“They Ask Me To Come In At The End”
March 3rd, 2024
“Mr. Glazer, it’s about time for me to let loose the charm and drop the hammer. The table’s been set.”
Has Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht been a part of negotiations with Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans?
Probably not.
That may sound crazy, but Licht explained on the 3 and Out podcast five days ago that the work with agents and most negotiations are done by assistant general manager Mike Greenberg and vice president of football research Jacqueline Davidson.
“They do most of the groundwork, most of the legwork. They ask me to come in at the end if we have to — I don’t want to say I’m the closer, but you’re the GM,” Licht explained.
Licht was asked if his scouting background made it a tough transition for him to be a GM negotiating deals. Licht replied that he’s learned plenty and “I know just enough to be dangerous.”
Obviously, with 10-plus years of experience on the job, Licht is being very humble. But he does rely a ton on his staff. And it’s a hell of a staff, one that should have been raided by other franchises in recent years but that hasn’t been the case.
So as the Bucs march toward Tuesday afternoon’s franchise tag deadline, expect Licht to iron a few shirts and get a tight haircut for some very important meetings.
It’s time to bring in the closer.
Regarding Mike Evans, Licht shared on the podcast what might have been his toughest public talk to date on the negotiations with the future Hall of Famer. “It’s gotta be a good deal on both ends,” Licht said.
March 3rd, 2024 at 3:22 pm
“It’s gotta be a good deal on both ends,” LOVE that statement by Licht. I hope the Bucs keep ME13 but not at “any cost no matter what”. It’s REALLY hard to find a quality QB that other players gravitate too and fight for. Baker is one of those guys. It’s a financial balancing act and I think Licht’s history shows that he understands that.
March 3rd, 2024 at 3:35 pm
LFG!!!!!
March 3rd, 2024 at 3:40 pm
What I have been saying since Evans couldn’t get a deal done this offseason and they were tabled. Licht will not handicap the franchise or risk his job by putting the team in cap hell just to make sure Mike retires a Buc. He has a family and a job to worry about. The deal has got to be both team and player friendly it cannot solely player friendly or the team will suffer greatly almost immediately.
March 3rd, 2024 at 3:52 pm
I have faith in Buc Ownership and Management.
They will sign Mayfield, David, and AWJ.
Evans is a much tougher call.
Mike is the best Buc WR in Buc History.
Hes also 31.
This is his last shot at the big contract.
Hes gonna want big money, long term. But can you afford to do that.
No one here ever Mentions that Chris Godwin is dropping a 27 mil cap hit on the Bucs this year. Or that Mike didnt seem as dependable in the crunch this year.
How much can we pay 2 WRs? How much can we risk on an aging WR?
Should we try to sign a younger, Cheaper WR to pair with Godwin?
Glad Im not Jason licht
March 3rd, 2024 at 3:56 pm
“It’s gotta be a good deal on both ends,” Licht said.
Or, there is no deal…..
March 3rd, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Glad to hear that about any ME13 deal. 25M per year is ludicrous. Yes, he will be in the HOF someday, and he’ll go in as a Buc. He also drops too many easy balls.
March 3rd, 2024 at 4:20 pm
Maybe consider restructuring and extending Chris Godwin as well?
Seems like it would solve some of the problems.
March 3rd, 2024 at 4:32 pm
If Mike leaves bc Licht caves to Baker wanting a completely unreasonable amount for the ceiling he has (aka anything over 25 million) I’m going to be so pissed. Mike has given us everything for a decade. Baker gave us one season of good-not-great QB play.
March 3rd, 2024 at 4:50 pm
mikes agent stepped in it the other day combined with all mikes drops and him chosing himself over team and choking again in the playoffs already had him in a bad bargaining position. Getting a WR in the draft is just icing on the cake!
mike is gone. bye felicia!
bake will probably get signed
March 3rd, 2024 at 4:57 pm
If Evans chooses to go with the team willing to pay the most then he might have to pack up and play elsewhere. The Buc’s are trying to dig themselves out of cap hell not go further in.
Either way he’ll be back one day for his induction into the Ring of Honor, well deserved.
