Todd Bowles Disgusted By Thought Of Mike Evans Not Playing For Buccaneers
One of the top players in franchise history is still suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and adding to his prestige each year.
The conclusion of the Buccaneers season on Sunday evening marked the end of star wide receiver Mike Evans's tenth year with the franchise. It was also one of his most productive campaigns as he tied for his second-most touchdown catches (13) while recording his third-most receptions (79) and receiving yards (1,255) in a season.
Though there were some frustrating moments, Evans was a crucial piece of Tampa Bay's offense against Detroit. He pulled down a season-high eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown that kept the team alive in the final quarter.
Evans now enters the offseason without a contract after failing to secure an extension with the Buccaneers last fall. He'll be a coveted free agent if the two parties are unable to come to terms by March.
The priority is to keep the 2014 First-Round selection in pewter and red moving into the future. Head coach Todd Bowles doesn't even want to consider the possibility of Evans suiting up for another team next year. It's a thought that disgusts him.
"I don't even think about it. I don't like to be asked about it. I don't want to know about it. I hope to hell that does not happen," Bowles said matter-of-factly on Monday.
Evans has recorded ten consecutive 1,000+ yard receiving seasons to begin his professional career. The Super Bowl LV Champion is a Five-Time Pro Bowl selection and Two-Time All-Pro. He's totaled 762 catches for 11,680 yards with 94 touchdowns. Evans is the only receiver in franchise history to record over 7,000+ yards with the Buccaneers and he has nearly triple the scores of any other pass-catcher to play for the team.
It makes sense for Tampa Bay to make a push to retain Evans and other key players alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield to gear up for another run at a Super Bowl.
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news, and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.
