Several Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to make a lot of money this offseason.
Despite being consigned to the gulag this offseason by almost everyone save those who live in the Tampa Bay region, including our own JC Allen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a good start. The Bucs have faced some tough opponents this season, including the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and New Orleans Saints, and have a 3-1 record heading into their bye week.
There is no single player or member of the coaching staff who can be blamed for the Bucs’ recent success. What we do know is that new additions to the coaching staff, like as offensive coordinator Dave Canales and quarterback Baker Mayfield, have brought a revitalized style of play back into the locker room, which is reflected on the field.
With both the offense and defense playing excellent ball, there is money to be earned for players on the roster who have made strides in their own right or have been the embodiment of consistency during their tenure in Tampa Bay.
That being said, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicts that a good percentage of current Buccaneers will be compensated this summer for their performances. The Buccaneers may not be able to keep everyone owing to their less-than-ideal salary limit situation, but they will do their best.
Wide receiver Mike Evans, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, and quarterback Baker Mayfield, according to Fowler, have earned the right to a greater payout and contract.
WR MIKE EVANS
Mike Evans has been nothing short of who we know him to be, but because he was in the middle of his contract’s final year, he informed the organization of his intention to earn a contract extension prior to week one – which did not happen. The uncertainty around whether or not the Glazers will end up paying Mike what he deserves to stay a Buccaneer for life is intriguing, especially given that Evans is reportedly hoping for a contract akin to what Cooper Kupp earned with the Los Angeles Rams.
“All Evans does is play basketball.” The Buccaneers chose not to extend him before Week 1, and he will now be eligible for free agency for the first time in his career… at the age of 30. Not ideal for a wideout, but he hasn’t slowed down. He’s presently averaging 1,432 yards per game, which would be a career high. He can help a number of teams, unless Tampa Bay overpays to keep him.”
S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.
After getting drafted out of Minnesota in 2020, Antoine Winfield Jr. is nearing the end of his rookie contract. He stood out as a rookie before settling into a nickel position in his sophomore season. He has returned to his usual job as a safety this season and has done nothing but improve from the previous two seasons, making key turnovers and pass breakups through four games.
“Winfield is widely regarded as a top-10 safety who is causing havoc this season by playing more of a true safety role rather than his slot corner duties from last year.” He had nine tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and a great end zone pass breakup of a potential Chris Olave touchdown in New Orleans on Sunday. The Buccaneers will almost certainly want to re-sign Winfield, the team’s second-round choice in 2020 who represents toughness for a very solid defense.”
T TRISTAN WIRFS
Tristan Wirfs is the epitome of an NFL tackle and has emerged as one of the game’s greatest, if not THE best. Wirfs should be viewed as a long-term fixture by the Buccaneers, who should consider extending him during the season despite the fact that he still has a fifth-year option for the 2024 season.
“This season, the premier offensive tackle has seamlessly transitioned from the right to left side, replacing Donovan Smith along Tampa Bay’s line.” Wirfs is one of the greatest at his position in the game. He has a fifth-year option in 2024, but negotiations might heat up later in the season. There is precedent for this; the Buccaneers extended Vita Vea before his fifth-year option in January of his fourth season.”
QB BAKER MAYFIELD
Baker Mayfield is reigniting his career, and the Tampa Bay fans are appreciating the enthusiasm and grit he brings to the club. He won the locker room in week one, which is no small feat. He has also demonstrated remarkable efficiency and effort, particularly on third down. If Baker maintains his current level of play, he could end up with a multi-year contract in Tampa Bay, something he hasn’t seen since his stint with the Cleveland Browns.
“Mayfield is having a career renaissance in Tampa, ranking seventh in QBR (69.0) with a league-leading 140.1 passer rating on third downs.” His Week 3 performance against Philadelphia was lackluster, but he bounced back with flashes of brilliance in New Orleans, leading Tampa to 26 points in a hostile atmosphere.
Mayfield’s presence as a consistent starter benefits the league. If he can keep it up, a lengthier marriage with Tampa may be in order. Geno Smith, who turned his first year as a starter in Seattle into a Pro Bowl season and a three-year, $75-million contract, would be the model for success. Not to assume Mayfield will receive that deal, but Smith was in a comparable circumstance and cashed in.”
