One of the top receivers set to hit free agency now is off the board.
Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms on a new contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning, citing Evans’ agent. Evans, 30, arguably was the best wideout scheduled to hit the free agent market next week.
Buccaneers Re-Sign Mike Evans
Evans’ new contract reportedly is worth $52 million over two seasons and includes $35 million guaranteed. Further details on the deal were unavailable at the time of this writing.
Schefter added that the Kansas City Chiefs would’ve pursued Evans if he hit the open market.
Mike Evans was projected to be one of top, if not the top free-agent wide receiver available. The Chiefs, amongst others, were expected to be interested. Now the top free-agent WRs include Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman, Calvin Ridley, Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael Thomas. https://t.co/OPWOVf02KO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024
“Evans was projected to be one of the top, if not the top free agent wide receiver available,” Schefter wrote on the X platform. “The Chiefs, amongst others, were expected to be interested.”
As Schefter noted, Evan’s new contract increases the chances of him finishing his career with the team that drafted him seventh overall in 2014.
What Re-Signing Evans Means for Bucs
Evans might not be regularly mentioned as one of the NFL‘s best receivers, but he probably should be.
He’s the only receiver ever to rack up at least 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons. Evans showed no signs of slowing down in 2023, hauling in 79 catches for 1,255 yards and a league-leading 13 receiving touchdowns. He also appeared in all 17 games.
If nothing else, retaining Evans ensures the Bucs will have a high-end boundary receiver on their roster in 2023. But who will be throwing him the ball?
KEEP READING: Top Free Agent Wide Receivers 2024
Evans’ agent recently said his client doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB next season and prefers to work with an “elite” signal-caller capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl.
Whether pending free agent Baker Mayfield fits that description is up for debate, but the re-signing of Evans could be seen as an indication that Tampa Bay is confident it can re-sign Mayfield.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!