Following a game-ending interception that sealed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ destiny in a 31-23 defeat to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, Baker Mayfield’s emotions were raw on Sunday.

It’s awful. “It feels like my heart was torn out,” Mayfield remarked following the match.

The defense faltered in the second half, but the quarterback tried his best to keep the Bucs in the game. With three touchdown throws and 349 yards gained, Mayfield completed 26 of 41 passes. However, the NFC South champions’ two interceptions and four sacks proved to be crucial.

Mayfield overcame hardship, like he has done all season, making crucial throws, dodging pass rushers, and providing the Bucs with an opportunity to mount an unlikely comeback. But the huge mistakes will hurt.

It’s not hyperbole to say that without Mayfield’s play this season, the Bucs wouldn’t be playing on Sunday. After cutting costs during the Tom Brady era, Tampa offered the former first overall pick a prove-it deal during the offseason. Mayfield was well worth every penny.

The QB intends to visit Tampa again in 2024.

“I adore this band. I’ve been saying that all year, and it’s true,” Mayfield remarked. “That’s what I mean. Restoring many of the essential components would mean a great deal to me in order to put this back together and get it into the system for Year 2. You are able to advance greatly. That would be wonderful, of course. I can’t express how grateful I am to this organization for the opportunity they given me this year—who knows how it will turn out? I’m grateful and sincerely hope it works out.

Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans, who recorded eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, is one important free agent who Mayfield hopes to bring back to Tampa.

“He’s so cute. “The wideout, who is thirty years old, hasn’t regressed at all,” Mayfield remarked. “I believe he had one of his best years, despite the fact that everyone wants to discuss how old he is. He eases my life. He repeatedly performed it today, as he did for the entire year. He is one of those elements that, yes, sacrifices must be made in order to win for this team in order to get everyone back. There are guys in our circle who are all about that. It isn’t about certain guys. That is not the point. That’s what makes it unique, then. Yes, I would like Mike back if I were to return. That man is so cute.”

Every club makes changes over the summer, but in the upcoming months, Bucs general manager Jason Licht will have to make some important choices.

Todd Bowles, the head coach, concurred that Mayfield has earned the privilege to play again.”Yes, without a doubt,” Bowles replied. “Business is business, so it’s obviously too early to discuss that, but Baker had an incredible year. We’ll see what the future brings, but we adore him, the men love him.”

According to Over The Cap, the franchise tag for quarterbacks will be close to $36 million in 2024.

Even if the Bucs lost on Sunday, Mayfield made himself millions this season in a league that is always in need of talented quarterbacks.