Chances That Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans Return Just Dropped
January 25th, 2024
Domino effect?
The arrow is pointing down.
There is no way that Joe can spin this. Bucs playcaller Dave Canales taking the Carolina head coaching job bad news for the Bucs, who looked like they had just found their franchise quarterback and looked like their future Hall of Fame receiver would return this spring.
Wherever Mayfield signs this winter, he will get a nice contract. And that is thanks to Canales saving his career.
The guy who got the most out of Mayfield as an NFL quarterback is gone. If Canales had gone anywhere but Carolina, Mayfield may have just followed him.
Then there is Evans. One reason why Evans had one of the best years of his career is that Canale used Evans on routes that the best receiver in Bucs history said he never ran before.
Think that’s just a coincidence that Evans’ numbers spiked this year?
Joe has to believe now that Mayfield’s price has at least slightly risen. He likely will be asking for more guaranteed Team Glazer loot.
And if Mayfield leaves, Joe can then easily see Evans leaving. Remember, Evans said if he returns to the Bucs, he wants Mayfield as his quarterback.
Joe has long maintained that Evans would be perfect on Houston’s roster given who is throwing the rock, and working with those excellent young Texans receivers.
And Houston is only an hour from Evans’ home in Galveston.
Also, the Chiefs loom as a suitor. Ending your career with Patrick Mahomes would be awfully tough to turn down.
Canales leaving is not good for the Bucs (or for Bucs coach Todd Bowles). And it could be devastating.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:12 pm
Leftwhich/Winston round 2?
January 25th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Wow. This is quite dramatic. Wait and see who they hire first before saying the sky is falling. Run game was garbage under Canales. Offense sputtered for most of season.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:15 pm
Said this in another article. Frank Reich had a guaranteed $36 million contract and Canales likely got a similar deal so if he is likely fired in 2/3 years, his family is set and will get another job. That’s why Canales did it. He will have the excuse that Tepper is an ass and not that he is a bad coach. With that said, I don’t think mayfield and Evans leave. If there is a good OC replacement and both like that guy and they are paid enough then they will stay.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Joe is as pathetic as 90 percent of the so-called Bucs fans that post here. Low energy with a low t-cell count = sad.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Well, that sucks…
January 25th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
I think worst case scenerio is Mayfield signs the Franchise tag at 35 mil. That might not leave room to sign Evans, Winfield Jr. and others (Unless Wirfs accepts a contract alteration)
Sad to see Canales go but so happy for him. He is more than deserving of this opprotunity. He will have a GM on the same page as him and a bright young talented QB to groom.
More than losing Mayfield or Evans, I wonder what this does to Todd Bowles status? If the Bucs go complete rebuild does a guy like Mike Vrabel make more sense?
January 25th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
I am shocked he took that job. Look at the potential openings next season. Dallas, Philadelphia, NY Giants, Buffalo, New Orleans as well as potential Chicago, Minnesota, Pittsburgh even the Bucs. I though he was going through the interview process just to get his name out there for next season. But he may have felt, Leftwich did the same thing with Jacksonville and was out of the league a year later. Better to take a bird in the hand, then wait for two in the bush. But I think it will be a mistake.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Knew this would happen. I think Bucs lose Mike to the Texans now. Maybe not baker though.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
unless they ace the OC hire, i think we will suck again.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
Yep …
January 25th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
I’d love to see Mike Evans help Houston over the top. I’m ready to get this dead cap wiped away. Time to stop kicking the can down the road, and pick that can up and reset. Also time to be more patriot like. Let them go a year too soon then pay them a year too long. I love Mike Evans and am grateful to have had him prove over and over that Beckham is trash in comparison. Let him go chase another ring.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
You think this is a good thing? Please explain.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Reich himself might not be a bad idea for OC. Obviously it was a dumpster fire in Carolina, but he did well before that in Indy.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:22 pm
I don’t see what was so special or different about Canales offense. Most of Evans catches were go routes and Mayfield was looking for Mike 1st most of the time anyway. Canales did seem to get more out of QBs thou so I think that’s the talent that will be needed to be replaced the most
January 25th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
Actually, with Canales gone….Mayfield is worth less & is more of a risk。Not just Tampa but everywhere……It’s all about the money for Mike.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:25 pm
First shoe to drop. Why would anyone stay with Bowles?
I bet coach Canales wouldn’t let a time out go to waste in a playoff game of that magnitude.
It will be like rats jumping off a sinking ship now.
Let it burn! We need a new HC and GM.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Nothing shocking about it. Even from a football perspective.
He’s working now with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft. If Bryce Young develops, Canales can pick his next job having saved three quarterbacks’ careers in succession. Everybody in the league would want him. If Young develops, Canales is set for a bare minimum five years.
He’s working now with an old friend (GM Dan Morgan).
His owner, though crazy, isn’t afraid of spending cash to get players.
