This upcoming Monday holds significant implications for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they aim to secure contract extensions with key players, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
A potential saving of around $11 million against the 2024 salary cap hinges on reaching agreements before Monday afternoon, utilizing void years in their contracts.
While the likelihood of securing deals with all three players is improbable, Evans emerges as a pivotal figure who could save the Buccaneers $7.387 million against the 2024 salary cap if re-signed before the deadline.
Evans, entering his age-31 campaign, delivered an impressive 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season, solidifying his stature in Buccaneers history and sparking discussions of a potential Hall of Fame induction.
Evans, having signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract in 2018, stands as a unique case among veteran wide receivers. His value surpasses comparables like Chris Godwin and aligns more closely with Cooper Kupp’s three-year, $80 million deal, making him an attractive prospect for teams like the Chiefs, Jets, and Panthers if he hits the open market.
In contrast, Mayfield faces a unique market situation. A former No. 1 overall pick entering his age-29 season, Mayfield’s opportunities narrow when considering teams with entrenched starters, those who have moved on from him, and those with high draft picks.
The Buccaneers, where Mayfield signed a one-year, $4 million deal last season, express a desire to retain him, but a fair deal is essential to avoid disrespecting the quarterback.
Negotiations for Mayfield could start around Geno Smith’s three-year, $75 million deal with Seattle, positioning it as a win for the quarterback. While other NFL teams might not match such an offer, Mayfield’s preference for staying in Tampa aligns with the team’s interest in keeping him.
The franchise tag, priced at over $35 million for quarterbacks, remains a less attractive option, ideally reserved for Winfield.
The Buccaneers face a soft deadline on Monday for bookkeeping purposes, but the significance lies in shaping the team’s financial landscape for the 2024 season. With both Evans and Mayfield expressing mutual interest in staying, negotiations leading up to Monday’s deadline could determine the future of key players in Tampa Bay.