Responding to reporters in a video shared by Jenna Laine on X, Mayfield opened up about the departure. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it — it’s disappointing to not have him back,“ he said, while revealing that he still maintains a great relationship with Evans despite him switching jerseys.

Mayfield noted they will be “good friends for life” when discussing his bond with the former Buccaneers wideout, who spent 12 years with the franchise. Evans was recently praised by his new 49ers teammate George Kittle, who was highly impressed after watching him showcase his skills during organized team activities (OTAs).

Can the Buccaneers survive without Evans?

The Buccaneers wide receiver room still features plenty of talent ahead of the 2026 NFL season, ensuring Mayfield will have reliable hands ready to catch his passes. However, losing Evans means losing a career 15.1 yards-per-reception average and a consistent deep threat, which could impact the team’s offensive production this year.

Evans endured an injury-shortened 2025 campaign, marking the first time in his 12 years with the Buccaneers that he appeared in fewer than 10 games in a single NFL season. His durability over more than a decade was unmatched, frequently playing through pain to post 11 consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.

While the 49ers are adding an elite weapon to their arsenal, the Buccaneers now have to figure out how to replace that historic production. Expecting the offense to click perfectly right away without him is a risky bet, as the younger receivers will have to step up with far less experience and veteran guidance in the room.

Mayfield revitalized his career in Tampa Bay and was rewarded with a three-year, $100 million contract in 2024. Since then, the Buccaneers have remained a competitive team, but they have not taken the final step toward becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

That reality could complicate future negotiations. A new deal for the 31-year-old quarterback would likely cost at least $35 million per season, if not more. With free agency looming after the 2026 season, questions are beginning to emerge about whether the Bucs are fully committed to another major investment.

Will Baker Mayfield leave Bucs?

Baker Mayfield might leave the Buccaneers as the quarterback recently acknowledged that contract extension talks have not progressed as he hoped, leaving open the possibility that he could eventually test free agency in 2027.

“Contract stuff is happening, it’s starting with the talks. Not anywhere close to what we were thinking. Obviously, yes, I would love to have a long-term deal done, but, they know my deadline. As soon as training camp starts, we’re not doing any contract stuff. It’s all ball. It’s not up to me when that gets done by. So, hopefully before that. If not, I’m still going to have a good year.”

The comments do not guarantee that Mayfield will leave, but they make it clear that there is still work to do if both sides want to avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation next offseason. For now, the veteran quarterback appears focused on football while putting pressure on the front office. If he delivers in 2026 without a new deal, the Bucs will be in trouble.

Baker Mayfield sends clear message to Bucs about contract extension

Despite the uncertainty, Baker Mayfield emphasized that his priority remains helping Tampa Bay compete at the highest level. He insisted that the lack of a new agreement will not affect his commitment to the organization during the 2026 season.

“We’d love to be here long-term and, as of right now, that’s not exactly the case. But I’m under contract for 2026. The guys in that locker and the staff know that I’m still going to be me. I’m still going to do everything I can to help this team win a Super Bowl. To me, that’s the priority. Everything else will take care of itself.”

“They’re talented,” Bowles said via nbcsports.com. “We know they’ve got a lot of talent right there. Any time you lose a player like that, or any player that was legendary on their team, different guys got to come in and step up. That’s the nature of sports, and I’m sure we have some guys in that room that will.”

Not only from a statistical standpoint, but also because of the leadership Evans represented for the Buccaneers, he will be difficult to replace. It will be up to coach Bowles to find a way to fill that void, relying on big names such as Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. to get the job done.

Mike Evans’ legacy in Tampa Bay

During his legendary 12-year run in Tampa Bay, Mike Evans wasn’t just a reliable target; he completely rewrote the franchise record books as the ultimate model of consistency. The guy walked into the league and immediately dropped 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons right out of the gate—an NFL record to start a career and a streak tied with the legendary Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons ever.

