Mike Evans ain't going anywhere. I will wager $$$ on it
Jason Licht ain't letting his first pick as a GM out the door without getting a deal done.
I agree.
Licht will make signing Mike and Baker top priorities, after AWJ.
But, once those 3 are re-upped, plus LVD (and Wirfs becoming UFA after the 2024 season), we won’t have a lot to work with from a cap perspective. Perhaps a few restructures could be worked out, but they’d come with void years/dead cap/etc.
So, everyone with pipe dreams of signing big name edge rushers or linemen (both sides); you may need to temper your expectations.
We can fill a number of holes in the draft (IOL, EDGE).
Just hope Licht doesn’t look at this as an actual “title window” and signs past-their-prime skills position players that some of the smooth brains on here fawn over (because they’re a “name”).
That was kind of my point. Choosing to move on from Evans and Mayfield would provide us with cap money that can be used to front load contract extensions to Wirfs and Winfield (who are both in the long term plans). Losing Evans and Mayfield should also reward us with 3rd round comp picks in 2025. I would love to keep everyone, but Licht and co. need to ask themselves if they really believe they can contend for a Super Bowl in 2024. Sure, we lucked into the playoffs by winning the worst division in football this past season, and we caught an Eagles team that was unraveling in the first round. But without Canales returning, we are now hoping to catch lightning in a bottle twice with another new OC. If Canales returned, I would say we should go all in this year, but with his departure, we need to take a serious look at the future.
I don't understand the thought process of Mike being tied to the hip to Baker. Really?
If Canales returned, I would say we should go all in this year, but with his departure, we need to take a serious look at the future.
I agree with you here.
And, with that thinking, you’d have to say priority signings/extensions would be:
1. Wirfs
2. Winfield
I don't understand the thought process of Mike being tied to the hip to Baker. Really?
He actually is.
But, I think that has more to do with Mike wanting to end his career here with continuity and the best chance to keep his streak alive (not another new QB).
So you think if Mayfield doesn't re-sign with the Bucs then Mike will look to sign with another team, too?
So you think if Mayfield doesn't re-sign with the Bucs then Mike will look to sign with another team, too?
I think it would depend on the QB.
But, ultimately, yes.
But, I think they will both be re-signed. Licht has been publicly open about it.
I think it's really hard to say with Mike. I get it, but he's gotten over a 1,000 yards with every QB that's played here, including seasons with multiple QB's playing. I think he would prefer Baker back, but I'm just not 100% sold on him being tied to him. Of course, the easy counter is to just sign him first, if possible, though I think they want him to test his market value first. Mike has talked quite a few times about finishing his career with one team and I don't think he'll give that up as long as the Bucs give him reasonable money. But we'll see in a month or so.
The FA market will be a lot hotter for Mike Evans than it will be for Baker Mayfield. The Houston Texans may make a big bid and it is near Evans grew up. Stroud is a better QB than Mayfield and the Texans HC is better than Bowles. Might be enticing for Evans.
Oh it’s not a forgone conclusion Mike returns but if we give him $25 million a year; I think he comes back.
if we try and be cheap and not give him 3 years, then it will be our own fault
And I’m sure a question will be asked, who’s the QB in 2024? If you are going to say a rookie who could end up like Bryce young, or if you say the veteran that you won a playoff game with - yes direction we are heading in will play a factor
but as most people living in the real world understand mayfield is about 99% guaranteed to be back so a moot point
I don't understand the thought process of Mike being tied to the hip to Baker. Really?
The difference bettween making a run and rebuilding
Generally speaking, 30 year old WRs are declining so if the Bucs sign mayfield and Evans the signing of Evans becomes about making a divisional playoff winner into a Super Bowl winner,
But, if they didnt sign Mayfield then would you want to signs Evans to a.big deal to have him spend his last 2-3 years developing a young QB while a team is rebuilding with a HC on his way out? Would Evans even wnat to sign that kind deal with no Canales or Mayfield?
I think this connection is what D Brooks meant by saying signt hem both or neither. Make a run or rebuild
mayfield is about 99% guaranteed to be back so a moot point
The Bucs are a little back into a corner and one way out of that corner is a total reset, fire Bowles drop big contracts etc (very unlikely) but the other way out is sign Evans, but he probably doesn't sign without a we're running back with Baker" approach because who else is out there?
They are TIED because they RESPECT EACH OTHER AND HAVE DEVELOPED BROTHERLY LOVE. Thats WHATS SUPPOSED to happen in team sports. These guys arent greedy, they are tru COMPETITORS. They was the respect of the "contract" more than the money. Im sure both would be willing to play "ball" if you showed and gave each the respect they both DeServe.
mayfield is about 99% guaranteed to be back so a moot point
The Bucs are a little back into a corner and one way out of that corner is a total reset, fire Bowles drop big contracts etc (very unlikely) but the other way out is sign Evans, but he probably doesn't sign without a we're running back with Baker" approach because who else is out there?
i mean a complete reset is what loser franchises do.
as i said in another thread, did perennial playoff contenders like Baltimore, Chiefs, Eagles, Steelers, and Cowboys do the reset when Flacco, Smith, Wentz, Big Ben, and Romo left? no.
we did a partial reset in 2023, ate a ton of cap space, didn't really try to win but threw mud at the wall with a Baker hail Mary signing and it was our most enjoyable non Brady Buc season since our Superbowl 2002 season. (yes, a broken record, i will keep saying)
Also from a business perspective, the Glazers will do everything in their power to resign Mike Evans. Look at the stands on sundays. Everyone is wearing #13. Who does that become when Evans leaves? Yikes. an ugly though of Cade Otton being our guy (j/k)
Also from a business perspective, the Glazers will do everything in their power to resign Mike Evans. Look at the stands on sundays. Everyone is wearing #13. Who does that become when Evans leaves? Yikes. an ugly though of Cade Otton being our guy (j/k)
I agree and I think that desire is why they get Mayfield and also why they maybe have to make some tough choices BEYOND those two
