marinabays  Baker Mayfield should return to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2024 season after the Pirates ended the season with only the divisional playoff round. marinabays 

Baker Mayfield, 28-year-old quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is still annoyed by his interception late in their 23-31 loss to the Detroit Lions. The divisional round playoffs last Sunday. But he still hopes to return to lead the Pirates in the 2024 season, according to NFL Network. ( marinabays ) 

Mayfield completed 26 of 41 passes for 349 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. In particular, the loss to Derrick Barnes, the Lions’ linebacker, with 1.35 minutes left, resulted in the Pirates missing the opportunity to hope for a tie score, unfortunately.

‘It was terrible, I felt like my heart was ripped out,’ Mayfield said after the game. 

Mayfield inked a one-year deal worth $8.5 million plus incentive bonuses with the Buccaneers last offseason. He completed a career turnaround, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Pirates to their first NFC South division title since Tom Brady retired. 

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mayfield and the Buccaneers are in talks about reuniting next season. The 28-year-old quarterback expects a long-term deal. But attaching the franchise tag is another option as well. The quarterback tagged would be worth $32.416 million.

‘I love this group. I’ve been saying that all year. And it’s real,’ Mayfield said. ‘I mean, It means a lot to me to bring back so many key pieces to put this thing back together and to get a second year in the system. You can make great progress. I would definitely love that. Who knows what it will be like? But enough cannot be said about this organization for the opportunity they have given me this year. Just thank you and hope it works.’ 

Mayfield also mentioned that soon-to-be free agent Mike Evans, who caught eight passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Lions, hopes to return to Tampa Bay. Of the 30-year-old outside winger as well. 

‘I mean, this guy’s not regressing,’ Mayfield said, ‘as much as everyone wants to talk about his age. I think he had one of his best years. He made my life easier. He’s been doing it all year. And today he did it again and again. He’s one of those pieces, yes, to keep everyone coming back. must be sacrificed And this team is about winning.’

‘We have a group full of people, they are all about that. It’s not about each person. It’s not about that. That’s what makes it special, but yes, if I come back I’d like Mike to come back as well.’

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed that Mayfield has earned the right to return to Tampa Bay next season as well, saying: ‘Yes, he most definitely has. Obviously it’s too early to talk about that. And business is business, but Baker had one hell of a year. We love him, people love him. Then we’ll see what the future holds.’