And if the Panthers do anything under him, he’s set up for another head coaching gig. Carolina can only go up from here.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:28 pm
Escape from Bowles continues.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Baker can go, but we need Mike Evans to stay. Mike Evans can get 1,000 yards with any quarterback, ask Josh McCown. Hopefully with Baker gone we can pay Mike Evans what he wants. Baker needs elite receivers, running backs, and very good defenses to win games because he can’t carry the team by himself or save his defense from collapsing, so he’s expendable. I hope Baker does go to the panthers and belichick goes to the falcons so we can crush them both 4 times a year. Go Bucs!
January 25th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Oh no the sky is falling we should probably go ahead and put out an article that now we are only projected to win 4 games next year instead of 9 or 10 lol. They took Canales but can someone tell me if they also took our money guy Mike Greenberg?
January 25th, 2024 at 1:31 pm
There is no way Baker goes back to Carolina IMO
January 25th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
My only gripe about this is the owner in Carolina has proven to be a terrible human and meddler of football operations. His actions this season demonstrate literally the opposite the ethic that Canales espouses.
I always thought he would be a front man some day, but this was a mis-step and I don’t see it working out unless Tepper exits all operations.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Yeah, looking at Mike I wouldn’t bet on him sticking around if Mayfield goes to.
ESPECIALLY since we now have no team integrity, and No Stability. NOT A SUPER BOWL HOPEFULL! And I’m sure he’s tired of bouncing around with a new system with what Will Be YEARLY now. I was Screaming this when we hired Canales…. Of course that fell on deaf ears.
“A one year contract for an OC is absolutely a RETARDED move! How dumb was it? REAL DUMB! You sign an OC for 2 years MINIMUM!. Just an INCREDIBLY STUPID move on the Glazers and Licht’s part! JUST WOW!!!
With a MINIMUM of a two year contract, we either ENSURE a steady program for 2 years, we TRADE his contract to Carolina or WHOEVER, or if we don’t like him we DUMP HIM BY THE ROADSIDE, TAKE A SMALL HIT, AND MOVE ON….
Nope, our geniuses chose the MOST DAMAGING choice possible. BRAVO you Dumb S.O.B.’s!
January 25th, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Preparing myself to the fact that carolina is gonna run all over us next season
January 25th, 2024 at 1:36 pm
Well we could use the Franchise designation and keep Mayfield… it seems like the wheels are coming off now though… I really thought we would have a chance to contend next year. I wonder why the Glazers didn’t at least offer to give Canales a raise to keep him?
January 25th, 2024 at 1:36 pm
You can hire any waterboy from the Shanahan tree and get similar or better results. It was a shock to the system over here to go from late 2000s Arians concepts to the modern NFL.
The problem is you’ll have to do it every year. Either because the defensive HC gets fired, or the OC was good enough to drag a defensive HC to 9 wins will get them a HC job.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:36 pm
“Canales leaving is not good for the Bucs (or for Bucs coach Todd Bowles). And it could be devastating.”
Wow Joe – or should I say Chicken Little….
Todd and Jason did a good job finding and hiring Canales – and the next OC could be even better. There – see…. the glass is half full again…….
January 25th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
LOL Nope!
Nor would they sign him.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:38 pm
If they resign Baker, Mike Evans will come back.
Players play, coaches coach.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:38 pm
Go get your money young man happy for you!! Now it’s really time to talk about bringing Baker back. I think at this point I say draft a quarterback in the first round and our new OC can develop him that’s the best way to go now if it’s going to be a new playbook than do it with a young rookie quarterback resnig Evans, Winfield, and David if he wants to come back. I don’t want to hear no more excuses for Baker Mayfield about him being in a new offense. Because his fans not Real bucs fans but his fans will used that excuse every bad game Baker has .
January 25th, 2024 at 1:41 pm
Obvious Says:
January 25th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
“A one year contract for an OC is absolutely a RETARDED move!
………………………………………………………….
There is not a team in the NFL that is going to hold an assistant from getting a Head Coach job….. NONE, it does not matter what the contract term is. BTW, minority hirings are a priority to the NFL head coaching ranks. Lateral moves, yes you can hold them but not moving up to HC
January 25th, 2024 at 1:41 pm
The Exodus begins.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:41 pm
Baker ran off another OC wow… Evans will stay he’s not tied to Baker regardless of what he said post game , it’s player speech after a tough loss. The new OC won’t have faith in Baker either they see the obvious with him.
GoBucs!!!
January 25th, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Has anyone considered how much more money Canales will make? Millions!!!
January 25th, 2024 at 1:45 pm
Does anyone know what the fans think of this hiring in Carolina? I presume they are shell shock…. new GM/ new HC.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:46 pm
This is rough for the Bucs.
Who is our next oc?
Whose WR1?
