Baker Mayfield Calls Mike Evans Loss ‘Disappointing’ but Trusts Tampa Bay’s Receiving Corps

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Baker Mayfield, addressed the trade of former Bucs receiver Mike Evans in the offseason. After twelve seasons in Florida, including a trip to the Super Bowl and a ring, Evans joined the San Francisco 49ers.

Mayfield was blunt about what he thought of the trade. Speaking to ESPN, the Oklahoma Sooners alum said that it was “disappointing” to see Evans go. He wasn’t alone in his sadness, conveying his disappointment to fellow teammate Chris Godwin by sending him a text message with a sad face emoji. Mayfield said:

There’s no way to sugarcoat it; it’s disappointing to not have him back. Just the caliber of player he is, he’s a Hall of Famer. I thought he deserved to be a Buc for life. Things happen.

He added that the silver lining is that they have a good relationship and will remain friends for a very long time. He further noted that he will continue cheering for Evans, unless they play each other, if there’s such a schedule.

Nonetheless, Mayfield has trust in his receiving corps to get the job done. With Evans’ departure, Mayfield sees a massive opportunity for veteran Chris Godwin. Entering his 10th season, the 2017 third-round draft pick has officially become the elder statesman and undisputed leader of the unit. Mayfield noted:

He’s always been an unbelievable leader, but for him to really take charge of that room… is huge.

While Godwin anchors the group, he won’t have to carry the burden alone. Mayfield expressed immense excitement about the team’s depth and current health, highlighting a versatile arsenal that includes Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst.

Following a season plagued by injuries, in which multiple young players were forced into action, Mayfield is already showing significant growth. He highlighted the “Year 1 to Year 2” leaps from younger targets like Meck and Tez as they step up to mentor Hurst.

Ultimately, replacing a major departure like Evans won’t be a one-man job, and Mayfield is aware of that. “You got to have a lot of people fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have that,” he said as a conclusion to his thoughts.

Baker Mayfield has worries about his contract amid putting down roots in Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield, speaking publicly for the first time this offseason, shared that contract talks with the team are not where he hoped they would be. While the team’s General Manager, Jason Licht, said there is no rush to sign a new deal, Mayfield and his agent have set a clear deadline: the start of training camp in late July.

As soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing any contract stuff. It’s all ball.

Mayfield is currently in the final year of a three-year contract extension he signed back in 2024. He earns about $33.33 million a year, which ranks 16th among quarterbacks in the NFL. For comparison, fellow quarterback Sam Darnold makes slightly more at $33.5 million after recently winning a Super Bowl. Mayfield is seeking greater financial security and a longer-term commitment from the team.

Off the field, Mayfield and his family have truly made Tampa their home. He and his wife, Emily, recently welcomed their second child, Maverick. The family is highly active in the local community, helping diaper banks, early childhood programs, and donating to high school sports.

Nonetheless, Mayfield promised fans that his goals on the field will not change. He is fully committed to helping the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl in 2026, letting the business side of football handle itself.

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