Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has found his name in a lot of trade rumors this offseason. Heading into the final season of his current contract, he was a logical trade candidate, especially given the current state of the franchise.
The Buccaneers look to be in a state of transition as they prepare for life after Tom Brady. The GOAT opted to retire earlier this offseason and despite some rumors swirling that he could change his mind, Brady has remained steadfast in saying his playing career is over.
That has left Tampa Bay in a tough spot. 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask will be in a quarterback competition with free agent signing Baker Mayfield to take over as the starter. Neither instills much confidence, so with a rebuild likely on the horizon, trading away a veteran such as Evans would be plausible.
Alas, that isn’t what the Buccaneers seem to be planning at all. Instead, they are hoping to keep Evans long-term and open up some money in the present. According to Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report, the Buccaneers and Evans are working hard on finalizing an extension.
While no specific details have leaked, as those are being held behind closed doors, some news is emerging. No deal is going to get done between the teams before training camp opens, but their goal is to have a deal finished before camp is over. Pewter Report shared that it could be similar to the three-year, $60 million deal with $20 million guaranteed that Chris Godwin signed.
This is excellent news for Buccaneers fans and whoever is under center in 2023 and beyond for the franchise. Evans has been the epitome of consistency since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M.
He has recorded 1,000+ yards in all nine seasons of his career, earning four Pro Bowl nods as well. Standing an intimidating 6’5”, Evans can win anywhere on the field as he possesses a size and strength advantage over virtually every player that he lines up against.
Given how negotiations with Evans and the Buccaneers have gone in the past, it would come as no surprise if a deal got done sooner than later. While that is disappointing news to other franchises around the NFL who were hoping Evans would shake loose, it makes sense for Tampa Bay to lock in a premier player through the final prime years of his career.
