Mike Evans will not have a brand new NFL residence in spite of everything.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday, the Buccaneers and Evans reached an settlement on a deal for a median annual worth of $26M.
Not many vast receivers get that type of payday heading into their age-31 season, however not many vast receivers are of Evans’ caliber.
Evans has performed all 10 seasons within the NFL with the Buccaneers, reaching not less than 1,000 yards receiving in every of them — a streak achieved by no different NFL receiver within the first 10 years of his profession, not even Jerry Rice.
Evans has additionally hauled in 94 regular-season landing passes, so he has a very good probability to grow to be the eleventh member of the NFL’s 100-touchdown reception membership this season. Notably, he additionally has the prospect to achieve 100 TDs receiving with one group.
Evans — who will seemingly be available in the market for a smaller deal when this contract finishes, as he might be heading into his age-33 season — is prone to be a profession Buccaneer. It will be a becoming end result for a longtime group captain and one of many biggest gamers in franchise historical past.
Tampa Bay’s retention of Evans earlier than free company kicks off March 13 additionally makes it a extra enticing vacation spot for quarterbacks, most notably incumbent starter Baker Mayfield, who will hit unrestricted free company after enjoying final season on a one-year deal.
Huge receiver Chris Godwin remains to be beneath contract as nicely, so Mayfield might stick round and maintain throwing to the star duo that led him to a resurgent 2023 season.
If Mayfield chases a much bigger payday elsewhere, the door can be open for a free agent or perhaps a rookie passer to play with one of many NFL’s greatest receiver pairs.
