Mike Evans Reveals Thoughts Regarding Contact Extension With Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are heading into their first game week of the season heading up to Minnesota for a 1 PM kickoff. Although the team is fully prepared and the mindset is to face the Vikings, there are some things off the field that are still being handled including their star wide receiver, Mike Evans.

Earlier in the week, Evans' agent issued a statement saying that they plan to cut off negotiations with the Buccaneers on September 9 - one day before the team begins its regular season. The recently turned 30-year-old All-Pro is entering the final year of his deal and his future with the franchise that drafted him in 2014 is up in the air.

While speaking to the media on Thursday, Evans went into detail about the contraction negotiations. Even if the two parties don't reach a deal by Saturday, he's still looking forward to putting his best foot forward for Tampa Bay in 2023.

"My agent set that deadline. I'm sure ya'll read the statement. Obviously, we've been working with them for over a year now to get something done," Evans said while taking questions at his locker. "Any player in my position would want to be solidified and secured. If the deal is done or not, either way, we’ll be okay and I’m looking forward to having a great season this year.”

Mike Evans speaks about trying to reach a contract extension with the #Buccaneers.

“Any player in my position would like to feel solidified, secured. If the deal is done or not, either way we’ll be okay and I’m looking forward to having a great season this year.”

Evans says… pic.twitter.com/CskL2XmlNB
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) September 7, 2023

This is a tough situation for the Buccaneers as Evans is arguably the top wide receiver in franchise history. He's stuck with the team through ups and downs while developing into a possible future Hall of Famer. The issue for Tampa Bay is that the team is already pressed for cap space as extensions for offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will be kicking in.

That doesn't include the potential money needed for a contract for Baker Mayfield, who is only on a one-year deal, or 2024 draft picks. The franchise is clearly going to need to make smart decisions on investments over the next year and that could come at a cost to some members of the roster.

At this point, Evans isn't sure if the Buccaneers will extend him prior to the season. He acknowledges that both parties are going to do what is best for themselves at the end of the day.

"I don't know," Evans said. "We've got a little bit of time left but we'll see. Ownership and management are going to do what they feel is best for the team and the team's future and I'm going to do what's best for me and my future. Right now, that's just playing some good ball."

Evans has recorded an NFL record nine-straight 1,000+ yard receiving seasons to begin his career. He's caught 683 passes for 10,425 yards and 81 touchdowns with the Buccaneers, playing a pivotal role in the run to Super Bowl LV.

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