In his 176 regular-season games with the Bucs, he racked up a staggering 866 receptions, 13,052 receiving yards, and 108 touchdown catches, utterly dominating the team’s all-time receiving leaderboards. He capped off his incredible legacy as a core piece of the Super Bowl LV championship squad, forever cementing his status as a Tampa Bay icon, a lock for the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, and a future Hall of Famer.

Todd Bowles trusts his wide receivers

If they can stay healthy, it is clear that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ receiving corps is one of the best and most solid in the NFC. Todd Bowles knows he has plenty of talent at his disposal, and he spoke highly of the work Jalen McMillan has done this offseason.

“Jalen’s tough. His mental toughness is unbelievable,” the head coach said. “His competitiveness, the way he attacks the ball, the way he fights for every route and wants to get open and be that guy, that gives you a lot of confidence.”

Foote is also a former Steeler coach, so he knows both franchises very well. “Off the film, if you had to bet, [Bain] is going to be a star,” Foote told reporters. “The way he plays the game, he’s explosive, plays with great leverage, and it’s hard to block those type of guys. Back in the my Pittsburgh days, I played with a guy, James Harrison, like that.”

Bain hasn’t even debuted in the NFL and he is already drawing comparisons to a player who has a Defensive Player of the Year, two Super Bowls, five Pro Bowl appearances, and is a two-time first-team All-Pro. It seems like sky is the limit for Bain.

Bain should make an impact straight from the get-go

Rueben Bain was expected to be a top 10 pick, and the Bucs managed to get him at 15th. Bain was one of the best pass rushers in College Football last season, but had a glaring weakness according to NFL scouts: his arm length.

However, Bain has the speed, acceleration, and raw strength to just overcome the obstacles. He also has the ability to go down the tackle’s posture, and then regain level to hit the quarterback. All skills point out at him being a difference maker.

The Bucs need to improve their pass rush

The Buccaneers had just 35 sacks last season, the least in the Todd Bowles era. Hence, getting Bain is just what they needed. Bain needs to establish dominance from early on and get the team some sacks.

If a team doesn’t pose a threat to the quarterback, the field will open up and the secondary gets exposed. Hence, for the pass defense, it’s as important to have a good pass rush as having a good set of cornerbacks.

According to Buccaneers GM Jason Licht, Irving “will be limited during organized team activities but should be ready for training camp.” This is due to a shoulder injury, but there is some concern about it.

Irving has quite some injury history. He missed seven games last season with an injury that was not supposed to be major, but it lingered further than expected. Hence, the team is being cautious to see how Irving evolves.

The Bucs are likely to have a committee

New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said it will be a committee. “Shoot, one guy might get this amount the next week. They might end up balanced, feeling the hot hand, and we’ll see where it goes.” However, it’s still hard to imagine Irving not getting most of the looks.

After all, Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker are good backs, but Irving has shown potential to be something special. He still racked up 588 yards last season despite missing all that time. He also works in the passing game.

Kenneth Gainwell could be a premium backup though

The Bucs must want to keep Irving healthy, but there is a reason they went and got Gainwell. The former Steeler had a stellar season in Pittsburgh last year, and he did it being in a committee with Jaylen Warren.

Gainwell had his first 1,000-scrimmage-yard season and also got eight touchdowns. He was very productive, and the Bucs saw him as a good fit to share snaps with Irving, or to get more of a workhorse role if Irving’s injuries sideline him longer than expected.

Earlier this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to send Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks. The move ultimately fell through after Crosby failed his physical due to concerns regarding a meniscus repair, a twist of fate that directly impacted the Buccaneers.

Jason Licht, general manager of the Bucs, revealed that the failed trade was a “blessing in disguise.” Had the trade been finalized, the Raiders would have held the No. 14 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—one spot ahead of Tampa Bay. Licht believes the Raiders would have likely selected Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., whom the Buccaneers ultimately secured at No. 15.

