After recording another outstanding season with over 1,000 receiving yards, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans highlighted the significant influence quarterback Baker Mayfield has had in revitalizing the team following the retirement of football legend Tom Brady. Evans emphasized Mayfield’s leadership and energy since joining the Buccaneers as key factors in navigating the franchise through a major transition.
Evans remarked,
“Huge impact. Huge! He’s a big reason why I came back,”
underscoring how Mayfield’s presence influenced his own decision to stay with the team. He added,
“The energy he’s brought to Tampa after Tom [Brady], that’s a huge act to follow and I think he’s done an unbelievable job winning two division championships and making it to the postseason. Tampa is in great hands with Baker and I’m sure he’ll play much longer than I will, and I look forward to a great season this year and competing for a Super Bowl.”
Competition Heats Up for Panthers’ Kicker Position This Offseason
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are evaluating their kicking options this offseason as undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald and veteran Matthew Wright compete for the starting role. Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith has been testing both players by challenging them to kick against the wind, a method intended to simulate difficult game conditions and assess their true potential.
Smith shared,
“We had them kick into the wind, try to make it as hard as possible, it’s been good,”
highlighting the players‘ dedication and adaptability.
“It’s two guys who are working really hard. They’re good workers, both Ryan and Matt, and, they have different kind of skill sets, but they’ve been very cooperative. They’ve been challenging to each other and for everyone else, so all that’s been great; no problem with either one of them work ethic-wise or fitting in with the team. It’s been a nice experience.”
Matthew Wright Brings Valuable NFL Experience to Kickoff Battle
Wright’s experience dates back to going undrafted in 2019, and Smith noted the advantage that his familiarity with the league’s kickoff regulations offers.
“Matt is more experienced. He’s played on several NFL teams. He has a whole year of the kickoff rule that he’s dealt with. So all of that is kind of already, the box is checked. He knows what he’s doing on that. He’s ahead mentally on all that stuff,”
Smith explained.
Rookie Ryan Fitzgerald’s Potential Emerges Amid NFL Adjustment
Fitzgerald, as a newcomer from college, is still mastering the professional demands and nuances of NFL special teams play. Smith remarked on the rookie’s promising potential and subsequent development curve, saying,
“Ryan is coming straight from college, so all of the rules stuff, it’s all first time out. Practicing with an NFL team is completely different, the lifestyle and all those things. So he’s different in that way, but also it’s had a very successful last two years in college, has a great leg, so we’re kind of seeing pros and cons of each guy and, seeing where it goes. There’s no reason to really call a leader anywhere in the near future.”
Saints QB Tyler Shough Finds Familiarity in New Offensive Scheme
Turning attention to the New Orleans Saints, second-round quarterback Tyler Shough expressed confidence in adapting to the new offensive system under head coach Kellen Moore, which bears similarities to the offenses he ran during his college years at Louisville, Texas Tech, and Oregon. While acknowledging new terminology, Shough sees the scheme’s core concepts as consistent with his past experience.
In his own words, Shough conveyed, “Yeah, a lot of familiarity,” followed by,
“Obviously, it’s all new terminology, but [it’s just] different ways to get things done. From a run support perspective and passing game, there’s different things. But all of it is pretty much the same thing.”
Shough Maintains Focus Despite Derek Carr’s Retirement
Shough also addressed the retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr, clarifying that the change has not altered his approach to competing for playing time. Staying committed to learning the playbook remains his priority as he prepares for the upcoming season.
He stated,
“I’m treating it the same way as if he [Carr] was there or not,”
and continued,
“I’ve got to continue to learn the playbook and grow. And I’m going to compete regardless, whatever the situation is. That’s my focus right now. It’s a great opportunity.”
Early Arrival Helps Shough Build Team Chemistry in New Orleans
After the draft, Shough made a point of arriving quickly to the Saints’ facilities to integrate with the team and reconnect with former college teammate tight end Juwan Johnson. Since he was unable to access the team’s facility immediately, Shough trained at Tulane University to prepare for minicamp.
He described his early transition:
“I wanted to get there early,”
and shared,
“I got there a couple days right after the draft, just to hang out with the guys. I couldn’t be at the facility, obviously, so I was training at Tulane. … It was great because I got my feet wet a little bit already. I got to meet people and rekindle with some of my former teammates, like [Saints tight end and Oregon alum] Juwan Johnson. It was really fun to get there. And now, rolling right into minicamp.”
Looking Ahead: The NFL’s Dynamic Shifts and Emerging Opportunities
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ successful transition from the Brady era showcases Baker Mayfield’s growing leadership and influence, which Mike Evans acknowledges as vital to the team’s recent achievements and future hopes. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ kicker competition and the Saints’ quarterback development highlight ongoing battles for roster roles and emerging talent. As these teams refine their lineups in preparation for the new season, fans can expect intense competition and a continuation of dynamic storylines across the NFL.