After reaching the NFL playoffs last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now head into the offseason with three of their best players eligible for NFL free agency. While every effort is being made to retain their star trio, negotiations reportedly aren’t going well.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. are all eligible for free agency this offseason. Not only were they integral in leading Tampa Bay to the postseason, but the trio all earned Pro Bowl selections with Evans and Winfield Jr. making All-Pro teams.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap space 2024: $36.89 million
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While Winfield Jr. is the most likely to stay in Tampa Bay next season, in large part because of his age and the cost-effectiveness of the franchise tag, efforts to retain Evans and Mayfield aren’t off to a great start.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Buccaneers and Evans are “far apart” in contract negotiations. While talks are ongoing, the growing belief is the five-time Pro Bowl selection will hit the open market this offseason.
A lack of progress in contract talks with Evans isn’t the only problem Tampa Bay is facing. As FOX Sports’ Greg Auman details, the expiring deals for Evans and Mayfield void on Monday. As a result, regardless of whether or not they re-sign with the Buccaneers, there will be a combined $14.5 million dead money charge counting against the Buccaneers cap space in 2024.
On the one hand, Tampa Bay’s front office is experienced in dealing with sizable cap hits. In 2023, the team made the playoffs despite carrying $79 million in dead money leftover from contract restructures when they went all-in with Tom Brady.
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However, the financial situation also puts the Buccaneers in a difficult position. Winfield Jr, a first-team All-Pro in 2023, is expected to be hit with the franchise tag in a matter of days. While the franchise tag value for a safety ($14.46 million) is much cheaper than that for a quarterback ($32.416 million) or tagging Evans (#28.4 million), it comes with all $14.46 million counting against the cap because franchise tags are all guaranteed.
With the lingering uncertainty surrounding Evans’ contract, there is now a distinct possibility that Tampa Bay might only be able to retain Mayfield and Winfield Jr. this offseason. With that said, Mayfield’s willingness to take a slight discount does leave the door open for Evans to remain in Tampa Bay.