“Then I think going back to free agency when, you know, the Raiders-Ravens trade didn’t work out, I think that in some way I’d like to think helped us a little bit. I was a little afraid if the Raiders made that trade, Spytek, he and I are very close, he was taunting me a little bit, hey, we’re sitting right in front of you, I know what you need,” Licht said “And then, you know, Crosby goes back to the Raiders, then the Ravens are sitting there again with their pick, and I know they love their edge rushers, too, so that had me nervous.”

There is a lot of uncertainty regarding Rueben Bain Jr.

Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, Rueben Bain Jr. was regarded as a top-10 prospect. However, concerns over his arm length (measured at 30 7/8″) caused him to slide down the board to the 15th overall pick.

Scouts describe Bain Jr. as an explosive, NFL-ready edge rusher. Nevertheless, critics believe his lack of length might hinder his ability to disengage from veteran offensive linemen at the professional level.

Bain Jr. famously dismissed these concerns by comparing himself to Mike Tyson, noting that while Tyson wasn’t the longest fighter, “when you felt him, you felt him.” Now, he must prove scouts wrong on the field and show the teams that passed on him that they made a significant mistake.

Will Maxx Crosby be traded?

With the Ravens backing out of the deal, Crosby remains with the Raiders for the 2026 season. While he had reportedly envisioned a future outside of Las Vegas, those plans are now on hold.

Crosby remains an elite pass rusher, but he must deliver an outstanding 2026 campaign. Given the injury concerns raised by Baltimore, he needs a healthy season to prove his long-term value, or his time in Las Vegas may truly be reaching its end.

“Baker is at the forefront of our mind at all times,” Jason Licht said on The Drive with TKras about Mayfield entering the final year of his deal. “All of our plans revolve around Baker. That’s something that we’ll get to at some point. I have had a lot of discussions with Baker about the team.

“We texted during the draft after some of the picks. I know he was excited about the players that we took. We have a great relationship. And listen, nobody here wants Baker to be playing for any other team, so I’ll just leave it at that.”

The former quarterback of the Cleveland Browns has exceeded expectations on the $33 million-per-year deal he signed back in 2024, a contract with no guaranteed money. Will the general manager ultimately succeed in his aim of keeping him in Tampa Bay for the long term?

Mayfield seems to have found his place in the NFL

Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has sparked a remarkable career resurgence, reaching its peak during the 2025 season. Leading the team through all 17 games, Mayfield threw for 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, finishing the year with a solid 90.6 passer rating.

This stability in Tampa marks his best version since entering the NFL, contrasting sharply with his turbulent journey as a former first-overall pick. After a rollercoaster start with the Cleveland Browns and a difficult 2022 stint split between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found the perfect environment in Florida.

By securing consecutive division titles and proving to be a high-level starter, he has finally moved past the “journeyman” label, transforming from a displaced starter into the undisputed leader of the Buccaneers’ offense.

What is Mayfield’s contract situation?

Baker Mayfield is entering a decisive stage with the franchise to secure his future with the Bucs. With the situation of Daniel Jones on the Indianapolis Colts as a reference ($44 million per year would appear to be the absolute floor), both sides will look for an agreement that places the quarterback higher than the last seasons.

A potential extension could see the two sides agree on a multi-year deal worth between $45 million and $50 million per year, aligning him with the current market for top-10 quarterbacks and potentially lowering his immediate cap hit to provide the team with more flexibility for the 2026 season.

Via a transcript of the Buccaneers, Bain said, “My motivation is myself. I always want to be the best player on the field no matter what. No outside factor is going to kind of weigh into that.” That outside factor is clearly his fall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bain was in no mood of smiling during the draft, he was all business. The Buccaneers must be thrilled to have him as they really needed a big-time pass rusher, and ended up with arguably the best in the draft.

Bain could be a playmaker from the get-go

Bain was the most dominant player in last year’s College Football Playoffs. He had five sacks in four games. He was key for Miami to go all the way to the National Championship game. Overall, he had 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks during the regular season.

