evans to a two-year, $52 million contract extension that gives them significantly less room to invest big money into a quarterback.
Someone is going to pay Mayfield the big bucks though. Whether it’s the Buccaneers or some other team looking for a quarterback in free agency, he’s earned his money.
Will Mayfield and Evans run it back for another year together in 2024, or has the duo played its last down together?