Mike Evans: 'Extremely Confident' Baker Mayfield, Bucs Will Reach Contract in NFL FA

Wide receiver Mike Evans, who re-signed Friday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, says he is "extremely confident" free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield will do the same.

"I mean, I'm extremely confident," Evans said Friday, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "I'm not 100 percent, but he played really great for us last year, the city took him in, the players loved him— hopefully we get him back. But he should do what's best for him."

Evans agreed to a two-year, $52 million deal with $35 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He worked well with Mayfield in 2023 as he led the Bucs with 136 targets.

Negotiations between the Buccaneers and Mayfield are ongoing, according to a Thursday report from Rich Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

According to NBC Sports' Mike Florio, Evans "got an assurance from the Bucs that they'll do everything they can to keep Mayfield."

Mayfield's other top target in Tampa Bay, Chris Godwin, will also be returning for 2024. The seven-season veteran signed a three-year extension with the team in 2022.

"I feel like we can build on what we did last year, so hopefully we get him back," Evans said, per Laine. "He's a hell of a player. I appreciate him. They're going to handle their process, and I trust [general manager] Jason [Licht] and the front office no matter what happens."

Evans added, "I know I can play with whoever's at quarterback. Obviously I hope it's Baker, but if not, I can make it work."

The Buccaneers also used a $17.1 million franchise tag to retain star safety Antoine Winfield Jr., ensuring that two of the team's top three free agents are locked in for next season.

These are all moves that point toward a team preparing for another postseason run, and indicates the Bucs already have an idea of who's going to be their first-string quarterback next season.

All that's left is to finalize Mayfield's next contract. As of Wednesday, both sides were "working hard to strike a deal," according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

The Buccaneers could have some competitors in free agency, however. Mayfield has reportedly received interest from other teams including the Atlanta Falcons.

Mayfield recorded 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 17 games as he led the Buccaneers into the 2023 postseason on a one-year, $4 million prove-it deal.