Nov 5, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes to wide receiver Mike Evans (13) against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
(Tampa, FL) – The Buccaneers have found their groove in the post-Brady era and locked up the core of their 2023 postseason run this offseason.
Free agency started with the team’s two biggest signings – quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Mike Evans.
Mayfield joined the Bucs as his fourth team in 2023. The first overall pick in 2018 seemed destined for a journeyman career after spending his early seasons with the Browns, but has settled in nicely in Tampa Bay. Baker threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in his first season, both career highs, making the Pro Bowl and securing a division title. He signed for 3-years, $100 million in March.
Certainly the best offensive, but perhaps the greatest player in franchise history, Mike Evans, seemed questionable to return this year. Evans is the only receiver in NFL history to go for 1,000 yards every year of his career (min. 7 years). Despite already having a Super Bowl ring, Evans is potent on becoming a champion once again, and the 2-year, $41 million deal he was offered, along with the return of Mayfield was convincing enough for the franchise legend to stay.
On the other side of the ball, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s young career includes a Super Bowl championship from his rookie campaign, as well as an All-Pro selection in 2023. Winfield had a league-leading 6 forced fumbles last season, and the Buccaneers wasted no time locking him up after his rookie contract. His 4-year, $84 million extension makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
Most recently, Tampa put together the final piece of their offseason puzzle, signing All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs to a whopping 5-year, $140.63 million extension. Wirfs has been a Pro Bowler each of the last 3 seasons, making the switch from right to left tackle in 2023. As a rookie, he protected Tom Brady en route to a Super Bowl championship, and will now be the cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ line as the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
The ‘Pewter Pirates’ will take on Washington at home to open the season. The stars of this team are in the picture for the foreseeable future, and Todd Bowles’ crew is hoping to make another run at the big game through significant pay.
