Dallas Cowboys Warned Not To Pursue Buccaneers All-Pro Mike Evans
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have multiple players across their roster who will be coveted free agents this offseason. The top of the list includes former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield and All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans. While the Buccaneers are going to do everything in their power to keep the duo in the Sunshine State, there's always the possibility that one or both players eventually decide to move on.
At least one potential suitor is being warned to approach Evans with caution in free agency. The Dallas Cowboys are coming off another disappointing finish and are in need of a splash with head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott expected to re-assume their roles in 2024.
The pursuit of a talent such as Evans could be tantalizing. However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox made his case for the Cowboys to pass on pursuing the veteran wide receiver.
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is coming off of his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season and figures to be one of the bigger names on the market, if Tampa lets him reach it.
However, Evans is also set to turn 31 in August and is going to command a hefty salary. He has a projected market value of $23.8 million annually, which Dallas could likely only afford with a back-loaded deal.
With contract extensions looming for both CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, can't afford to commit a ton of future salary to Evans, who might only be a temporary fix at the receiver position anyway.
While Evans is still playing at a tremendous level, the dreaded cliff can strike older receivers unexpectedly."
Dallas is already strapped for cash and probably won't be able to create enough room to acquire Evans while prioritizing the future of the franchise. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is entering the final year of his deal and will make $17.9 million this upcoming season. The Cowboys also have to decide what they'll be doing with Prescott.
Evans is coming off a four-year/$82 million deal with the Buccaneers and is in a position to command even more money in what could be one of the final contracts of his professional career. He's earned it after a record-setting ten consecutive years with 1,000+ receiving yards since he entered the league in 2014.
During his career, Evans has caught 762 passes for 11,680 yards with 94 touchdowns. He's scored double-digit touchdowns in three of the past four years and is already Tampa Bay's franchise leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
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