The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed toward uncertain waters this offseason following the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who recently became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Not only is Canales gone, but the team has yet to make a decision on quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will be a free agent this offseason if he isn’t extended.
Mayfield played well enough in 2023 to win the NFC South again for the Buccaneers and lead them to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round, and the Athletic’s Jeff Howe believes Tampa Bay will sign him to a new deal this offseason.
“[Baker] Mayfield and the Bucs are still expected to pursue a contract extension as he enters free agency,” Howe said.
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KC’s Super Bowl injury concern@jeffphowe analyzes a myriad of NFL topics from Mobile https://t.co/nIbsPEWFuE pic.twitter.com/BFIhpTTVS1— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 3, 2024
This would make the most sense for the Buccaneers, and it was reinforced when they hired former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Coen was the Rams offensive coordinator during Mayfield’s short stint in Los Angeles, during which he played admirable despite limited time with the team.
The Buccaneers’ ability to retain Mayfield would extend their window to compete in the NFC, so long as they’re also able to figure out what to do on offense with fellow impending free agent Mike Evans.
The veteran wide receiver was a huge part of Mayfield’s success this past season, and his production and presence would be difficult to replicate with internal talent, free-agent talent, or through the draft.
Mayfield’s future is the first step, though, and the team has a few more weeks to decide his fate.
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