Buccaneers seem confident about keeping Baker Mayfield

Quarterback Baker Mayfield reportedly won't "take a hometown discount to stay" with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that doesn't mean Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht is panicking about the situation on the first Monday of March. 

Hours after it was learned that wide receiver Mike Evans is staying with the Buccaneers via a two-year contract, Jenna Laine of ESPN reported that "sources said conversations that began at the combine between the Bucs and Mayfield's agent, Tom Mills, were 'positive.'" Laine added that "sources at the combine also said that Mayfield may not even make it to free agency because his desire to remain in Tampa is strong, as the Bucs afforded him an opportunity to revive his career last season." 

The Cleveland Browns made Mayfield the first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he played for that organization until he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in the summer of 2022. Carolina gave up on Mayfield after less than one full season, and he signed a one-year "prove it" contract with the Buccaneers last offseason before he guided the organization to the NFC South division title and a home playoff victory. 

Laine mentioned that Mayfield wants "a high degree of organizational stability" after he flopped with the Panthers during the 2022 season and then finished that campaign with the Los Angeles Rams. Laine also pointed out that the Buccaneers "consulted with Mayfield on offensive coordinator candidates" before they hired Liam Coen, who coached the 28-year-old when both were with the Rams. 

"...All signs not only point to this being a positive for Mayfield, but the move also could very well keep Evans in Tampa for the duration of his career," Laine wrote about Tampa Bay keeping Evans. "Sources close to Evans said at a minimum he wants to play two more years, which, for now, is what he believes he can still do at a very high level." 

It's believed Tampa Bay is saving the franchise tag for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. but it's also assumed that Licht won't let Mayfield reach the open market. Licht has until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to retain one player's rights via the tag, but he may not need that asset for Mayfield if the two sides agree to terms on a new deal before the deadline arrives.