For the Buccaneers, this is a massive pick. Haason Reddick didn’t produce as expected, and they also ranked 20th in scoring defense last year. With Bain, they get a certified threat in the edge to bring back some impact in the defensive line.

Bucs are a very pressured team

Last season’s debacle saw a five-year streak of going to the playoffs, and four-year streak of winning the NFC South end. Hence, the pressure is on to get back into the fray. Last season, the Bucs started pretty well the season but ended up collapsing due to injuries and bad defense.

Now, they will have the chance to get back on track, with a healthy roster, and a new playmaker like Rueben Bain on defense. If the team can’t get things right, head coach Todd Bowles might not be there in 2027.

“Thank you to all that has helped me through the years along my football career. It has allowed me to grow and experience life in ways I can’t put into words,” was part of the heartfelt message in Smith’s official Instagram statement.

The offensive tackle entered the world’s biggest league after being selected in the second round of the 2015 Draft with the 34th overall pick, precisely by the Bucs. His performance wearing the colors of the Penn State Nittany Lions impressed everyone, and he was able to translate it to the NFL.

His success is not only defined by his on-field achievements, but also by his character as a person, as reflected by some of his former teammates. “Blessings brotha honored to share the field with you,” Jaylen Watson said. Creed Humphrey also added: “Congrats on an amazing career brother!”

The first ring alongside Tom Brady

During the 2020 NFL season, Donovan Smith played a pivotal role as the starting left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, famously protecting Tom Brady’s blindside during their run to a victory in Super Bowl LV. That season, Smith started 15 regular-season games and was a cornerstone of an offensive line that allowed only 22 sacks all year, the second-fewest in the league.

His performance was particularly dominant during the postseason, where he did not allow a single sack across four playoff games, including the 31–9 blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout the 2020 campaign, Smith logged over 1,000 offensive snaps, proving his durability and consistency as he secured his first championship ring alongside the legendary quarterback.

The second was alongside Patrick Mahomes

In the 2023 season, Smith joined the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal and immediately took over as the starting left tackle, protecting Patrick Mahomes during their championship run to Super Bowl LVIII. The OT started 12 regular-season games, logging 749 offensive snaps and providing veteran stability to a line that ultimately helped the Chiefs secure a 25–22 overtime victory against the 49ers.

Statistically, Smith earned a 60.3 pass-blocking grade from PFF, allowing only two sacks and 42 total pressures throughout the campaign. His ability to anchor the blindside was a key factor in the Chiefs’ postseason success, making him one of the few players in NFL history to win Super Bowls as a starting left tackle for two different legendary quarterbacks.

Winning alongside Brady and Mahomes is a privilege few have

Few elite playmakers have managed the rare feat of winning Super Bowl rings alongside both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, proving to be invaluable assets to the league’s most recent dynasties. Wide receiver Justin Watson secured a title with Brady in Super Bowl LV before earning two more with Mahomes in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, while legendary running back LeSean McCoy achieved a spectacular back-to-back run by winning with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV followed immediately by a victory with the Buccaneers.

Additionally, veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert provided championship-caliber depth as a backup for both icons, earning rings in Super Bowl LV and Super Bowl LVIII respectively.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, the former Argentine kicker spoke about the current state of the Bucs, delving into what lies ahead for the NFL, and also the valuation of his position, a legacy that his children intend to continue.

In addition, he made it clear who he thinks the GOAT in football is. Gramatica, charismatic and with great analytical ability, emphasized that the league has everything it takes to conquer the entire world and did not miss the opportunity to outline which teams could reach the 2027 Super Bowl.

Bucs’ missed opportunity in 2025 NFL season

Bolavip: You’re someone very closely linked to Tampa, to the Buccaneers. You’re a historic figure for the franchise. Let me ask you: how did you see last season’s ending? It was a very tight division, it almost slipped away. Do you think there was a specific reason why they couldn’t push a bit further?