More worried about those two than retaining baker. Hope we can keep baker, but not at the expense of losing Winfield/Lavonte/Wirfs. I’d rather roll with a journeyman and a rookie.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:47 pm
The sky is falling! Everyone relax! Need to keep Baker, Wirfs, Winfield, LVD and the kicker. Let Evans walk and we draft a faster, more sure handed WR, an Edge rusher and Oline. Godwin was underutilized this year thanks to Canales. Look at the chiefs after Tyreek left.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:48 pm
Agree with Anon hire Brian Griese or one of the Kuhiak brothers from the niners you might even have a better offense. I mean they took Brock Purdy and made him look like Joe Montana so to speak.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:49 pm
At least we know what the Panthers’ playbook will look like next year.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:50 pm
Has anyone considered how much more money Canales will make? Millions!!!
***
Yeah, I think everyone is forgetting this. Position coach, which he’s been most of his career, is barely a six figure job. He was an unproven first-year coordinator this past year, so he was certainly not making huge money now.
But an NFL head coach, even the lowest paid ones, certainly get over a million a year now. There’s no way he can turn that down.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:51 pm
If we had owners w the marbles to throw a drink in someone’s face, we wouldn’t have this inept clown as our head coach.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:51 pm
Fans in Charlotte want to fire their owner, but can’t.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:56 pm
Joe….can we franchise tag Evans??
January 25th, 2024 at 1:57 pm
I friggin told you ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 25th, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Jack Clark, Oneilbuc, and Tampabaybuc fan, You guys may get your wish. Who will be the top QB in 2025 draft, cause Trask is going to lead you there.
January 25th, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Damn, I saw Dave grow as the yr progressed. 100%
I really wanted them to run it back another yr/
Carolina is trying to salvage Bryce Young.
Dave revived 2 QBs careers.
Tough. Real tough.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Can we franchis Mayfield? Then Evans my stay
January 25th, 2024 at 2:02 pm
Well, this sucks, but it pays to take the long view.
this time last year
– No OC (fired the abomination who helped ruin the season)
– No QB other than Trask
– God awful salary cap situation
– Head coach had to demonstrate improvement to keep their job
now
– No OC, but we get two 3rd round draft picks over the next two years
– Possible QB if we can come to terms on a reasonable contract with Mayfield
– Significantly better salary cap situation
– Head coach has to demonstrate improvement to keep their job
Could be worse…
January 25th, 2024 at 2:02 pm
Hopefully next OC’s favorite play is not running up the gut.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
good for him. told you whiners… now look for mike to walk.
we will be stuck with a qb who overachieved and horrible coach in denial who had a cake schedule, horrible division and stacked roster
no more stacked roster soon, welcom several new HC’s to the nfc south and we are back in brown bag land.
bwbahahahahahha
I TOLD YOU SO!!!
January 25th, 2024 at 2:06 pm
Seems to me quite a bit disloyal to Bowles and Licht considering that they plucked him out of obscurity and entrusted him to run this offense knowing Bowles job was on the line. I get that you should take your opportunities when they arise but I still think his best interest long term would have been served developing his offense for one more year. Eff him. Hope we smash him twice a year until he gets run out of Carolina.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
joe ur trippin. mayfield has matured. yes the playing calling was vanilla and run game was weak. i suspect we can lure a good oc knowing that we’re most likely gonna sell out for these two players. period. if mayfield goes u damn well better believe bucs will be telling mike to we’re gonna trade the farm caleb or we’re going all in on cousins. we have options too. don’t think people don’t see the nfc south and think damn if i go there we’re gonna run shit. derek carr is trash. that being said i’d like to have bake and mike back. i think we could get a good 3 year run outta them with some added free agents and draft luck.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:09 pm
He wasn’t even that great but got better.
The NFL should stop this.
An OC or DC should be committed for 2 years minimum.
Some sort of stability.
Ridiculous
January 25th, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Canales leaving definitely not optimal for the Bucs. But he deserved this shift in generational wealth. He got the best out of Baker and Geno. I don’t know whether some of the Buc’s issues with run game and sacks were on him, the players’ skill sets or players not executing.
I am not sure the sky is falling just yet. Leftwhich got 1 year to learn the offense. I am not as high on him but maybe he and Baker can make it work. Just don’t want another Freddie Kitchens/Baker overly confident play calling. That Todd Haley offense only plays in the USFL.
And we can always poach other teams of their QB coach and passing game coordinators. Sounds like many are getting HC gigs after moving up to OC from QB coach. Heck, some went straight to QB coach to HC (see Zac Taylor).
Seattle, Cincy, Minnesota, Chicago, Green Bay, Rams and a few others runs similar offenses. And some college OCs.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Mark
We get no compensation for Canales. Zero. The coach has to be on the team 2 years before draft pick comp kicks in.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:12 pm
Arrow is pointing down? Really? Because the Bucs might lose Canales, Baker and ol’ 13… talk about lack of faith… Canales called plenty of sub-par games, Baker is a mid-tier journeyman QB and Evans is getting old for a non-Jerry Rice WR and will drop off soon.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:12 pm
Yes, we can franchise tag Mayfield but that guarantees him $35mm.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:13 pm
I wish him well. for f’s sake I may as well be rooting against the bucs until they fire TB!
January 25th, 2024 at 2:13 pm
Interesting side note…
This is the first OC that has been hired away from Bowles.
