General Manager Jason Licht and the Bucs’ brass assembled one of the greatest free agency success stories in the club’s history, re-signing key fixtures before they hit the open market
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a plethora of cornerstone players set to hit the open market during the 2024 free agency period. However, the team’s efforts to fortify the roster started in advance behind the scenes.
The Bucs were able to retain potential free agents Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr. (franchise tag), Lavonte David and Chase McLaughlin. General Manager Jason Licht, along with Assistant General Manager Mike Greenberg and Vice President of Football Research Jackie Davidson, have reason to hold their own celebratory boat parade on the bay. It was no secret who the Bucs’ top priorities were in regard to their own laundry list of potential unrestricted free agents, and somehow the club effectively addressed all before they hit the market. Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans became the first to re-sign with the Bucs, inking a two-year deal, likely keeping him with the Bucs for the totality of his career.
“This is one of the greatest free agency hauls ever, but it’s our own guys,” described Jason Licht. “We’ve got Lavonte [David and] Mike here, Hall of Famers. It’s amazing. I think it’s time for the national media to know that we have good players. They know, but now they know for sure. Good players.“ It’s a good season.”
Evans has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark in each of his 10 career seasons. It is the longest streak in NFL history to start a career and the second-longest streak among Hall of Famers. Pro football fame Jerry Rice had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons. Evans’ 10 1,000-yardseasons are tied for second-most in league history with Randy Moss (10) and behind Rice’s 14. Through the first 10 seasons of his career, Evans is tied for fifth (94) and sixth in touchdown receptions. receiving yards (11,680). He was one of four players, along with the Hall of Fame trio of Marvin Harrison, Moss and Rice, to surpass 11,000 yards and 90 receptions in 10 career seasons.
Evans retired in 2023 tied for first in touchdown receptions (13) and ninth. in receiving yards (1,255) in 79 games. He is one of four players with more than 1,000 receiving yards and 10 or more touchdowns last year, joining CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill and Amon-Ra St. He joined Brown. Evans set the tone for the Bucs’ offense, and the vertical threat developed a quick connection with Mayfield. Evans and Mayfield expressed their desire to continue playing together after forming a relationship, and the two remain friends. Following the program was Mayfield, who signed a new three-year contract with the Bucs.
The former first-round draft pick revived his career in Tampa and finished third in the NFL Comeback of the Year polls. Mayfield set career highs with 4,044 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes while throwing just 10 interceptions. He brought the team together with his scoring and leadership skills. Unlike Evans, who achieved longevity and consistency with the Bucs, David has the opportunity to be a Buc for life. He agreed to a new one-year contract for the second consecutive season. David impressed in his 12th NFL season, leading the Bucs with 134 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. David posted his highest sack total since 2015 and his highest sack total since 2016. He led the defense with his aggressive play, tackles and elite read skills.
After signing McLaughlin to a one-year deal through 2023, the Bucs wanted to keep the kicker long-term after he produced one of the best seasons in franchise history. McLaughlin signed a three-year contract after making 29 of 31 field goal attempts during the regular season and missing just twoblocked shots. He also made all 33 extra point attempts. Set Buccaneer single-season records for field goal percentage (93.5%) and successful attempts of 50 yards or more (seven).
Bucs target Winfield Jr. Duration of time This award confirms that Winfield Jr. will play. in 2024 in Tampa Bay. Winfield Jr. is the NFL’s top safety in 2023 and was named a first-team All-Pro for his significant contributions on the field.
He recorded 122 tackles, 6.0 sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, six sacks and four fumble recoveries. In just four seasons, Winfield had a Super Bowl ring, a Pro Bowl appearance and an All-Pro selection. Winfield Jr. he is the only NFL player since data became available in 1999 to finish a season with 100+ tackles, three+ interceptions, three sacks, three tackles and 3.0 sacks. Leads all NFL defensive backs in sacks, sacks and fumble recoveries through 2023.
Winfield Jr. he just influenced the outcome of several baseball games for the Bucs through his game design, efficiency, solid hitting and sense of speed. The season wish list is out. Cost-effective and free agency starring. Tampa Bay will compete in 2024 with their top talent..