Texans Hold Best Odds to Land Buccaneers' Star Wide Receiver in Free Agency
After ten seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star wide receiver Mike Evans is set to hit free agency with the opportunity to go to whatever franchise he wants. In every season that he's played in the NFL -- all of which coming in Tampa -- he's surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark.
Whatever team ultimately lands Evans is going to secure one of the most consistent, reliable wide receivers in the league. Of course, if the Buccaneers are able to retain Baker Mayfield, their case to return the five-time Pro Bowl receiver would improve plenty.
So, which teams have the best chance to land the 30-year-old receiver? According to Bookies.com, the Houston Texans hold better chances than the Buccaneers to sign him in free agency. They hold +300 odds to sign Evans, whereas the Buccaneers hold +325 odds to re-sign him.
For Evans to join the Texans, he would be entering an arguably more secure situation than if he returned to the Buccaneers. CJ Stroud has blossomed as a rookie, even winning a playoff game, and Evans would provide a legit playmaker to allow Stroud to grow even more.
The young Texans are building something and are on a solid trajectory to keep building something special. Evans would help fast-track that progression, whereas his return to the Buccaneers would allow the team to grow from there.
For the Buccaneers, there's a lot less certainty about their future. If neither Mayfield nor Evans return, a rebuild would ensue with a bit of a reset.
The other teams with good odds include the Kansas City Chiefs (+450) in a move that would equip Patrick Mahomes, who has won two straight Super Bowls, with his best weapon since Tyreek Hill was traded. The Chicago Bears (+750) and New England Patriots (+900) are two other teams with the next best odds to land the star receiver.
Obviously, the best-case scenario sees the Buccaneers re-sign Evans, which would also likely see Mayfield return. He would continue to build his legacy in Tampa as the franchise continues to search for another Super Bowl after winning their last one in 2021.
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