All the rest have been fired.
Let THAT sink in.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:14 pm
Baker Hate Brigade,
Good news for you insightful QB “analysts.” Doubt that Baker will stick around either. Happy days for the Traskites. Hope that Tampa plays Pittsburgh and Baker next season.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
Boss
Being the guy screaming “I told you so” is really childish.
There’s a lot of people who post on here who seem like they would rather be correct at the expense of what’s best for the team.
About 30% of the people who post on this site are pathetic pseudo fans
January 25th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
One question, Joe. It looks like Carolina has one third round pick this year. So are the picks third round this year, and third round next year?
January 25th, 2024 at 2:20 pm
Would Brian Griese be a good fit?
January 25th, 2024 at 2:20 pm
Most people were bitching up a storm about the Canales hire at this time last year. Now suddenly they can’t live without him. Go figure.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:21 pm
We lost an OC that had an inconsistent offense with great receiving talent. If you want to blame Mayfield on the inconsistency Canales was responsible for Mayfield being the starter. Whatever you think it still boils down to an inconsistent offense. Keep our talent except Mayfield and this team will carry the next OC and QB to the playoffs.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:22 pm
This changes nothing. They will find a new OC. They will sign Mike and Baker. And they will be better next year.
The sky is not falling.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Baloney, Evan’s was here before Canales and Baker is looking for a good place to play and it ain’t Carolina with crazy Tepper. I trust Jason to keep these free agents.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:25 pm
I just caught up the past five minutes on this news. I didn’t know prior to 2:20 PM. This is a disaster! I get it, there are only so many head coaching positions out there even if he’ll be working for the worst owner in the NFL.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:25 pm
So dramatic Florida is NFL millionaire friendly
January 25th, 2024 at 2:26 pm
donuts…thanks for the correction. Just saw.
That’s too bad for sure. Ah well, the organization is still better off than this time last year. Lots of work to do, and many opportunities for failure, but Licht and company have shown some progress toward digging out from the hole created during the Super Bowl run.
January 25th, 2024 at 2:34 pm
we shall see in the next days what will come from this but if I were evans and Baker money is where they will go
January 25th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Get the hire approved by Evans and Baker. Can’t see Baker going anywhere. Evans, possibly. Chiefs ? They wouldn’t pay Tyreek 30, they are gonna pay Evans 25? I can’t see that one but who knows. Would make me sick. I’m done with Mahomes and the Chiefs, I hope the Ravens smoke em Sunday. I personally wouldn’t sign Evans if I was Houston. I’d be pretty happy with Collins and Dell while using that 25 million elsewhere, although Evans Collins and Dell with Stroud would be one of the leagues best offenses.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:00 pm
I do think if Baker isn’t resigned, Evans is gone. Bucs need to get busy as Bucs fan confidence is wavering.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
This is a great thing…1st time coordinator signed as opposing team coach. That’s amazing for us..
Mike evans makes people look great.
He will be a huc for life Jason won’t let him walk.
I’m ok with baker leaving but indont think he will.
He likes his weapons here.
Will get a more season coach for the offense one who knows how to run the ball.
I’m not worried in the least.
I think we gain more then we lost.
I didn’t think the offense looked balance or good.
The lions should of never beat us.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
The Bucs could have demoted Bowles – who would have resigned – and installed an up and coming coach in the vein of these other offensive minded youngsters – but noooooooooooooooo – we get to keep Bowles with a PROVEN track record of mediocrity. Nice work front office!
January 25th, 2024 at 3:07 pm
I don’t care about Mayfield, but Evans, that would be a huge huge issue – so save the franchise tag in case it’s needed.
As for the OC, I said it the other day in jest, sorta … but seriously, go talk to Bruce Arians. He’s had a little time off, maybe he’d come back just to call plays.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
I don’t see either of them leaving. Baker has been saying he loves the Bucs organization and not just the OC. I’m sure he will have some input into who the new OC. Just take a deep breath and calm the inner chicken little.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:15 pm
Who can blame any player that leaves the Bucs or avoids signing with the Bucs because Bowles is such a horrible coach… ANY shot at a Super Bowl ring is zero as long as TB is HC!
January 25th, 2024 at 3:17 pm
I actually like this. He is not ready. That means I the Panthers will struggle.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:22 pm
Saw this on X… So what is the deal?….
”
The Buccaneers do not receive draft-pick compensation under the NFL’s system for rewarding teams that develop minority head coaching candidates hired elsewhere, however, because he spent only one season with the organization.
11:24 AM · Jan 25, 2024″
January 25th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
If that traitor canales runs the Panthers like he did in Tampa they will b on the bottom of the league again I am quite sick of hearing how he resurrected baker career WTF r u people talking about baker already has the juice in his DNA that guy didn’t resurrect anybody like Geno smith he competed in competition with luck & won the job HTF does that say canales was the savior don’t we have a QB coach on each team its not the OC job to king pin the QB canales was lucky that baker played well down the stretch to earn another year here.mike Evans didn’t say he wud stay here as long as canales was here it was said as long as MAYFIELD stayed dont hold canales jock strap bye bye jackass
January 25th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
mark2001 Says:
The Buccaneers do not receive draft-pick compensation under the NFL’s system for rewarding teams that develop minority head coaching candidates hired elsewhere, however, because he spent only one season with the organization.
