Buccaneers' Mike Evans Credits Baker Mayfield For His Return
Buccaneers' Mike Evans Credits Baker Mayfield For His Return originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Baker Mayfield era in Tampa Bay has been a successful one so far for the Buccaneers.
When Tom Brady retired after the 2022 season, most thought the Bucs would suffer a period of adjustment and would be cellar dwellers in the NFC and the NFC South.
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But a funny thing happened on the way to the cellar.
General manager Jason Licht signed Mayfield to fill the shoes of Brady, and he did.
Mayfield signed on a one-year "prove-it" deal with Tampa Bay, and proceeded to post career numbers. Licht then inked the former Texas Tech Red Raider and Oklahoma Sooner to a three-year, $100 million contract.
Mayfield posted another career season in Year 2 with the Bucs. And star wideout Mike Evans couldn't be happier about it.
"Huge impact (on Evans' career). He's a big reason to why I came back," Evans said. "The energy that he's brought to Tampa after Tom (Brady) -- that's some huge shoes to fill, huge act to follow -- and I think he's done an unbelievable job, winning two division championships, making it to the postseason.
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"But Tampa's in great hands with Baker. I'm sure he'll play much longer than I will. I'm looking forward to a great season this year and competing for a Super Bowl."
Evans was to enter into free agency last offseason and was in high demand. But he eventually stayed with the Bucs and signed a two-year, $41 million deal.
As he enters the final season of that deal in 2025, the relationship with Mayfield and the trending upward of the team could convince Evans to stay a couple of more years.
Related: Mike Florio Hints at a 'Bill Belichick to Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Scenario
Related: 'Things Will Get Ugly...' If Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Regresses in 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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