Martin Gramatica: It was disappointing, honestly, because we were one win away from making the playoffs with five or six games left. If we had won one of those, we would’ve made it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t. We did beat Carolina in the last game, thinking we were in. Atlanta didn’t help us because it beat the Saints, and Carolina ended up going to the playoffs.

We started really well too, I think we were 5–1, there was talk of Baker Mayfield as MVP, everything was perfect, and then the team slowly fell apart. We also had a lot of key injuries—every team has injuries, but when you lose your top two receivers, first Mike Evans, then Chris Godwin. (Emeka) Egbuka started well but then the longer season hit him a bit, the NFL season wore on him a little in the second half of the season.

So I don’t know if I can point to one single factor, there were many factors that didn’t help us. And obviously, being that close and not winning one game out of six, that really hurt.

Bolavip: Recently, Lavonte David spoke about all the injuries Mayfield had to go through last season, and that maybe if he had been healthier, the outcome would have been different. Do you agree with him?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, for sure, because Baker started out, as I said, on his way to MVP. And then his performance dropped a bit, but he took a lot of hits. He got hit a lot. And I think little by little, it started to wear on him, and then he had an injury to his left arm. And even though you don’t throw with your left arm, you use it for balance.

He also had, I think, a hit to his knee as well and his ankle. So, those are all things that one might think ‘Oh, he just throws with his arm.’ But he uses his whole body to throw, and besides his best weapon is when everything breaks down, and he takes off running and gets those first downs.

During that stretch when he was half injured, half banged up, he wasn’t running as much because he knew he couldn’t take a hit. I’m not saying it was fear of getting hit, because this guy lowers his helmet and runs into a wall if he has to, to get a first down.

The thing is, he was protecting himself because one bad hit would have taken him out of the game. He even missed half a game, I think it was Detroit, I don’t remember which one it was, where he left at halftime due to injury. So yeah, that didn’t help him at all. And then also having his superstars get injured. Because the timing with the other receivers also didn’t help him.

Bucs’ future without Mike Evans and 2026 NFL Draft expectations

Bolavip: And now Evans’ absence will be felt—a guy who made history and broke records…

Martin Gramatica: I think it’s going to be felt, especially on the emotional side, because of his leadership and also because he’s an amazing player on the field, obviously, and that safety valve when there was a problem Mayfield would say ‘Ok, I’ll just throw it to Mike Evans and he’ll catch it.’ Especially in the red zone.

And the pressure that Chris Godwin and Egbuka will feel now. Because they’ll be the leaders of that receiver group and they’ll need to have a really great season. Especially Chris Godwin, who’s a veteran, who’s had many injuries, who had a spectacular year when he signed his contract and then injury after injury he hasn’t been able to stay consistent.

So I think this year is key for him. Not only stat-wise in terms of statistics, but also in staying healthy and playing every game. Because that’s also key. He hasn’t been able to finish a season healthy in the last few years.

Bolavip: Now the closest event is the NFL Draft, which keeps everyone on edge. Do you have any idea about what the Bucs might do? What do you think they need?

Martin Gramatica: Last year showed us that they can do anything. They pick who they believe is the best player available at that moment. Last year there was a lot of talk that we needed defensive players. That we needed an edge rusher, someone who could put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they went with (Emeka) Egbuka, a receiver, who honestly did well, right? And besides, I think they were already looking ahead. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin getting older, they needed a young guy.

But I think this year is very similar, I think they need a defensive player who comes in with intensity and character. It could be a linebacker because Lavonte David just retired. An edge rusher too—we haven’t had outside pass rush, right? Vita Vea is a wall in the middle, but on the edges we haven’t had someone who can really put pressure on quarterbacks.

But with the Bucs you never know—Jason Licht often surprises. And it’s worked pretty well for him, right? Look at Bucky Irving, an amazing player who was picked in the third round. We focus on the first round, but it’s usually the second, third, or fourth round guys who sometimes surprise everyone, because nobody expected anything, and then they’re starters.

