The Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro wide receiver, Mike Evans is set to hit free agency next month after not reaching a contract extension. A number of contracts around the league are set to void this week. Also, other key pending free agents from Tampa Bay are Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr. However, the Buccaneers are eyeing an agreement with Mayfield before the market begins.
According to a report, Evans said he’s waiting to see if Mayfield returns to the team on a new contract before committing. The Buccaneers are likely to tag Winfield for the time being, but Evans might be the priority now. There hasn’t been any sign for the Buccaneers on what they’re going to do with Evans. He’s pretty much left in the dark but both sides are working towards a new deal.
Both parties remain reportedly far apart in terms of an agreement. Significant progress would need to happen before Evans hits the market if they want him back. Evans is opening the door to his departure as he topped the 1,000-yard mark again last season. He’s tied for the league lead with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Evans made significant chemistry with Mayfield last season up until they lost to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional round of the playoffs. Last offseason, they spoke about an extension, but it has yet to come close to any agreement. However, the Buccaneers remain interested in a deal but Evans upped his market value.
Will Mike Evans be a Buccaneer in 2024? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/I8rnmFWDQO
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 19, 2024
Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro Receiver Mike Evans Set To Hit Free Agency
What Tampa Bay May Need To Do
They would probably need to pay Mayfield first to intrigue Evans to remain with the team on a lucrative contract. This contract would probably be less money but it could persuade him to stay in Tampa Bay. His current contract doesn’t expire until March 11, when all teams in the league start contract talks and negotiating with him for a deal. Interestingly, the Buccaneers could have saved about $74 million against their salary cap if they extended Evans now.
However, this didn’t happen which has many talking heads who may be surprised that he’ll land with a new team. The team still needs to figure out what they want to do with Mayfield and Windfield too. These two accomplished veterans are at the top of their priority list but they may not be able to afford both. The Buccaneers unfortunately can’t afford both Mayfield or Evans at the market value.
This leaves Tampa Bay that may have to sacrifice and let both players hit the market potentially. Evans has only ever played with the Buccaneers in his 10-year career, but it leaves Tampa Bay with dead money. The contracts of both Mayfield and Evans will leave the Buccaneers with around $14.5 million in a cap hit as a result. Winfield’s contract that also voided leaves the team with an extra $1 million-plus in dead cap space.
Potential Landing Spots for Evans
The Baltimore Ravens may be one spot after they re-signed Nelson Agholor to a one-year deal. Evans playing with Lamar Jackson may intrigue him to sign a contract there. He would reunite with offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. Evans could pair with C.J. Stroud, who proves that he can be a franchise quarterback with a little bit more help.
Evans can help accelerate the Texans’ offense to extend the growth of Stroud and take pressure off Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs are another destination for him. Rookie Rashee Rice emerged as an explosive target for Patrick Mahomes, but they’re still struggling to find a reliable weapon. Evans could be a fit as their No. 1 receiver.
