Multiple NFL Teams Had Interest in Buccaneers' Star Wide Receiver Mike Evans
The last year was filled with many storylines surrounding Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, but those can be laid to rest on Monday as he re-signed with the franchise. He received a two-year, $52 million deal to remain with the franchise for the near future.
Before the season, his future in Tampa seemed rocky. The franchise saw uncertainty as Tom Brady retired for a second time, and he meant it as he stayed retired and got into his post-playing career.
The Buccaneers and Evans didn't reach a contract extension ahead of the season, and those contract talks paused until after the season. In the meantime, Evans posted his tenth-straight 1,000 receiving-yard season, showing a strong connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The 30-year-old finished with 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, which was set to garner him plenty of interest on the open market, which he obviously didn't hit.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, there were multiple teams that had their eyes on Evans as a potential wide receiver free agent. His veteran presence-- having won a Super Bowl in 2021 -- combined with consistency and talent made him a key target in free agency.
The Tennesee Titans, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars were among the teams listed in Russini's report.
Among those teams, Evans could have chosen another franchise to join that could have arguably offered more stability under center, a bigger opportunity to win, or even an opportunity to grow with a young franchise while shining as the start player -- yet Evans opted for loyalty as he'll stick around with Tampa Bay for an 11th and 12th season guaranteed.
Evans' new contract guarantees him $35 million within a week of reports that Evans was going to test the open market. That leverage allowed him a position to make a pretty penny on his third contract while helping the Buccaneers have a selling point to return Mayfield, who will also land a solid contract.
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