Mayfield: Bucs' OC hire to factor in free-agency decision

Pending free-agent quarterback Baker Mayfield indicated that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' next offensive coordinator will be a key factor in where he plays next season.

"It all just kind of depends," Mayfield said Thursday at the Pro Bowl Games, according to NFL.com's Grant Gordon. "Obviously, Tampa, we're going through a little bit of an OC search right now. It'll start there. They were the first ones that gave me a chance, and (I'm) thankful for them. We'll see. Taking it one day at a time."

Mayfield thrived this past season under offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The 2018 first overall pick produced career highs of 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.3% completion rate during his 2023 campaign. He led the Bucs to an NFC South title and a win in the wild-card round against the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, Canales left the Bucs after the season to become the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers. His departure has slowed down the discussion regarding a potential extension after Mayfield said his agent and the team engaged in discussion.

"I think they know that we've got to know who's calling plays before anything's done," Mayfield said.

Tampa Bay has seen many of its reported OC candidates accept the same role with other teams, such as Alex Van Pelt, who was hired by the New England Patriots on Thursday.

The 28-year-old quarterback seemed to find a productive fit after signing a one-year, $4-million contract last March. Mayfield split his 2022 campaign playing for both the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. The Oklahoma product spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the Cleveland Browns.

Mayfield is among several starters from the Bucs' 2023 roster set to explore free agency this spring. Mike Evans, Devin White, Lavonte David, and Antoine Winfield Jr. will be free to negotiate with other clubs at the start of the new league year.