Bucs WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR The cynics and Baker Mayfield doubters out there had a lot to say when the Bucs signed him last offseason. There was even worry that the journeyman quarterback would be the one to cost Mike Evans his streak of 1,000-yard seasons. How wrong were they? Mayfield and Evans were a phenomenal duo all season long, with both guys helping the other put together outstanding seasons. Mayfield had a career year, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. Meanwhile, Evans caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. Evans’ 79 catches were his most since posting an 86-catch season in 2018. His 1,255 yards were were also his most since 2018, while his 13 receiving touchdowns tied the single-season franchise record he set in 2021. When the Bucs needed a big play, it was Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans linking up. That was the case down to the very end. In Sunday’s season-ending loss, it was Mayfield and Evans linking up for gains of 27 and 30 yards late in the first half to set up a game-tying touchdown just before the break. Then, when the Bucs were down two scores late, it was the two connecting for a 24-yard gain on fourth- and-14 before striking for a 16-yard touchdown to bring the game within one possession again. Mayfield and Evans were electric together this season, which is why it’s no surprise that they’d like to reunite in 2024. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans Comment On Respective Futures Following Playoff Loss 
Bucs WR Mike Evans, OC Dave Canales and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR The Bucs have decisions to make on both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, but both guys have their own decisions to make, too. Mayfield has said countless times how much he’s enjoyed being in Tampa and how he feels at home with his latest organization. But now it’s time for him to sign a big-money contract, so at the end of the day, the numbers have to be right for him and his family. The same goes for Evans, who has spent the first 10 years of his career with Tampa Bay and is the best offensive player in franchise history. He’s a surefire Bucs Ring of Honor inductee whenever he retires, and he’s cemented his legacy as a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. And while Evans would surely love to be a career Buc and retire as a one-team guy, it comes down to money for everyone. Whatever happens, Mayfield and Evans would love to keep playing together. They said as much after Sunday’s playoff loss to the Lions. Mayfield even made reference to sacrifices that have to be made if everyone is to come back together in Tampa Bay next year. The Bucs would surely want to have everyone back and ready to go in Year 2 with offensive coordinator Dave Canales. “He makes my life easy. He did all year. He did it today, over and over,” Mayfield said of Evans. “To get everybody back, there have to be sacrifices made. This team’s about winning. We have a group of guys who are all about that. If I’m back, I want Mike back.” With Evans, NFL Network’s Sara Walsh reported after the game that the veteran receiver had high praise for his quarterback and shares his hopes that the two will remain a dynamic duo in 2024. Mike Evans just told us Baker is “criminally underrated” and played his way into a big contract. Says he hopes they’ll be back together next season. #nflnetwork — Sara Walsh (@Sara_Walsh) January 21, 2024 We’ll see what the offseason brings for the Bucs, Mayfield and Evans. But there’s no doubt that as decision season begins, there is interest between all parties to stay together and set up more years of No. 6 throwing to No. 13 in red, white and pewter. The post Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans Want To Stick Together In 2024 appeared first on Pewter Report. https://www.pewterreport.com/baker-mayf ... ther-2024/
