Baker Mayfield earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers return, Bowles says - ESPN

DETROIT — Moments after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' season ended with a 31-23 playoff divisional loss at the Detroit Lions, coach Todd Bowles said quarterback Baker Mayfield earned the right to return in 2024.

Mayfield, who was on a one-year deal with Tampa, has indicated he would like to return, as would wide receiver Mike Evans, who was unhappy at the start of the season over not getting a new contract before Week 1.

«He most definitely has,» Bowles said of Mayfield, who led the Bucs to a 10-9 record and an NFC South title in the franchise's first year of the post-Tom Brady era. «Obviously, it's too early to talk about that and business is business, but Baker had a hell of a year. We love him. The guys love him. And we'll see what the future holds.»

General manager Jason Licht shared a lengthy hug with Mayfield outside the locker room, indicative of the organization's feelings for the No. 1 pick-turned journeyman quarterback who was playing for his fourth team in two seasons.

There have been no talks on a new deal for Mayfield this season, but his representatives will meet with the Bucs in the offseason to discuss one.

«I love this group,» said Mayfield, whose 349 passing yards Sunday were the third most in a Buccaneers playoff game. «I said that all year. And it's authentic. I mean that. It would mean a lot for me, to bring back a lot of key pieces, to get this back together, to get it to Year 2 in the system, you can make huge strides. I would love that.

»Obviously, who knows how it's going to play out, but I can't say enough about this organization and the opportunity they gave me this year. Just thankful, and I hope it works out."

Licht has also said the team has plans to reach a new deal with Evans. The franchise's