BUCCANEERS FACE UNCERTAIN OFFSEASON AFTER COORDINATOR’S DEPARTURE
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are sailing into uncharted waters this offseason following the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who recently took on the role of head coach for the Carolina Panthers. With Canales gone, the team now faces the daunting task of deciding the future of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is set to become a free agent if he is not offered an extension.
Mayfield had an impressive performance in 2023, leading the Buccaneers to win the NFC South and securing a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Tampa Bay is expected to pursue a contract extension with Mayfield during the offseason.
The potential signing of Mayfield makes perfect sense for the Buccaneers, especially considering their recent hiring of former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Coen previously worked with Mayfield during his time with the Rams, and despite limited playing time, Mayfield showcased his talent and ability.
Retaining Mayfield would provide the Buccaneers with a continued opportunity to compete in the NFC. However, they must also address the future of wide receiver Mike Evans, who is also set to become a free agent. Evans played a crucial role in Mayfield’s success last season, and finding a replacement for his production and presence would be a challenging task.
The first step for the Buccaneers is determining Mayfield’s future, and they have a few more weeks to make a decision. The outcome of this decision will significantly impact the team’s ability to remain competitive in the NFC.