————–
Yeah, but he identifies as being here for 2 years.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Tye says if that is true wth did canales come here this year that is dumb also bowles already has a SB ring with the bucs & last time I checked he was a big part of that success jackass.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
BakerBucs Says:
January 25th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
If that traitor canales
———-
More Baker Boi logic… how dare Canales leave their cult figure? No one leaves Baker and lives to tell about it. Right, nutjob?
No back to work, there’s a spill in aisle 11.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Congratulations to those commenters here who said it would be a wasted season and accomplish nothing by playing Baker as he wouldn’t win anything and he would leave after the season and we’d be left having no clue how our second round quarterback can do with starters in a game. What a clusterfark.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:32 pm
2 words, 1 name. Scottie. Montgomery.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Tough break for Baker as he will now have yet another new offensive coordinator. Canales was a good hire and shows that Bowles can assess coaching potential. Bowles will likely look for another young coach with a similar philosophy or promote Canales top assistant. This is not a smart hire for Carolina. Reminds me of when Raheem was hired. Carolina wants someone to rescue their bad #1 choice. He sure doesn’t look like a guy with great potential.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:38 pm
WOW! I hope Joe is being sarcastic!
It would’ve been nice if Canales stayed, but it want like this offense was stellar. It would’ve been nice to see this offense in a second year and for his to show how much he learned and improved.
I don’t want to be a jerk, but I can’t see him succeeding with that team. He went to the worst team in the league who doesn’t have their #1 draft pick, and has a ton of holes in their roster.
Thoughts are the Bucs will just promote the QB coach.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:44 pm
When you have trouble finding crew and then after one voyage , the crew that you did find ,abandons ship at the earliest opportunity, that’s not good , we’ll have to see if more desertions follow.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:45 pm
The bottom line is the Bucs are in better shape than last year, so someone will come and do well. Baker will be franchised. Okay forward march…….
January 25th, 2024 at 3:46 pm
I think we lose Mayfield and Evans.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Good luck and good riddance. If Canales thinks taking a HC job for that boob in Carolina is a smart career move after one so-so season as a play caller (remember we were near the bottom in points scored…again!) then it just shows he’s maybe not as smart as he thinks he is and isn’t a “team guy” but a “me” guy.
If he took the HC job almost anywhere else, sure. Go for it. Washington, LA (but they got Harbaugh), etc but Carolina with Tepper? Dumb.
With the outlook looking bright here for next season, he would have had a much bigger feather in his cap if he stayed and we put up 10+ wins.
As for “resurrecting” Baker’s career….gimme a break. Baker had weapons finally and at least a semblance of a game plan, but maybe 12 out of 17 games this year it looked like Lefty was still calling the plays. Lol
Hopefully the new OC search isn’t as much of a struggle as last year but we have a conundrum….If we can re-sign Baker and Evans, that makes us more of a desirable destination for an OC, but can we sign them if we don’t have a legit OC in place? There are some good OC candidates out there but we need to move quickly. I’m not a big fan of Bienemy, but Frank Reich? He’s a damn good QB-friendly OC.
Anyway, see ya Dave. Good luck with the puny QB and bi-polar owner.
January 25th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Why cant arians just come back and be the OC ? He can just stay in the booth and call plays he doesent have too be on the field all the time i knows thats the reason he quit cause of his health but still your in a booth sitting A/C on water etcccc… lol he said he always wanted too coach mayfiled too in 2018 before the draft
January 25th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Hopefully, Mayfield will join him!!
January 25th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
My guess is the brain trust was waiting to see if Canales took off. Now they can fire Todd (see time management and other game issues this and in prior years) and chase either Monken or Coach Rah.
January 25th, 2024 at 4:18 pm
Rusty Shackleford: You are an idiot. T-cells are lymphocytes that perform specificity of the bodies immune response to antigens. What you are lacking, obviously, are brain cells(and perhaps too much T).
January 25th, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Final thought….I get chasing the money and the prestige of being a HC, but there’s something to be said for NOT chasing “today’s money” when “future money” can be so much more. He blew his chance to build a better resume’ and it could bit him in the arse.
Look at Josh McDaniels. He’s 10 times the OC Canales showed this year but a horrible HC, getting fired mid-season from 2 different teams (better organizations overall than Carolina with better talent too). Now his reputation is in shambles and will be looking to get another OC job if his ego can take the demotion.
Maybe he does well but the odds aren’t in his favor. People gushing over a “perceived magic” of “turning the Bucs offense around” or being a “QB whisperer” is a bunch of hooey. A goldfish could have improved our offense over what Lefty did last year and his “whispering” didn’t stick with Geno Smith this year either. Did Canales hit Geno with one of those mind erasers from Men in Black on his way out the door last off season?