I wish him the best whatever he decides to do. And I couldn’t have any hard feelings towards him. If someone offered to pay me an extra 5 million/year to go work in KC or Houston I’d be on the next plane.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:04 pm
If Evans wants $25 million, I can’t see how the Bucs can think that’s even remotely fiscally responsible considering the amount of money they’re spending on Godwin.
Does the organization want what’s probably best for the team in the long run, or will they risk the long run to keep an iconic player on the team? Good teams that stay good for a long time don’t hang on to aging players for too long.
The wise move I think would be to let Evans walk and draft two recievers in this draft. One in the 1st round to replace Evans, and one mid draft to compete for Godwin’s spot in the near future.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Today I learned that catching 8 passes for 147 yards and 1 touchdown in a divisional playoff game is “choking”, according to our resident idiots at JBF.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:26 pm
PRBucsFan….where the F have you been?
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:31 pm
gotbbucs…Evans had his best season last year.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:51 pm
unbelievable Says:
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Today I learned that catching 8 passes for 147 yards and 1 touchdown in a divisional playoff game is “choking”, according to our resident idiots at JBF.
—————–
Joe’s comments are filled with some of the dumbest boomer football takes I have ever had the displeasure of reading.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:51 pm
So I’ve always known Greenberg is the brains behind the financials, and now it appears he does the negotiating.
So Bud Licht just hangs around hanging with BA and schmoozing the Glazer clan?
Good gig if you can get it.
March 3rd, 2024 at 5:58 pm
Love Mike.
But that statement is not good for ME being a Buc next year.
That’s GM talk for he is asking for too much.
That is Mike’s right as a UFA.
I will harbor no ill will if he chases the money. Same with Baker.
Teams will cut a player in a heartbeat to save a buck.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:16 pm
@ bucsbolts
I agree.
I appreciate Mike Evans but I believe letting him test free agency is the smartest thing for the Bucs to do.
What if he finds out the rest of the NFL noticed all the drops and his age and decide he isn’t worth breaking the bank for…
I hope he returns but only at the right price.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:38 pm
I just read that Carolina is cutting off talks with OLB Brian Burns.
I would rather give Brian Burns Mike Evans’ money and then draft another WR with pick #26. Hitting on a WR at #26 is way easier than hitting on a pass rusher – especially in this draft. Tons of solid receivers coming out.
A great 25 year old pass rusher is worth way more than a 31 year old WR.
Burns could turn one of our biggest weaknesses into our biggest strength immediately.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:40 pm
I just wish the Bucs would have given Trask some real game time over the years. Seems like the Bucs are now over the barrel with Baker. It would have been nice to know if Trask was legit or not and if the Bucs can easily move on from Baker if his demands are too high. As far as Evan’s, his age may price him out of the market, or some team may break the bank for him. Hopefully, the Bucs don’t overpay and end up with dead cap money in a few years.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:41 pm
Regardless of the reason, if the Bucs let ME13 sign with another team we’ll have no choice but to replace him with a Rnd 1 WR pick in this draft. We can’t afford to lose Evans’ production (13 TDs) without replacing it with someone of roughly comparable productivity.
In the past 20 years, only 6 rookie WRs have scored 10 or more TDs in a season:
1 – Ja’Marr Chase (Cin) – 2021 – 13 TDs
2 – Mike Evans (TB) – 2014 – 12 TDs
3 – Odell Beckham (NYG) – 2014 – 12 TDs
4 – Mike Williams (TB) – 2010 – 11 TDs
5 – Jordan Addison (Min) – 2023 – 10 TDs
6 – Calvin Ridley (Atl) – 2018 – 10 TDs
Of those, only Mike Williams wasn’t a 1st Rnd pick, and he fizzled out fairly quickly.
