Bucs eye a playoff run after big bet on Baker Mayfield
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The Bucs will go as far as Baker Mayfield can take them. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
After a third-straight division title and a surprise playoff win, the Bucs are running it back in 2024, hoping to prove last season's success was no fluke.
Why it matters: The Bucs spent a ton of money this offseason to double down on their roster — a risky move for a team that went 9-8 last year.
- Early playoff rematches with the Eagles (Week 2) and Lions (Week 4) should reveal if they're true contenders.
🤑 Follow the money: Quarterback Baker Mayfield had his best season on a one-year, $4 million contract in 2023. Now, he's making more than $30 million per season.
- The Bucs also gave star receiver Mike Evans a pricey new deal and made All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
- On defense, linebacker Lavonte David and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. also got new deals.
The intrigue: Many credited Mayfield's resurgence to offensive coordinator and QB guru Dave Canales — so much so that Canales got hired away as Carolina's head coach.
- His replacement, Liam Coen, previously was the coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams when Mayfield played there in 2022.
Friction point: The Bucs lost three key contributors to their recent defensive success in star cornerback Carlton Davis III and linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Devin White.
Yes, but: While losing Barrett hurts the team's defensive front, many feel tackle Calijah Kancey is on track for stardom after a four-sack rookie season.
- And per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Bucs are optimistic that unproven third-year corner Zyon McCollum can step up in Davis' absence.
Know this name: Wide receiver Jalen McMillan is this season's buzzed-about rookie. Mayfield in particular has raved about him.
Setting expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have pegged the Bucs as about a 7-to-10-win team. On the high end, that'd have them in the playoff hunt.
- The Falcons, who added quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, are slightly favored to snatch the division crown.
How to watch: The Bucs begin their season at home on Sunday (Fox, 4:25pm). Tickets are still available, starting at about $60.