NFL continues to expand

Bolavip: Another big topic is the NFL’s expansion into different countries and cities around the world: Australia, Rio… Do you think the league can really establish itself in other cultures?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, it already has. From a financial standpoint, it’s good for the NFL, good for those cities. The fans in Europe, I went to the game when the Bucs played in London, and the stadium is always packed. What you do see is jerseys of all colors, because they’re fans of all different teams, and there’s a little group of Bucs fans at that time with Carolina.

But the fanbase, yes, there are a lot and I see it also in South America, right? Also Argentina itself has a league, an equipped Flag Football League that competes. So what has made the sport so much more visible and made people start liking it more is social media. It gives access to the sport, because before we had no way to watch it.

When I came at age 9 I didn’t know football existed in the US. Back home we played soccer, a little tennis and that was it. I knew about rugby, right? And a little bit basketball. Now people do know they exist and there are even kids who like it. There are fans in Argentina who prefer football over soccer. That seems crazy to me, but they grew up watching it and liking it.

In Europe they follow it a lot too. Well, when we played a preseason game in Japan, I think it was in 2004 after the Super Bowl, it was a preseason game and it was insane. People would come to practice sessions, the stadium was packed. They knew everything, they even had little cards with photos. For them it was like their Super Bowl, because the games only came once a year. So I think that’s why the NFL knows that it has a strong presence worldwide and that’s why they’re expanding to other countries.

There won’t be another Tom Brady

Bolavip: And regarding your career—you won a Super Bowl, spent time with New England, Indianapolis, New Orleans… and therefore worked with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning. What was it like?

Martin Gramatica: Well, I’ll always have a soft spot for Brad Johnson because we won the Super Bowl together. The truth is they are players who were stars, they still are stars. Not just in the NFL, even after retiring they’re still superstars because they’re Hall of Famers. And they’re all different, right? Different kind of leaders too.

The truth is Peyton Manning, I remember during practices, the same with Tom Brady, they both wanted to be perfect in practice. With Drew Brees I didn’t connect as much. He was somewhat distant from teammates. I don’t know, Brees’ personality was different, I never got to really know him.

But Brady and Manning, it was impressive what they demanded from their teammates and what they demanded from themselves. And that’s why you see where their teams ended up, right?

Peyton Manning was unlucky to play in the same era as Tom Brady. If not, he would have won three or four Super Bowls. It’s like Cristiano Ronaldo. He is an amazing player but he happened to play in Lionel Messi’s era. So nobody talks about Ronaldo, everyone talks about Messi, because he is so much better. So well, that’s what happened to Manning with Brady. But they’re both superstars.

Bolavip: Let’s say over the last 10 years, do you see in that position someone who reached or can reach Brady’s level?

Martin Gramatica: Brady’s level of winning 7 Super Bowls, I don’t think anyone gets there. Because at one point, I thought Patrick Mahomes could, if Kansas City had beaten Tampa, he would have gotten a bit closer.

But now seven against three Super Bowls, I don’t see Patrick Mahomes catching Brady, not a chance. And no, I don’t think there is, and the way the league is, there’s no player you can point to and say he’s going to be the Tom Brady of the future, who’s going to win four or five Super Bowls or play 20 years either, right?

I don’t think there’s a name like that, no. I really couldn’t tell you because what Tom Brady did is something special, not only for what he did by winning the Super Bowls. Reaching 10 Super Bowls and winning seven, that was impressive. What a career. That is very hard to match, very hard to match.

The value of kickers in the NFL

Bolavip: And in your position, which often defines games, do you think kickers are undervalued?

Martin Gramatica: Before, yes. Now they’re more valued. Today they kick 65 or 70-yard field goals. Contracts are also better. But it always depends on the team. They know that, you can have the best kicker in the league, but if you don’t have the best quarterback you’re not going to win. As a kicker you get it and you know that.