I love Chris Godwin, but realistically his game benefits greatly from being able to play opposite Mike Evans. And vice-versa BTW. Not re-signing Mike would be detrimental to our offense in more ways than one. Personally I think it’d also be detrimental to our defense, because replacing Mike would take on an even higher priority than replacing Shaq in our defense with a Rnd 1 pick.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:46 pm
Love this from Licht!! The narrative has been like we’re the ugly girl at the dance this whole negotiation. I’d hate to lose Evans, but I’m a Bucs fan first. Mike and his slimy agent are looking out for Mike, Licht’s job is to look out for the Bucs. Saw on Twitter recently a breakdown of Julio Jones’ numbers before and after his age 30-31 seasons, worth taking a look at as it relates to Mike. I could be wrong, but I really don’t think Mike’s market is what he and his agent seem to think it is. Would KC give him $30M for his age 31 season? Probably. Would they give him a 3 year $90M deal? I dunno about that. Will the Texans have a better record than us next year? Almost assuredly. But are they gonna be in the AFC championship? I’m pretty doubtful about that. So it’s really up to Mike what’s important to him. I don’t think the Bucs are trying to lowball him or anything, but they may not be quite the top of the market either. Money, legacy, team success, the streak… lots to consider. But it’s great to see us put a little bass in our voice as far as the conversation goes. Nice job Jason 👍
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:50 pm
Marine Buc … I agree 100% on Brian Burns. His Market Value is listed at $21.7 mil and he’s only 25 years old. Spotrac suggests giving him a 5-year $108 mil contract. That’d be considerably less expensive than the Chargers’ Joey Bosa ($27 mil per year) who’s averaged 8.5 sacks per year over his 8-year career. Burns has averaged about 9 sacks per year over his 5-year career.
March 3rd, 2024 at 6:56 pm
I remember 21 … ‘Saw on Twitter recently a breakdown of Julio Jones’ numbers before and after his age 30-31 seasons, worth taking a look at as it relates to Mike.’
I get what you’re saying, but remember that JL was the one who gave Julio $6 mil to come play for us in 2022. And for that he gave us 10 games, 2 TDs and 300 yards. Not very impressive.
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:08 pm
I remember 21 Says: Would KC give him $30M for his age 31 season? Probably. Would they give him a 3 year $90M deal?
……..
Why would KC pay Evans that money when they wouldn’t with Tyreek Hill. Hill can do more and was a known quantity and KC traded him when the money got too high
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:09 pm
@ DR
I agree – ME13’s production will be difficult to change.
However – he only scored 6 TDs in 2022. In 2018 and 2019 he only had 8. In 2017 he only had 5 TDs. In 2015 he only had 3…
So let’s not overstate his “production” value here.
Let’s be honest – he was in a contract year. He had way too many drops. And he is on the wrong side of 30…
Brian Burns (25) > Mike Evans (31)
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:11 pm
@ DR
“I agree – ME13’s production will be difficult to change.”
Meant to say “replace” not “change”.
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:27 pm
It’s all posturing.
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:32 pm
Anyone advocating to move on from Mike Evans over a few million dollars need to permanently stop posting about the Buccaneers. Seriously.
March 3rd, 2024 at 7:32 pm
I was thinking if things go south, theoretically the Bucs could lose every captain on 2023 squad except one. Here’s to hoping that’s not the case.
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Evans is a year in and year out A proven commodity. Mayfield is the free agent they should let test the market, he’s a career 42 wins 47 loss QB with an 18th ranked QBR, he at times make some great plays, he’s a scrappy competitor. Mayfield is not accurate at throwing the ball beyond 10 yards, his accuracy is subject. The Bucs GM needs to use common sense in throwing all his eggs in the Mayfield basket.
He may be the best current option, but I don’t believe the best long term option.
Gotta continue the search to find a true franchise QB. Don’t saddle the franchise with a huge deal that will be a detriment to the salary cap for years to a guy that’s average at best.
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:17 pm
I understand both sides however, the Bucs need Evans who has had top production for a WR in the NFL for 9 or more years. Drafting a WR is a he might be a super star or he may be a bust. The same goes for a free agent. With Evans you know what you’ve got as far as production. Nonetheless, if the Bucs don’t want to pay him then Evans shouldn’t hesitate to go somewhere else and make his money and let the chips fall where they may
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:17 pm
Evans is more important to the team than Mayfield. Period. Mayfield was an unwanted QB league wide. Evans helped him be wanted again. Without Evans Mayfield will be Mayfield again. Pre bucks style
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:41 pm
Some sites are reporting buzz that Bucs and Winfield zeroing in on a 3 year 60 million dollar contract. Bucs would then seek to sign Mayfield which would allow them to tag Evans. I guess we will find out soon.
