'Ball's in Their Court' Says Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield About Free Agency
It's nice when a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want a player to return and that player is public about his desire to do so.
That's the case right now between the Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield who helped the team surprise everyone by winning the NFC South and reaching the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs before losing to the Detroit Lions.
Now, with free agency right around the corner Tampa Bay has several players with decisions to make. While receiver Mike Evans is the most popular name fans are calling for to be re-signed, Mayfield himself may be the most important because of his influence and position.
As the quarterback continues to share his love for the organization publicly, he also says his return to the team is in their hands.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes the ball against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Lambeau Field, Wis. Tampa Bay won the game, 34-20.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
"There's a little give and take, but I love it there," Mayfield said to Jim Rome when asked about his status moving forward. "Going into free agency last year I had the mentality I'm gonna pick somewhere organizationally - top down - they do it well (and) they're about winning. (Because) at that point in my career, that's all I wanted to do was have a chance to win, and be in a good spot, and enjoy it again. So I'll have that mentality but obviously, I've seen what Tampa does firsthand. The ball's in their court right now, but yeah we would love to be back there."
In his one year with the Bucs, Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while throwing just 10 interceptions.
He also came just two yards shy of matching his career-high in rushing yards, earned his first Pro Bowl appearance, and won his second career playoff game.
Spotrac projects Mayfield to earn $27.1 million in average annual value on a new four-year deal.
The Buccaneers are currently projected to have just over $37.5 million in salary cap space in the new league year.
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.