He showed improvement this season towards the end. Almost…..almost to the point where I could stomach his pressers. If Bryce Young turns into Steve Young next year I’ll be a believer. If not, well……
January 25th, 2024 at 4:36 pm
Yup.
This sucks.
Why even bother retaining Bowles lol
January 25th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
@Jackclark Amen! On the thoughtful take!
January 25th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Strike while the pan is hot. I still think he wasn’t very good so glad we got the picks and he set his family up with generational wealth.
January 25th, 2024 at 4:45 pm
I think Canales play calls were awful and he stubornly refused to change The endless runs up the middle were a joke, The Offense never really played attack modedaring the defense to stop them instead of taking what the defense gave him. I did not understand Dave Canales thought process one bit. I feel sorry for him in Carolina.
January 25th, 2024 at 4:45 pm
And of course we don’t even get the comp picks… par for the course, this team always gets effed in every way possible.
#ItsABucsLife indeed
January 25th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
I know that Baker would like some consistency at OC, he hasn’t had it in his career. Bring in Eric Bienemy from Washington, that dumpster is back in full blaze! He works well with players and would elevate the offense.
January 25th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
@ Tony1775 – there are no picks.
We got absolutely nothing except a coaching position to fill and more questions about this team
January 25th, 2024 at 4:51 pm
@unbelievable Says- Damn. That changes things 😄
January 25th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
Raheem morris falcons new coach
January 25th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
Talk about a knee jerk reaction calm down
January 25th, 2024 at 5:07 pm
Seriously there about three or four so far that think losing Canales is no big deal. I am one of them, scoring wasn’t great, play calling through most of the season was bad, 9-8 regular season was meh. The guy is a one trick pony and will be in serious trouble dealing with Tepper. There are better OCs out there that can take advantage of our passing game. Will enjoy seeing the Bucs defense defending the run up the middle next year…. lol
January 25th, 2024 at 5:10 pm
There is still a strong possibility Baker and Mike stay in Tampa. No way Baker goes to Carolina for either party involved. The QB coach gets promoted to OC, and business continues as usual. Have a great draft and free agency. Go win the Super Bowl next year. It’s simple.
January 25th, 2024 at 5:16 pm
CRAZY LOGIC JOE
Joe says, Canales made Baker a success. Canales leaving makes Baker’s price tag goes up.
What? What? Huh?
If you believe Canales was the reason for Baker’s success, him leaving is a major blow to Baker’s value. That’s actually legit. Baker now has to learn another new system. He is in away a journeyman QB, again.
January 25th, 2024 at 5:28 pm
Oh thank you lord in heaven. Kyle Trask finally gets his chance…to compete with Joe Flacco Garopolo Cousins Trubisky
January 25th, 2024 at 5:28 pm
Its not a blow were talking about Baker ! Wow who cares both of them are bums
January 25th, 2024 at 5:30 pm
Who is to say Trask could of been a 500 QB Lets Goooooooooooooo
January 25th, 2024 at 5:52 pm
I think the Bucs need to trade the 2 Third round picks they got for Dave Canales and the incredible Kyle Trask & trade this bundle for a first round pick. They can then draft a Center & Lineman.
What team would not jump at Trask the greatest player who never played.
January 25th, 2024 at 5:53 pm
I would hire the Philly oc that was fired. He was trasks oc at Florida and let baker walk. Build the trenches and we will be fine
January 25th, 2024 at 5:55 pm
You think Bakers it . Baker will show himself next year wherever hes at >
January 25th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Let Evans & Baker move on to better options. THEN the Bucs will tank and then bowels will be let go!
January 25th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Wow Bakers the man Huh , he will show himself next year
January 25th, 2024 at 5:59 pm
There is nothing more Special than a 2nd Round QB. THese Qb’s are more special than the first pick of the NFL Draft who also is a QB because a 2nd Round Qb is more Special according to this forum.
January 25th, 2024 at 6:08 pm
I’m getting bad ‘Bucs life’ vibes about all this. Worst case scenario we lose Canales and Evans but retain Bowles and Baker. Good grief. Of all the things that could have played out, that scenario would be the worst. Licht, please sign Mike and let Baker walk. Mike’s been propping up inferior QBs his entire career. He’s way more critical to this team’s success.
January 25th, 2024 at 6:08 pm
jason knows…lvd. mike. baker. dumb wasn’t made in NE
January 25th, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Chickster: For one, your name is stupid. And two, who cares what you think? You’re late to the game miss…
January 25th, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Jack Clark Says:
January 25th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Baker can go, but we need Mike Evans to stay. Mike Evans can get 1,000 yards with any quarterback, ask Josh McCown. Hopefully with Baker gone we can pay Mike Evans what he wants. Baker needs elite receivers, running backs, and very good defenses to win games because he can’t carry the team by himself or save his defense from collapsing, so he’s expendable. I hope Baker does go to the panthers and belichick goes to the falcons so we can crush them both 4 times a year. Go Bucs!
