Bucs & Mayfield: Contract Talks, Evans' Departure, & Future Success

0:00It's April 1st. You're listening to NFL News today, AI-powered NFL coverage. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are already deep in talks with quarterback Baker Mayfield about his future contract. He's locked in through 2026, but the team showing real confidence by starting these chats early. General manager Jason Lickt says they've had plenty of solid discussions with his reps, keeping stability at the top of their list. Baker's been a true pro since landing in Tampa, stepping up as a leader on and off the field. The organization sees him as key to their success, and they're not rushing, but staying proactive on this. Over the last three seasons, he's thrown for more than 12,000 yards and over 90 touchdowns. His 2024 season was straight fire, with 4,500 passing yards and 41 scores, one of the best in bucks. History. Big change this off season though. Why receiver Mike Evans, their go-to guy and future Hall of Famer, signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

1:00Evans brought that reliable 1,000 yard streak every year, making him Mayfield's top connection. As these contract talks were all on, Baker's got to prove he can keep producing without Evans, adapting the offense to stay elite and lock in that long term deal.