Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million deal in 2024 following a breakout campaign in 2023 in which he led Tampa back to the playoffs and secured a postseason berth the year after Brady retired. He followed that up with a career campaign in 2024, setting career highs in passing yards (4,500), passing touchdowns (41) and completion percentage (71.4) while continuing the club’s streak of NFC South titles.
The Buccaneers’ streak of five consecutive playoff appearances ended in 2025 with a meager 8-9 campaign. The team dealt with several key injuries during the season, but lost four of its last five games to finish in a three-way tie atop the division, which the Panthers claimed despite losing to Tampa Bay in Week 18.
A disappointing season was soon followed by a shocking exit for the Buccaneers. Mike Evans, the club’s all-time leading wide receiver, left for San Francisco in free agency for less money than Tampa offered.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it. It’s disappointing not to have him back,” Mayfield said of Evans’ departure. “Just the caliber of player he is, he’s a Hall of Famer, deserves to be a Buc for life. Things happen, but luckily he and I have a great relationship, we’ll still be friends for life and I’ll cheer him back on except when we play them, if it comes to that.”
While Mayfield admits the loss of his top target will have an impact, the veteran QB is confident of a strong receiving corps that returns Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan and Tez Johnson. The Bucs also drafted third-rounder Ted Hurst, a 6-foot-3 wideout they hope can alleviate Evans’ absence as a big-time target.
“For Mike to go, it allows Chris to step up — he’s always been an incredible leader — but for him to really take control of that room,” Mayfield said. “With all the injuries that we had, a lot of guys played last year. So to also have J-Mac, Chris, Emeka, really, really healthy now, feeling good, leading those guys and just watching the steps they’re taking from Year 1 to Year 2 when it comes to Mek and Tez, and watching them help Ted Hurst out as well… So we’re so much in this room. You’ve got to have a lot of people to fill those shoes, not just one person, and we have it.”
Mayfield has yet to miss a start in his three-year tenure with the Buccaneers and has proven himself to be a more than capable pass rusher who can run a healthy offense that has shown dominance.
It appears the Buccaneers and the 31-year-old found each other at the perfect time. Mayfield made his intentions clear about what he wants for his future in Tampa, and perhaps the Buccaneers will comply with his deadline. If not, intense negotiations instead lie ahead with other teams who can contact a valuable free agent QB.