The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in search of answers after a challenging 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs, snapping their streak of NFC South division titles. The season was marked by frustration for several key players, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose performance dipped as the year progressed.
Yet, there's no shortage of faith in Mayfield from Buccaneers' general manager Jason Licht. "Our thoughts on Baker haven’t changed," Licht stated, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
Auman also highlighted that there's no set timeline for extending Mayfield's contract beyond 2026, indicating that the Buccaneers are taking a measured approach.
Licht also addressed the situation with wide receiver Mike Evans, expressing a strong desire to retain him. Evans faced a setback last season due to a collarbone injury against the Detroit Lions but made a comeback late in the season.
Despite a victory in their season finale against the Carolina Panthers, the Buccaneers were edged out of playoff contention. A peculiar twist saw the Atlanta Falcons, already out of the race, defeat the New Orleans Saints, which ultimately decided the division's fate.
Looking ahead, the Buccaneers are hoping for a resurgence from Mayfield before making any major financial commitments. Once seen as a potential MVP contender, Mayfield's decline was a key factor in Tampa Bay's playoff absence.
As for Evans, while he's past his peak years, he remains a formidable deep threat and had notable performances last season.
The NFL free agency period kicks off on March 11, and the Buccaneers will be keen to make strategic moves to bolster their roster.