The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stunned the NFL world by making the playoffs last season. But was their impressive run fool’s gold or a sign of things to come for a franchise many thought was headed for a lengthy rebuild?
The Bucs have big decisions to make this offseason, including how to handle a group of marquee free agents.
Who Are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2024 Free Agents?
QB Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield bet on himself in 2023 and, a year later, will reap the rewards. The 2018 first-round pick enjoyed a resurgent season in 2023, leading Tampa to a 9-8 regular-season record and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Along the way, Mayfield set career bests in completion percentage (64.3), passing yards (4,044), and touchdowns (28). He also posted the second-lowest interception rate (1.8%) of his career.
Now 28 years old, Mayfield has established himself as a capable NFL starter with Pro Bowl upside. And he reportedly could fetch a free agent contract worth roughly $75 million.
Would the Bucs pay that? Should they?
You could make cases either way. However, we can’t rule out the possibility of Tampa Bay assigning Mayfield the franchise tag, which would carry a one-year deal worth roughly $35 million.
Ultimately, the Bucs should do what it takes to keep Mayfield around. They potentially stumbled into a new franchise QB last season and shouldn’t let him walk away.
WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans is one of the more fascinating members of this year’s free agent class.
After starting his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, five Pro Bowl nods, and one Super Bowl title, Evans might be a Hall of Famer. He is arguably the best player in franchise history, and by the end of next season could rank in the top 20 on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list.
MORE: Potential Landing Spots for Mike Evans
But he’ll also turn 31 in August, which could scare off potential suitors — including the Bucs. Plus, despite Evans’ incredible production, you could argue he’s both overrated and prone to lapses in effort. He’s a tricky player to evaluate.
Evans justifiably wants to be paid. And a recent report from Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz indicates Evans and the Bucs are “far apart” on a new deal. Can they close the gap over the next few weeks?
If not, Evans could go to any receiver-needy team.
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. is the best safety set to hit free agency. And it’s not particularly close, depending on what you think about New England Patriots star Kyle Dugger.
Winfield is the better overall player, particularly in coverage. He’ll also be 26 next season, whereas Dugger will be 28, despite both players entering the league in 2020.
The 2020 second-round pick is coming off his best season as a pro. While playing in all 17 games, Winfield racked up 122 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions. He’s an elite playmaking safety and is headed for a major payday.
The question isn’t whether the Bucs should re-sign Winfield because they absolutely should. The question is whether Tampa will be able to afford him after addressing Mayfield’s situation and other holes on the roster.
LBs Lavonte David and Devin White
At the end of the day, it’s hard to envision the Bucs retaining Winfield, Devin White, and Lavonte David. At least one of them likely will be playing elsewhere in 2024.
David and White have led Tampa’s LB corps since 2019 and won a Super Bowl together in 2020. They’re a huge reason why Tampa’s defense was so consistently good over the last few seasons. They also complement each other well, with David being a stud in coverage and White wreaking havoc in the backfield.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agent Rankings
As a career Buc, David might be willing to take a discount to stay in Tampa. White, however, could look to cash in as a 26-year-old entering the prime of his career.
The Buccaneers should retain both if they can. But it won’t be easy.
Other Buccaneers 2024 Free Agents
- QB John Wolford
- RB Chase Edmonds
- OT Justin Skule
- G Matt Feiler
- G Nick Leverett (restricted free agent)
- G Aaron Stinnie
- EDGE Pat O’Connor
- DL William Gholston
- DT Greg Gaines
- CB Dee Delaney (RFA)
- S Ryan Neal
- K Chase McLaughlin
- LS Zach Triner
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!