As the start of NFL free agency draws near, the Bucs have yet to re-sign any of their free agents, but there is still time to get some of their key players under contract for 2024 and beyond. One of Tampa Bay’s stars has made a demand that is most likely directed towards the Bucs.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz spoke with Deryk Gilmore, the agent for Mike Evans, and the Bucs wide receiver does not want to play with a rookie quarterback this season. Instead, he wants to play with an elite quarterback. Does that mean Baker Mayfield?

The Bucs’ starting quarterback last year is also slated for free agency unless Tampa Bay can get him under contract.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Evans and Mayfield established a great relationship on and off the field last year. Evans’ 13 touchdowns were tied for the NFL lead last season, and he led Tampa Bay with 1,255 yards on 79 receptions (15.9 avg.), so the future Hall of Famer was definitely showcased in the Bucs’ new offense. That kind of production should continue in Liam Coen’s new scheme, which is very similar to the system that Dave Canales ran in 2023.

Gilmore’s comments could be taken in a way that suggests that the Bucs had better not pass on re-signing their starting quarterback and opting for a QB in the 2024 NFL Draft instead. The Bucs had four formal interviews with quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Tampa Bay is putting a full-court press on getting Mayfield re-signed prior to free agency, as he’s expected to have several suitors if he hits the open market. One of those possible suitors could be division rival Atlanta if the Falcons do not trade for Chicago quarterback Justin Fields.

Mike Evans Is In Win-Now Mode

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

After not making the playoffs for his first six years in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans has gone to the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.

And he wants to keep that streak going.

Evans’ agent Deryk Gilmore said that winning a Super Bowl is a key priority. Evans has one Super Bowl on his resumé from the 2020 season and would like to win another championship before he retires in a few years.

While the Bucs may not necessarily be considered a Super Bowl contender in 2024 right now, they do have an easier path to the playoffs than some other teams playing in the downtrodden NFC South. And it should help the Bucs’ cause that they were tied with the Lions heading into the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay could be considered a dark horse Super Bowl contender this season, but the Bucs will be closer than most teams to winning another championship, especially if the team can re-sign Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield and the other key free agents.

Houston Won’t Be A Suitor For Mike Evans

NFL insider Aaron Wilson, who is based in Houston, shared on social media on Saturday that the Texans won’t be in the running for Mike Evans in free agency.

Because Evans grew up in nearby Galveston and went to school at Texas A&M, there was some concern that Evans might be tempted to play for his hometown team. But with C.J. Stroud entering his second year in the league and Houston having a pair of promising young receivers in Tank Dell and Nico Collins, the Texans will pass on pursuing Evans.

This has to be viewed as a good sign for the Bucs.