NFL Rumors: Mike Evans Got Assurance Bucs Would Push for Baker Mayfield Contract

Twenty-nine million dollars weren't the only thing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers guaranteed Mike Evans in his new contract.

The team also reportedly promised it would do everything it can to re-sign Baker Mayfield.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Evans was given "assurances" Mayfield would be a top priority this offseason.

Mayfield had the best year of his career in 2023, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while leading the Bucs to a surprise appearance in the Divisional Round. Evans was on the receiving end of 13 Mayfield touchdowns, falling one short of his career high while posting 1,000 receiving yards for the 10th straight season.

While it's obvious why Evans would want Mayfield to return after a successful season together, it'd be fair if Tampa took a cautious approach in negotiations. Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Bucs last offseason and had to beat out Kyle Trask for the starting job in training camp.

Tampa was arguably Mayfield's last chance to prove himself as a starter after he flamed out with the Cleveland Browns and went through a miserable 2022 campaign split between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. Had things gone worse last season, Mayfield might have found himself settled in as a career backup.

Instead, Mayfield far exceeded his previous production and seemed to get better as last season went along.

The Bucs should look to structure Mayfield's deal with a failsafe to move on after the 2024 season if possible. The New York Giants handed Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason after one good year and immediately lived to regret that decision.

If Mayfield regresses in 2024, Tampa might find itself in a similar situation if the front office is not careful.