Will Baker Mayfield give Buccaneers a discount after Mike Evans deal?

Perhaps Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield aren't quite the "package deal" regarding their playing futures as some thought ahead of the NFL scouting combine. 

Shortly after it was learned on Monday morning that Evans is staying with Tampa Bay via a two-year, $52M contract that includes $35M guaranteed, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Mayfield "will not take a hometown discount to stay" with the club. 

"The Bucs have started negotiations to keep him and [are] making every effort to get it done," Russini added about conversations between the sides. 

Mayfield hinted after he was at least somewhat involved with the Buccaneers hiring Liam Coen as their new offensive coordinator this offseason that Tampa Bay had the "upper hand" among clubs interested in signing him. However, Russini noted that the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings "are watching" to see if the 28-year-old will become available when free agency opens next week. 

The Falcons seemingly are looking for an upgrade over 2022 third-round draft pick Desmond Ridder and are routinely linked with Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears. Minnesota, meanwhile, could lose Kirk Cousins to free agency later this month. 

Mayfield reportedly has supporters within the New England Patriots organization due to relationships he built while playing with the Cleveland Browns from 2018 through the 2021 season and for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Buccaneers senior advisor Bruce Arians and Hall of Famer Ronde Barber are among knowledgeable individuals who have expressed confidence that Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht would be able to hold onto key free agents such as Evans, Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., but Licht only has until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to retain one player's rights via the franchise tag. 

"In Indianapolis (at the combine last week), Licht sure appeared very confident he could re-sign most of his free agents," the JoeBucsFan website reported on Monday morning. If it's true that Mayfield wants to sign a contract worth around $40M annually, Licht may need to use the franchise tag as a placeholder for the signal-caller who resurrected his career with the Buccaneers this past season and guided the organization to a division title and a home playoff win.