Having a top quarterback-wide receiver duo is not only one of the most entertaining parts of watching football, but it is also one of the most important in deciding the outcome of games.

Pro Football Focus recently made a Top 10 list of quarterback-wide receiver pairings, and with Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans both having big years for the Bucs last season, do they make the cut? After all, an elite QB-WR duo often correlates with a top offense, and not only that, but it opens up more things for the rest of the weapons on offense.

Baker Mayfield-Mike Evans QB-WR Pairing Ranks No. 9

Coming in at No. 9 on PFF’s list is the Baker Mayfield-to-Mike Evans connection. Mayfield had a career year last season in large part by throwing the ball in Evans’ vicinity, and Sam Monson had this to say about where the duo ranks.

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

Mike Evans is seemingly quarterback-proof, and yet he may have a particularly strong connection with Baker Mayfield after just one season of playing together. Mayfield’s first season in Tampa Bay led to Evans matching his career high for targets (146) over the season, and 1,450 yards was his best total since 2018. His 2.33 yards per route run was also his best mark since that 2018 season. Even with eight drops to Evans’ name, the targets sent his way resulted in a 115.4 passer rating.

It is hard to argue with Monson’s reasoning here, as while Evans has experienced great success with a variety of quarterbacks throughout his NFL career, the rapport and chemistry he built with Mayfield last season was unlike any other that he’s had.

They are often on the same wavelength and trust each other in big moments. It is no coincidence that the veteran wideout experienced a resurgence himself last year, as he was often Mayfield’s top read and security blanket when the Bucs’ offense needed to move the chains.

Of all the rankings done in recent weeks, this one may be the most accurate. Despite each slotting in at No. 20 in separate quarterback and wide receiver rankings, together they are better and more dangerous on game days.

Could The Baker Mayfield-Mike Evans Connection Have Even More Success In 2024?

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

With both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans signing new deals this offseason, the Bucs hope that the duo continues to build on last season’s success and have even better results in 2024. Although each had Pro Bowl seasons, there is room for both to improve.

As Liam Coen takes over the offensive coordinator reins from Dave Canales this season, Mayfield is excited about the new scheme and about having much of the continuity on offense remain going into this season. That includes being able to throw to Evans, who made his return to the field at Bucs OTAs on Tuesday.

“It’s a lot of, obviously, continuing the chemistry that we’ve had with some of the skill guys from last year [and] carrying that over,” Mayfield said on Tuesday of the progress made this offseason on offense. “And then just, offensively, scheme-wise, getting everybody on the same page. It’s really awesome that we have everybody here on offense, just going through that. Everybody’s hearing it; we’re all talking about, learning from good and bad plays. That’s what this time period is about. You can’t win or lose ballgames right now, you can only try to get better.”

After a season where both were rewarded for their efforts, they are beginning their preparation to see the fruits of their labor on the field later this year.