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:47 pm
“It’s gotta be a good deal on both ends,” Licht said.
That’s basically the definition of a “good deal” – when BOTH sides wish they could have done a little better you’ve hit the sweet spot for a fair and “good” deal.
There are different ways to give and get whats good for both parties.
If Evans is adamant that he wants OVER $25M per – then perhaps the Bucs can still make that work by playing with the internals – like less guarantees – or less up front bonus or backload the biggest salary to the last year and don’t guarantee it….
Conversely – if the Bucs can get Evans to sign for a more realistic $22.5M per or somesuch – then you up the guarantees and up front $….
Examples:
4 years – $110M – $60M Guaranteed – $20M up front bonus
ME makes $27.5M per average but the Bucs have an out after year 2
4 years – $90M – $70M Guaranteed – $25M up front bonus
ME makes $22.5M per but has guarantees for 3 years with a nice chunk up front
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:48 pm
I hope we keep Mike.
Let him find the best price he can get in the Market- then pay him that.
Same with AWJ. Let him find his value.
Players can’t complain- if you pay them their best offer.
You dont play that game with Mayfield. He has a contract in his hands. Pay him!
Hes 28. Lock him up long term. Players want long term security. Give it to him.
Teams will go insane over a franchise QB.
Sign him now, or tag him, to give us time for a long term contract.
Everyone else will get offered close to fair Value. We can afford that.
Mayfield may get offered insane numbers.don’t risk it
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:55 pm
“RGA Says:
March 3rd, 2024 at 8:10 pm”
……………………….
HOW many names have you posted under here???
March 3rd, 2024 at 9:14 pm
Can thank Jon Robinson for the rest of Bucs front office not getting poached. He was such a flop in Tennessee, I think other owners are scared.
March 3rd, 2024 at 9:39 pm
You are a idiot Capt. Tim they are not going to expose Winfield he has cheapest franchise tag # .he is young and probaly the best defense play ever on team.you don’t expose him for just anybody to sign find his value gesssh what a idiot.
March 3rd, 2024 at 9:56 pm
Marine Buc … I keep wondering how the Bucs could even remotely afford paying all of our Top-5 what they want. Every time I total it up it comes up to $100 mil for the 5 of them IF we pay them what they’re supposedly asking. When you look at the 5 guys we’re already paying big bucks to (Godwin, Vea, Davis, Dean, Wirfs) and then add in the $22 mil we have in Dead CAP and the $22 mil we owe to Shaq & Jensen it just seems impossible to reconcile.
My guess is that we’ll give Wirfs a new contract AND restructure most if not all of the other top earners, but still seems like we’re trying to climb Mount Whitney. Something’s gonna give.
March 3rd, 2024 at 10:21 pm
@Marine Buc
I don’t think you can really overstate Mike’s TD production since entering the league. He’s 2nd in TD catches since entering the league. Only behind Davante by 1. He’s finished top 5 in TD catches in 3 of the last 6 seasons. Two others inside the top 13. Mike will always be a redzone threat because of his size. I’d feel better about moving off him if the Bucs actually had any legitimate TD threats outside Mike. It’s not like the Bucs got a good rushing attack to get those TD’s. It’s a gamble finding a player or players in the draft to replace that.
I do agree though that Brian Burns is better value. I just don’t see how or why the Panthers wouldn’t just tag and trade him if they are moving off him instead of getting at most a 3rd round comp pick a year later.