The kicker has the best job Monday to Saturday and the hardest on Sunday: few chances, all or nothing. It’s similar to a goalkeeper in soccer—you can save everything but people remember the one mistake. The pressure is different from any other position because you have very few chances.

Bolavip: Your longest kick was 55 yards. Could a kicker from your era play in today’s NFL?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, the position hasn’t changed much. The setup is the same: distance, angle, snap. Training changed, but the role is similar.

Bolavip: Thinking about the future, your sons Nico Gramatica and Gaston Gramatica…

Martin Gramatica: Well, the only thing what I always say is that we are extremely proud of how they work and how focused they are, of their dedication and the sacrifice they’re making to get there.

You never know if they’ll make it or not because it’s also very hard to make it, you need luck. You need to find a team that let’s you kick, so there are many variables, which is why some very talented kids don’t make it, while others maybe less talented do make it because they have better luck.

The only thing I always say about the kids is that they work themselves to the bone, they are super focused, super dedicated to making it. What I always tell them, whether they make it or not, they shouldn’t regret not having done enough to get there. And if they give everything, and it doesn’t work out, at least they gave it everything, so they can’t blame themselves.

But in that regard, we are incredibly proud. Because Nico, well, being the example as the older brother. And then Gaston too, because it’s not easy to get a scholarship here. It’s very hard, and especially coming out of High School. Because now with the portal, they pick players with College experience.

Nico had the chance to go to USF, and two years later, Gaston goes as well. He was also offered a scholarship by Texas. In football, Texas is very strong, North Carolina also offered him a scholarship out of High School. So you can see that they’ve noticed the effort and his work too.

A hypothetic Super Bowl LXI matchup

Bolavip: And finally, who would you like to see in the next Super Bowl?

Martin Gramatica: You’re putting me in a tough spot, I haven’t even thought about next year! But well, obviously from the NFC, I want the Bucs to be there. I liked what Vrabel did with New England, how he changed the face of the team.

But I would like to see Buffalo make it because I love Josh Allen. And then well, I’m a big fan of (John) Harbaugh, who now went to New York, I don’t want them to make it because it’s on our side of the Conference, but he was the first one to interview me on the NFL, when he was in Philadelphia.

I was just doing some cleaning and I still have his card from when he was in Philadelphia. He was Special Teams Coach back then. That’s why I’ve always liked him, he was a great guy. And gave me a lot of advice knowing that he didn’t need a kicker. He said ‘I want to interview you so that you can get those nerves out, because I don’t need a kicker right now, but i want to help you.’

So a guy that I truly always appreciated that, what he did for me. But yes, so I’d like to see Buffalo make it from the AFC, and obviously Tampa from the NFC side, right?

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN GRAMATICA ON BOLAVIP US:

Reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Hall signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. Hall played for the Titans in 2024, where he played just four games. He had previous stints with the Chargers and Cowboys.

Hall will be a depth piece, as the Buccaneers saw how their last season was hampered by injuries. He will back up Benjamin Morrison and/or Zyon McCollum. He could also slot in the nickel to back up Jacob Parrish.

Baker is in charge of repairing the offense

The offense was also very injured, including Baker Mayfield who was certainly challenged by his health. Still, he played throughout the season hurt. The task is now to make the offense a fearsome unit once again, even if Mike Evans won’t be there anymore.

Mayfield will use Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka as his primary receivers, with Tez Johnson as a very solid WR4. Add that to a great running game featuring Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, and the tools are there to reignite the offense.

Tampa Bay is facing high pressure

After four seasons of dominance in the NFC South, the Bucs had a losing record and lost the division to the Carolina Panthers. They fired their offensive coordinator, Todd Bowles is in the hot-seat as a head coach, and now they lost the best wideout in franchise history.

Hence, it’s a team that must have a good season, and that needs to go back to win a very achievable division. After all, the NFC South has two teams in rebuilding (Saints, Falcons), a volatile team in the Panthers, and the Bucs, that if they manage to stay healthy, are far and away the best team out of the four.