Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield could reportedly be 'package deal' in free agency

After guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a somewhat unexpected playoff berth in 2023, wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield could be "a package deal" this offseason. 

During an appearance on Sunday's episode of "SportsCenter," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Tampa Bay aims to re-sign Evans "in a major way." Additionally, Fowler notes that Evans' contract situation will directly impact Mayfield's free-agency process. While it's possible that both could sign elsewhere, the Bucs intend to retain them both.

“The Bucs are trying to re-sign [Evans] in a major way,” Fowler said via On3.com. “They’ve had preliminary talks, Mike Evans wants to retire a Buccaneer but I’m told he’s also willing, at least open to, the possibility of going to the open market because he would have a huge market. The Bucs now they gotta pay him well over $20 million per year … His game has not fallen off.

“And Baker Mayfield as he’s trying to resign with the Bucs,” Fowler continued. “He’s watching Mike Evans’ deal closely. It could be sort of a package deal. They could both go their separate ways. A lot could happen, but the team is trying to keep them together.”

Evans and Mayfield are just two of the several key contributors for the Buccaneers, who have the 10th-most projected cap space ($43.7M) this offseason and must decide whether to hold onto it. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is expected to be the franchise tag recipient for the Buccaneers, meaning Mayfield and Evans will be free to negotiate with other teams this offseason. 

Considering how the pass-catcher and signal-caller performed this past season, plenty of suitors should be vying for their services. Pro Football Focus projects Evans to sign a three-year, $69M extension in free agency, whereas Mayfield is predicted to earn a three-year, $90M deal.

Evans continued to prove he's a model of consistency in 2023, extending his NFL record to 10 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards to start a career. Meanwhile, Mayfield resurrected his career with the Buccaneers, his fourth team since July 2022, as the successor to Tom Brady. Not only did Mayfield's 2023 season outperform Brady's 2022 effort, but he also set career highs in completion rate (64.3%), passing yards (4,044), and touchdowns (28). 

Even so, since both Evans and Mayfield have expressed a desire to remain in Tampa Bay, the team should be in a relatively strong position to reach agreements with them.