_________________
Complete nonsense. Was it that last place running game and critical drops throughout the season that “saved Mayfield”? Maybe it was that powerful O and D line that saved Mayfield? Mayfield did more for Canales this year than vise versa. Maybe you forgot the 1st and 2nd down runs up the middle for a total of 3 yards leaving 3rd and long? Three quarters of the season heard nothin but endless criticism of Canales on these pages. Now he is the saviour of a Heisman Trophy winner who played at Oklahoma?
January 25th, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Bucfan Says:
“Let Evans & Baker move on to better options. THEN the Bucs will tank and then bowels will be let go!”
Big Bucs (and Brady) fan. Live in Houston and root for the Texans too. Are the Tampa fan base ready for three years of rebuild futility after Super Bowls and 4 straight NFC south titles? It was a miserable last 3 years. Not sure the success we found in Houston this year was worth it. Scars do hurt still.
I get the feeling older fans and younger fans that want to win now want to keep the offense with improved run game and improve the defense to try to take it to the next level. I am middle age and maybe not as impulsive to win now for long-term success. Though I really want to see this core team do one more year in this offense. I’m on the fence on whether to play the players or reboot the team.
January 25th, 2024 at 6:40 pm
Just when we thought we may have a team on the upswing the carpet gets pulled right out from underneath us. What a kick in the nuts!
January 25th, 2024 at 6:51 pm
Bowles is one bad season from being shown the door. There’s no reason to believe that 2024 won’t be it.
Both Carolina and Atlanta will be better so 9-8 won’t cut it anymore.
What decent co-ordinator prospect leaves a good situation to join the Bowles clown show for one season?
Let’s move on with a new HC/staff and build a contender.
January 25th, 2024 at 7:12 pm
A true rarity for an OC under Bowles to move up!
Usually, they take the blame and get fired.
Actually, all of them have.
January 25th, 2024 at 7:12 pm
Just wait and see how it all shakes out. Maybe they’ll find an OC who is a better fit and can utilize the talent better. Think positive!
January 25th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
“Wherever Mayfield signs this winter, he will get a nice contract. And that is thanks to Canales saving his career.”
Really? Bowles gave Baker his shot. Bowles gave Canales his shot.
So who saved whose career? Could it not be said that Baker MADE Canales just as much as Canales made him. I make a case that ME13 did far more to “save” Baker’s career more than Canales! I’d say those OL took their disrespect seriously and showed ALL of us what they could do. How many rib smashing, concussion like, ankle twisting hits did Canales take? How much DOUBT did he have to overcome? It’s actually pretty insulting to just say Canalas made Baker.
Perhaps the D contributed just enough to win those ten games which is what resurrected Baker’s career.
Reality check. Baker saved Baker’s career…not by himself but if you use the legal “but for” test BAKER deserves the Lion’s share of credit for reviving his career, turning down a cake opportunity in LA to sit behind Stafford for a few years and gamble on a CHEAP 4 million contract to SAVE his career as a starter.
“But for” Baker Canales would not now be a head Coach!
Continuity would have been great…not going to happen…but I really, really like the character of this team…if they keep ME13 AND Baker…pick up a couple of OL…the offense will hum.
January 25th, 2024 at 7:29 pm
Wyoming joe your name sounds like a old man with no teeth just let baker walk and you go with him
January 25th, 2024 at 7:42 pm
Chickster
Really that’s what you bring to this blog. An insult based on literally NOTHING but your opinion. An old man with no teeth? What are you a freaking dentist?
January 25th, 2024 at 8:32 pm
Rod Munch Says:
January 25th, 2024 at 3:07 pm
I don’t care about Mayfield, but Evans, that would be a huge huge issue – so save the franchise tag in case it’s needed.
I totally agree. Baker should receive journeyman’s pay. Whatever Tyrod Taylor is making is what Baker should be making. He did some good things but those 6 out of seven losses in midseason were mostly because of his bad play. He’s another Jameis!
January 25th, 2024 at 8:48 pm
FA just got a lot more interesting. Over the last month, I’ve been reading the Bears are going to be making a run at Evans. If the Bucs lose Evans and/or Baker it will also totally change their draft plan.
Time for Licht to show why he gets paid big dollars as the GM
January 25th, 2024 at 8:50 pm
Do you guys ever feel shame?
January 25th, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Glad we kept Todd – if you like Quit
January 25th, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Losers lose. Todd blow-es
January 25th, 2024 at 9:19 pm
Baker seems to like Bowles as much as Canales. My guess is mgt gets Baker’s input on the OC hire, he stays, Evans stays, and life goes on.
January 25th, 2024 at 9:42 pm
Meh I’ll wait and see what they do. I think it’s another bad move by Carolina. Our offense wasn’t great. He made some boneheaded calls himself this past season. If it wasn’t the Panthers then I think maybe Mayfield follows him but Mayfield wants to be a starter not a stop gap. Our only competition for BM are other teams who need a starter and aren’t in position to draft one.
