The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made significant moves to retain some of their key players, ensuring stability within the team as they approach free agency. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been designated with a franchise tag, while wide receiver Mike Evans has signed a two-year contract extension.

With the start of free agency looming, the Buccaneers acted swiftly to secure Winfield Jr. by giving him the franchise tag. This ensures that the talented safety will remain with the team for at least another season, providing valuable experience and leadership to the defense.

Meanwhile, Evans, one of the Buccaneers' most reliable offensive weapons, has committed his future to the team with a two-year contract extension. The extension not only solidifies Evans' place in the team's plans but also demonstrates his commitment to continuing his successful partnership with the Buccaneers.

However, the future of quarterback Baker Mayfield remains uncertain as he has yet to sign a new contract with the team. If a deal is not reached by the end of the weekend, Mayfield will be free to negotiate with other teams starting on Monday. Speculation has been rife about Mayfield's future, but his status with the Buccaneers remains unresolved.

Interestingly, Evans spoke highly of Mayfield during a recent press conference, describing him as an "elite quarterback" and praising their strong relationship. This suggests that Evans may be aware of Mayfield's plans and has confidence in his abilities. The timing of Evans' contract extension further adds intrigue to the situation, raising questions about the quarterback's future in Tampa Bay.

As the Buccaneers gear up for free agency, this recent flurry of player moves highlights the team's dedication to maintaining a competitive roster. Retaining Winfield Jr. and Evans, both integral to the Buccaneers' success, demonstrates their commitment to building on last season's triumphs.

With the March 15 deadline fast approaching, the Buccaneers and Mayfield's representatives will need to swiftly address the quarterback's contract situation to avoid any potential disruptions to the team's offseason plans. The coming days will undoubtedly provide further clarity regarding Mayfield's future with the Buccaneers.

As fans eagerly await news regarding Mayfield's contract negotiations, it is clear that the Buccaneers are determined to keep their championship-winning roster intact as they prepare for the next season.