NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield, Bucs to Pursue Contract Despite Dave Canales' Exit

Baker Mayfield appears to be comfortable with Liam Coen as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preferred choice to replace Dave Canales as offensive coordinator.

Per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Mayfield and the Bucs are "expected to pursue" a new contract this offseason as the veteran quarterback prepares to enter free agency.

Earlier this week, Mayfield told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe (h/t NFL.com's Grant Gordon) his decision to remain with the Buccaneers "kind of depends" on who the team hired to replace Canales.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that Coen, who spent this season as Kentucky's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach,

Coen worked with Mayfield during the 2022 season when they were with the Los Angeles Rams. He was the team's offensive coordinator. Mayfield started their final four games after being claimed off waivers.

Mayfield's desire for some semblance of stability is completely understandable. He's only been in the NFL for six seasons, but has already played for eight different head coaches and seven offensive coordinators.

There are a lot of big free-agent decisions the Buccaneers have to make this offseason. Mike Evans, Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr. are also set to become free agents. The team projects to have just under $38 million in cap space before re-signing any of those players.

The Bucs were able to get Mayfield on a bargain deal for one year, $4 million last offseason. His career was rejuvenated working with Canales. The 28-year-old set career-highs with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdown passes and a 64.3 completion percentage.

Tampa made the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and won its third straight NFC South title. Its only the second time in franchise history with a streak four consecutive postseason appearances (1999 to 2002).

There's not a deep stable of quality quarterbacks on the free-agent market, so keeping Mayfield after he had a strong 2023 would seem to be in the Tampa's best interest if it wants to challenge for a playoff berth again next season.