March 3rd, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Numbers for the last 5 years…
NAME GP REC YDS REC TRG AVG REC YDS/G REC TD RUSH YDS ATT YPC RUSH YDS/G RUSH TD
Tyreek Hill Tyreek Hill 77 6,884 494 724 13.9 89.4 51 289 43 6.7 3.8 3
Davante Adams Davante Adams 76 6,584 524 800 12.6 86.6 56 -1 3 -0.3 0.0 0
Stefon Diggs Stefon Diggs 81 6,502 508 738 12.8 80.3 43 64 8 8.0 0.8 0
Travis Kelce Travis Kelce 79 6,092 497 688 12.3 77.1 42 12 5 2.4 0.2 2
A.J. Brown A.J. Brown 77 5,947 379 598 15.7 77.2 42 70 5 14.0 0.9 1
Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson 60 5,899 392 576 15.0 98.3 30 28 12 2.3 0.5 1
DJ Moore DJ Moore 81 5,777 405 670 14.3 71.3 27 184 30 6.1 2.3 1
Cooper Kupp Cooper Kupp 69 5,631 465 642 12.1 81.6 40 104 20 5.2 1.5 1
Amari Cooper Amari Cooper 79 5,578 389 613 14.3 70.6 35 20 7 2.9 0.3 0
Mike Evans Mike Evans 77 5,577 367 604 15.2 72.4 54 10 1 10.0 0.1 0
DK Metcalf DK Metcalf 82 5,332 372 618 14.3 65.0 43 17 3 5.7 0.2 0
March 3rd, 2024 at 10:36 pm
@Defense Rules
Davis and Godwin are FA’s next year so the Bucs will have to move on from them next year. I’d rather signs Evans, draft a replacement for Godwin to have in the system for next year. Same with Carlton in this year’s draft class. Dean might be a cut or trade candidate too in 2024 if Zyon continues to develope and the Bucs can find another guy in the draft. He will also be in a contract year next year too so not really a long term deal. Vita and Wirfs are really the only long term ones that are be 3 years or longer.
Bucs are in good cap shape these next years so far too. 104M in space next year that will mostly be taken up by this year’s class of FA’s with no real standout FA’s to sign in 2024. 231M in space in 2026 which again this year’s class will take a decent chunk out of. This is all according to Overthecap. Licht just has to keep stacking good drafts like he did in 2022 and 2023
March 3rd, 2024 at 10:38 pm
No real FA standouts to sign in 2025*. My bad
March 3rd, 2024 at 10:59 pm
I suspect the annual dollar amount is not the biggest hurdle – its years of guarantee…the Bucs probably want to do 2yrs but may go 3yrs….Evans probably wants 4…So the Bucs may have to let him actually test free agency to see if someone else is willing to give him that 4th year…
remember most teams don’t let #1 receivers go (minus KC) – you just don’t replace that type of player with the #26 pick in the draft. Saying that, the Bucs didn’t do a deal before the season for a reason. he’s getting older and has had some hammy issues in the past…this is where the Bucs personal knowledge of the player comes into play…do they think they can get 2 really good years out of him before he starts to decline?
Do you then over pay a little for Mayfield if you are going to lose Evans? If the sides are that far a part..I’d franchise Evans – let him play on the $21.8 this year and whatever it is for 2025…while hopefully trying to replace some of his production over the next 2yrs…
Wirfs / young and very good = sign long term
Winfield Jr / young and very good = sign long term
Mayfield = Young – solid QB ($40m sounds like a lot now but the top tier QBs will be making $60m…we can’t go rookie QB with this staff…so I think we need to over pay and hold our nose)
Going to be a fun offseason.
GO BUCS!
March 3rd, 2024 at 11:20 pm
Minus KC and GB and Minnesota (Moss) and………
It happens all the time.
I know you guys don’t wanna thi k about rolling with Penix, but Penix with the additions of Burns and Queen plus a new C and LG and a few other FAs in place of Mayfield and Mike at least gives us a fighting chance.
Taking a QB round 1 and a WR round 2 still makes the team fun to watch.
It’s not the end of the World, just ask SF.
A good overall team is better than Baker and Mike.
March 3rd, 2024 at 11:22 pm
I think pickgrin nailed it. I can’t wait to see how close his contract example is to the deal he signs.
March 3rd, 2024 at 11:54 pm
Evans can’t be franchise tagged. Well he could, but it would be stupid.
His cap hit last year was more than this year’s tag amount – so his franchise tag amount would be 120% of last year’s # – which means his franchise tag value would be close to $29M for 2024. And then 2025’s # would be 120% of that # again – so like $35M….
March 4th, 2024 at 2:37 am
greenberg needs to call saints mgmt. and ask they how they do it…lol
March 4th, 2024 at 8:57 am
Sorry Mike. Its a bad year to be a FA WR.