Could Commanders Sign Future Hall of Fame Free Agent WR Mike Evans?
The Washington Commanders are in an interesting situation needing to build a team that can compete year after year while also trying to find a way to win immediately without mortgaging that same future.
Commanders brass has already said the intent is to build the team through the NFL Draft while supplementing through free-agent additions.
Sometimes, the supplementing pieces can be bigger than the drafted ones, and create stability for teams like Washington while those young players develop into cornerstone members themselves.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates the touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Players like Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, for example, attempted to secure a new deal with the team that drafted him and for which he's compiled 10 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
That streak broke Randy Moss' previous string of eight-straight to start a career, he did it with the Minnesota Vikings and has Evans on the verge of doing something only San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice has ever done if he can notch an 11th 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024.
As amazing as it sounds that the Buccaneers might actually fumble things so badly that they allow Evans to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, that possibility appears to be growing according to BucsGameday's Caleb Skinner.
"Prior to the 2023 season, Evans and his agent set a deadline for getting a contract in before the season began, but that never came to fruition," Skinner writes. "Now, Evans and the Buccaneers still have yet to come to an agreement on an extension and it appears likely that the star wideout will be headed toward free agency."
If Evans and Tampa Bay are really at odds on his new deal it's a perfect opportunity for the Commanders to swoop in and give him the money he's seeking while helping him secure a record-tying career achievement and helping support whatever young quarterback is starting for the franchise in 2024.
Given the fact Evans has been able to produce playing with the likes of Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, and Ryan Fitzpatrick as his quarterbacks, he could surely provide a much-needed outlet for Sam Howell or any of the top three rookies that may be available to Washington this April.
The price tag, a projected four-year deal worth $23.8 million per year on average, is pretty steep. However, given the Commanders' No. 1 ranked salary cap projection for the coming year and room to push that number north of $100 million, it's a reasonable price to pay.
Really, the question is whether or not Evans would be willing to come to Washington.
At this stage in his career, with one Super Bowl title and five Pro Bowls to go with the records he's set, Evans is looking like he'll be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day in Canton, Ohio.
However, another title and more accolades could turn his enshrinement assurance into a first-ballot case. But that could also come at a lower price point as teams like the Kansas City Chiefs are known for being a little thriftier with their receiver contracts, and only have about $13 million to spend this season with players like defensive tackle Chris Jones also facing an expiring contract.
If Evans isn't purely ring-chasing then playing alongside star Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin and on the same team as running back Brian Robinson Jr. with an offensive coordinator in Kliff Kingsbury who promises to seek balance could look quite appealing.
That trio alone, along with an improved offensive line and game-flow management, could be the recipe for helping any young quarterback thrive very early in their career.
Especially if Washington is willing to pay the price.