January 25th, 2024 at 10:10 pm
We need a NEW TODD, an OFFENSIVE minded TODD, one the Glaziers already KNOW!!
TODD MONKEN is an OFFENSIVE genius, and has a better resume than this FIRST YEAR O.C.! CANALES will be “1 and DONE” in Carolina TOO!
🏴☠️GO BUCS🏴☠️
January 25th, 2024 at 11:49 pm
What about your second round QB? Second round QB is more important than having a QB who was the #1 draft pick. LOL
January 26th, 2024 at 12:04 am
I’d franchise tag Antoine if anybody if they can’t get a deal done. No way I let him go somewhere else.
January 26th, 2024 at 1:06 am
It would be a huge mistake to sign Mike Evans. He’s done, played for the contract year and he’s old. WATCh… he will get paid and have a good first year and then self destruct. Time to bring in a younger WR 1 that can catch….mike is slipping.
January 26th, 2024 at 1:11 am
Coaches don’t really mean that much…. They just can’t be dumb and screw things up. (See bowels not using a timeout)
January 26th, 2024 at 2:34 am
let’s be realistic…
he wasn’t even a good OC…
he was an improving OC…
his best aspect is actually when he jumps in front of a podium and babbles…
i think it’s going to be quite amusing next season – i will watch all his post game pressers and see how he babbles thru a 4-13 record with his pipsqueak quarterback…
heck he’s not even a quarterback…he’s an eighthback…
you have halfbacks, quarterbacks…and carolina now has an eighthback…
an eighthback is when you are half of a quarterback…
and that’s what disco dave canales inherited
January 26th, 2024 at 2:49 am
Baker Mayfield choked on that last drive against the Lions and it’s crazy how no one brought it up because no one is surprised that he choked with a minute and 48 seconds left. Lol 😂😂
January 26th, 2024 at 4:38 am
I’m surprised Carolina hired Canales. He had one year as OC under his belt and his performance can best be described as “improving”. He was stubborn at times, sticking to schemes long after it was obvious they didn’t work. All is well in Bucs world if they make a good hire to replace him.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:41 am
And that’s why we elevate Thad Lewis, continuity. He knows the Arians and Canales system and will be able to blend the best of both worlds. Canales was over his head most of the season…. i think Lewis was likely learning by Canales early season mistakes too.
January 26th, 2024 at 9:43 am
Oneilbuc Says:
January 26th, 2024 at 2:49 am
Baker Mayfield choked on that last drive against the Lions and it’s crazy how no one brought it up because no one is surprised that he choked with a minute and 48 seconds left. Lol
————
If by choking you mean he failed to block the nickel defender blitzing off the edge repeatedly, then yes, he choked. That’s a play design flaw… Mayfield could’ve done better… Canales could’ve called a much better game and had plays that aren’t so easily disrupted/defeated by a simple blitz off the edge.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:01 am
Should have made Bowles DC only and offered Canales the head coaching job.
That would have solved our coaching positions. I think Canales would have done that
In a heartbeat and would be a great head coach. Pay Mayfield and Evans what they are worth and let’s move forward from there. If Canales was head coach we never would have had that mid season slump this year and would have locked up the division much earlier. Find an OC who has worked with Baker so it’s not another offense he has to get familiar with, I’m sure he is tired of doing that.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:33 am
Buc4evr Says:
January 25th, 2024 at 5:07 pm
Seriously there about three or four so far that think losing Canales is no big deal. I am one of them,
—
Make it five. Canales lost us several games with running straight up the gut even when it wasn’t working. Lets just be honest here –
Canales is only a big loss to people who don’t know squat about Baker Mayfield and swear that he made Baker good again. Thats ALL behind this sky is falling drama.
Good Lord Canales couldn’t even have a plan in place to keep untouched defenders from his Qb last game or even make adjustments.
Get someone in place from Mcvey’s system fast and Baker will feel right at home. no loss.
January 26th, 2024 at 10:12 pm
Baker ain’t going anywhere..He’s tir3d of being a gypsy..Get Van Pelt or Jay Gruden or even Kellen Mooreinas OC and things will be just fine..
I swear y’all have the Chicken Little complex down to a science…geez
January 28th, 2024 at 3:54 am
Brandon. He had time to throw on that play and he threw the ball right to the linebacker. That’s not the offensive line fault or the OC fault if Mahomes would have thrown that pass they would have said he choked. If any other quarterback would have done that people would have said he had a chance and he didn’t execute. But for some reason it’s not Baker Mayfield fault on that final drive. I for a fact if it was Jamies it would have been his fault on why they lost the game. But Baker gets a pass just like every time he plays bad and next year if we don’t make the playoffs which I doubt we do it none of it will be Baker Mayfield fault. I rather to have a new OC with a new young quarterback. Oh by the way the get ready to hear it’s new offense he has to learn excuses watch and see!! Lol 🤣
January 28th, 2024 at 8:19 am
Signing Evans is Top Priority. The rest will fall in place after that .