Mike Evans Returns to Bucs, Ends Panthers' Pipe Dream

Life changes fast in the NFL and this morning's news is the perfect example of that with Mike Evans returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year, $52 million deal just days after it was reported that he would "explore his options in free agency."

Before free agency begins next week, the Buccaneers and five-time Pro-Bowl WR Mike Evans reached agreement on a two-year, $52 million that includes $35 million guaranteed, per his agent @DerykGilmore.

Evans now has a real chance to start and finish his career in Tampa as a Buc. pic.twitter.com/tj68Vk9YpG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2024

Evans always wanted to finish his career in Tampa Bay, but was willing to keep his options open incase a deal couldn't get done.

Some linked Evans to the Carolina Panthers due to head coach Dave Canales spending the 2023 season as the Bucs' OC and the Panthers having a clear need for a number one receiver. As much as Carolina would like to land a player the caliber of Evans, it was always a bit far-fetched, at least at this stage in the rebuild. If Evans did hit the open market, he would have put more focus into having conversations with Super Bowl contenders.

Now that Evans is off the board, the top remaining free agent receivers include Calvin Ridley (Jaguars), Tyler Boyd (Bengals), Marquise Brown (Cardinals), Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Buccaneers), DJ Chark Jr. (Panthers), and Chase Claypool (Dolphins).

Ideally, the Panthers would be able to land one the aforementioned free agents and snag a receiver in the second or third round of what is a very deep draft class. Adding at least two new pieces to compliment Adam Thielen and a developing Jonathan Mingo should go a long way in revamping the Carolina passing attack.

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