After a bounce-back season in 2023, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is a Pro Bowler and he talked to the media before Friday’s NFC practice. Besides enjoying his time in Orlando, Florida after a career year, Mayfield is also a pending free agent.

And he’ll be one of the more sought-after options in a weak quarterback crop in free agency with 36-year-old Kirk Cousins, who is coming off a torn Achilles, and oft-injured Ryan Tannehill as his only other real competition.

With that, Mayfield will have the opportunity to test the market and see just how much he can parlay his strong play into a big payday. Whether that comes from the Bucs or another team is one of the biggest questions for the franchise as their strategy going forward will lean heavily on where Mayfield decides to suit up in 2024.

Just as much as the team plans for the offseason, Mayfield will have a lot to consider between now and when free agency starts in March.

Baker Mayfield: “I Would Love To Be Back With Mike”

The Bucs officially made Liam Coen their offensive coordinator hire on Saturday, and it was something that Baker Mayfield reacted to at the Pro Bowl. While he seems to approve of it, that’s only the first of many maneuvers Tampa Bay has to make.

It’s a significant move on the chessboard, but they have a long way to go in figuring out who will be the supporting cast around Mayfield. In that regard, he is the king, the most important piece on the board.

The team has other high-profile free agents to bring back outside of Mayfield in wide receiver Mike Evans, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., linebacker Lavonte David, and kicker Chase McClaughlin. Not to mention extending Tristan Wirfs and deciding to restructure or let go of other key pieces. Oh, and bringing in some rookies in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

Bucs WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

When it comes to continuity, it is understandable that Mayfield would look to have some familiar faces around should he choose to return with the Bucs. After going through a handful of head coaches and offensive coordinators in his career, he wants to continue building something.

“It’s important to me,” Mayfield told Pewter Report after Friday’s Pro Bowl practice. “I mean, I’ve had so many offensive coordinators to this point that to me it’s, ‘Okay if I do come back, let’s kind of keep the continuity for the other guys, build on what we already have grown from, and go from there.’

“I think that’s just important, especially for the guys up front sticking together and doing that and just the skill positions, guys that can play faster are always better when they don’t have to think, and having that system that’s similar is so important.”

With Liam Coen, he has had a working relationship with him from their days together with the Rams at the end of the 2022 season. He also has quite a good rapport with Evans, and he shared just how much he would love to have Evans to throw to again in 2024.

“I don’t know, for me, it’s tricky,” Mayfield added. “Like I told you guys and to keep it straightforward, I would love to be back with Mike. There are a lot of contingencies that go into that. Getting an OC on offense is step one. Mike sees that, I’ll have to talk to him about it and see his thoughts, but we both have to do what’s best for us and our families. That’s what it comes down to. Obviously, I would love to be with him again.”

Baker Mayfield Discusses His Free Agency Approach This Offseason

The Bucs will not be the only team interested in Baker Mayfield after he solidified his status as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. Mayfield will only be 29 years old when next season starts, so he could conceivably get quite the commitment by a potential suitor in free agency.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch//PR

After hiring Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively, the Falcons pose a threat as a divisional team that successfully lured away top Rams’ assistant coaches.

The Vikings could look to move on from Kirk Cousins and find a younger signal-caller who has shown an ability to win big games. With Russell Wilson seemingly on the outs with the Broncos, perhaps Sean Payton keys in on another veteran quarterback.

When considering the potential options in free agency, Mayfield is simply going to take things one day at a time.

“Similar to how I handled last year,” Mayfield said. “Evaluate the options, one day at a time, and see where it goes.”

On paper, the Bucs have a lot of things working in their favor. They have Jason Licht, one of the best general managers in the league. Todd Bowles returns as the head coach, while Liam Coen will be the man in charge of leading the offense. Should they bring back Mike Evans and continue adding talent in the trenches and at the skill positions, the Bucs could very well be in the playoff mix again in 2024.

It doesn’t hurt that Mayfield has had fun being Tampa Bay’s quarterback while enjoying the city of Tampa and all it has to offer. He looked rejuvenated and was seen during the season at Lightning and Rays games. As he enters free agency, he will have to consider all factors – big and small.

If having a stable environment is the biggest factor, one could argue his best option is with the Bucs. He has grown to love the city just as much as they have adopted him as their quarterback.

“Obviously, I love Tampa, I love everything about it,” Mayfield said.