Buccaneers Have 'Leg Up' to Return Baker Mayfield

The Buccaneers seem to be a in prime position to return their starting quarterback for next season.

Once again, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, though not in a similar way to last offseason. Last year, Tom Brady retired, but for real this time. Cue Baker Mayfield signing on a cheap contract. He absolutely balled out in his first season, helping lead the Buccaneers to a Divisional Round matchup against the Detroit Lions.

While the Buccaneers don't technically have the quarterback position figured out for next season, they've got a "leg up" in free agency to return Mayfield to the squad, according to Ian Rapoport. 

"The most important thing he said was that the Bucs kind of have the leg up on everyone," Rapoport said on Thursday. "He's not a restricted free agent. It's not like there's an opportunity to match."

Saints' Cam Jordan Wants to Fight Former Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion

Mayfield posted 4,044 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns with just ten interceptions on the season as the 28-year-old proved his value as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Now, the Buccaneers are pushing for his return as other teams are likely to be calling in free agency.

"The Bucs having the offensive coordinator that [Mayfield's] been with in Liam Coen, having the weapons and head coach that he's familiar with is obviously a really big deal," Rapoport continued. "I think the first deadline to the Baker Mayfield situation is the franchise tag window."

Rapoport also reported that Mayfield and the Buccaneers could agree to a contract at a similar value to the franchise tag just to ensure their partnership a bit earlier. Soon, on Feb. 20, teams will be able to use their franchise tags. 

"Mayfield was also pretty strong in saying he wants Mike Evans back," Rapoport said. "He is a guy still in his prime and I know the Bucs want him back."

While the coaching staff has a different look, the Buccaneers returning both Mayfield and Evans would give the team a seamless identity as they continue to build a foundation in the new era they're facing. 

---

Baker Mayfield Delivers Massive Statement on Buccaneers' Free Agent Mike Evans

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook