A Key Day For Mike Evans Arrives
February 19th, 2024
Possible update today.
Joe has sensed folks are antsy for news on Bucs free agent wide receiver Mike Evans. Perhaps something happens today?
Well, Joe just can’t make up news. If there was something brewing with Evans, fans would have heard something by now from the Bucs or something leaked by his agent.
If the Bucs forge a deal with Evans by this afternoon, it would save the Bucs some $7 million in cap space. In the immortal words of Moe Howard, “We shall see.”
In a new podcast from The 33rd Team, Evans and his free agency is discussed. Host Ari Meirov pointed out that because of Evans’ last contract, a franchise tag is just about out of the question. That would run the Bucs some $21 million. (Yes, Joe knows a $28 million number came from a former NFL players agent. Don’t ask Joe about deep complexities in the NFL salary cap. Joe’s neither an accountant nor a lawyer.)
Once a valuable player like Evans hits the open market, anything is possible. It only takes one hungry team to grab him. And this is likely the last time Evans gets to wet his beak for a top-shelf contract.
Sam Monson, one of the high priests of the PFF tribe, cautioned that while the Bucs seem to have the upper hand because Evans apparently wants to stay in Tampa, there are all kinds of “wide receiver-needy teams” that could pluck him.
Monson said look out for Carolina because they will be in the hunt for a receiver. Now on face value, this sort of makes sense. A stable quarterback position (no, the Stinking Panthers are not going to give up on Bryce Young any time soon) and of course, Dave Canales is there.
It was Canales’ offense with the 2023 Bucs that gave Evans a renaissance of sorts at age 30. In short, Canales helped make Evans millions and clearly there is a level of trust between them. So yeah, there would be a comfort level there for Evans. But Joe doubts Evans would sign with Carolina simply because he wants to win.
It’s probably going years before the Stinking Panthers would contend for anything besides the first pick in the draft.
Monson also tossed out Jacksonville as an option and that makes a whole lot of sense to Joe.
Failed minor league pitcher Steve Palazzolo, also of the PFF tribe, believes Indianapolis would be a player. Joe can’t see that for a couple of reasons.
One, there is no connection for Evans in Indianapolis like Canales is with Carolina. The other is Anthony Richardson. Joe doesn’t think crazy Jim Irsay will tolerate his coaches giving up on Richardson but so far the guy is brittle and he hasn’t proven he can take punishment like Young.
Joe still thinks Houston is a player. They have cap room and while they will need to pay players’ bills in the coming years, it’s not like Houston is would sign Evans to a five-year contract. Besides, Evans lives in the area region and Houston has all arrows pointing up.
Houston is within striking distance of a Super Bowl and Evans just might put them over the top. Imagine C.J. Stroud throwing to Evans? Yikes!
"There are a lot of WR-needy teams that will throw a lot of money at Mike Evans this offseason." 💰@PFF_Steve, @PFF_Sam & @MySportsUpdate contemplate what lies ahead for Mike Evans 🎬 pic.twitter.com/uvVFLTbLYB
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 18, 2024
February 19th, 2024 at 7:12 am
It certainly would have been far less costly to do Evans contract before last season , now it is up to the whim of fate.
February 19th, 2024 at 7:15 am
Houston makes the most sense unfortunately. If the Bucs lose Mike, the odds they lose Baker increase, or if Baker does resign he could be lesser than he was in ‘23 without Mike. In which case, the Bucs should evaluate their priorities.
Sign Mike and Baker, you’ve got talent on paper to make a run, but low on cap space for your other needs. Sign Baker without Mike, your numbers work better and might can be competitive but definitely with a lower ceiling. Sign neither of them, and it’s back to the lost decade drawing board.
Baker Haters can cry for someone else if they want, but who out there is better even? That’s the reality of the team’s situation right now.
February 19th, 2024 at 7:23 am
Don’t care the cost can’t lose Mike. Been a buc all his career and always produced. Cant be the team that lets a future HOF go. Offense would be trash without him and can’t expect a rookie WR or anybody we have on the team to do what he has done consistently for years
February 19th, 2024 at 7:37 am
Buc’s need to get Evans and Baker signed as first two priorities of the off season. Then on to Winfield.
February 19th, 2024 at 7:57 am
Is it possible there hasn’t been news because the Bucs are prepared to let Evans go? You know, the Patriots way…get rid of a guy one year before you have too.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:02 am
It’s a game of roster Jenga
February 19th, 2024 at 8:06 am
BucsFan – Thats only assuming they were close on numbers. Mike might have had a really high number and the bucs don’t have it that high. Bucs still hold the cards with the franchise tag as an option. But of course we only have one of those. But given Mike’s age it may be a good idea to just tag him so we don’t get stuck in a long-term commitment that he might not produce on.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:08 am
KC REALLY needs Evans, don’t know if they can afford him tho. Mahomes is wasting his talent, like Brady in his last year or two with the Pats
February 19th, 2024 at 8:15 am
Sure, KC would be better with Mike Evans, but Kelce still has the goods and Rasheed Rice was only a rookie last year and was probably the 3rd or 4th best rookie receiver in the league.
Lots of ways to win in the NFL. Wouldn’t KC money be better spent on Chris Jones than Mike Evans.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:18 am
Don’t think the $7M cap loss will force the Bucs to do something today, they can always clear that with a deal restructure later if needed. Would like to see both Mayfield & Evans return, Mayfield seems the more likely though. Would hate to see it, but can see Mike moving on for one last HUGE payday, which would be deserved after he’s arguably taken below market, team friendly deals the last two. Interested to see how things unfold.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:23 am
Evans should go to Texans if he wants a strategic career move with big bucks and a positive legacy.
I love him as much as every other Buc fan but the business side is’nigh
February 19th, 2024 at 8:23 am
Umm, how exactly is KC wasting Mahommes’ talent? 3 rings & 4 SB appearances in the last 5 years doesn’t sound like a waste to me 😂. No marquee WR in ‘23 sure looked like no problem to them in the end.
The rich can always get richer, but dang… “need” and “wasting” sure sounds like hyperbole.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:37 am
I get the ME going to Houston talk because Mike is from there and has a big house there already.
And sure Mike would increase their passing game.
But no one is talking about Houston wants to build their team. Last year Nico Collins took off for the 1st time. That was with C.J. there. There was a rapport between them. Tank Dell looks like a strong number 2 after the rookie year he had.
If Houston signs ME to a big contract, what does that mean for them being able to sign Nico Collins after next year. It probably means Collins would not be signed.
It seems more likely, that Houston is trying to build a 5-, 6-, or 7-year plan with Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Then will throw other dollars to other positions of need. Why “fix” what is not broken on the Texans.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:54 am
I’m with Geno711, I don’t see Houston needing Evans. At Houston, Evans may not get enough targets to get 1000yds.
February 19th, 2024 at 9:02 am
New York Jets, will sign Evans.
February 19th, 2024 at 9:13 am
Happy for mike getting paid elswhere.
Bob Seger-Turn the page!
February 19th, 2024 at 9:19 am
If Evens leaves its all on light. They should have given him his contract last year but Buc’s always trying to save a dollar might have cost them the best offensive weapon the team has ever had. Go bucs
February 19th, 2024 at 9:25 am
Mike has been the epitome of consistency during his 10 seasons in the NFL. You can count on him to be on the field (not injured and on the IR) for every game, grab 70-80 receptions a year for 1,200 yds, at 15 yards per reception, and a bunch of teams could use his help. But others will look at him being 31 years old when the 2024 season starts, and it will negatively impact their decision on whether to pursue him or not. Time will tell where his landing spot will be, but whichever team it is, they’ll be picking up a guy with a lot of fight and tenacity, and consistency.
February 19th, 2024 at 9:36 am
mike is consistently ready to play games, he is pretty sturdy for a WR….has the hammy thing each year but usually does not keep him out.
so he shows up and consistently drops balls early in pivitol moments in the game then pads his stats in garbage time. he consistently swings the momentum in the opponents direction. I would not mind bake going in the division but would not want to play against mike.
he seems to perform once he has a chip on his shoulder.
February 19th, 2024 at 10:14 am
If Evans is gone, Mayfield may also be gone.
February 19th, 2024 at 10:25 am
Saying you can’t replace Mike in the draft is a wrong conclusion. There are several candidates that could come in and have an immediate impact, even at 26.
Any comments about Licht being a year late is ignorant. We didn’t have the money he wants and we still don’t if we want to compete. Using that money in the trenches for proven production is money better spent. I would love for Mike to stay, but this is a business and that’s why you root for a team, not a specific player. The closer this gets, you will start to see more and more negative comments about Licht because fans are NOT gonna like what they do. Im evidently one of the minority because there is LITERALLY NOTHING the Bucs HAVE to do besides what is best for this team LONG TERM. That possibility includes letting Baker and Mike walk. Fans will get excited again though as soon as you see the what FAs start flying in. That money will go a LONG way. It will be like SHOPPING at Christmas instead of getting left overs at Goodwill.
February 19th, 2024 at 11:13 am
If we can’t resign him I’d love to see him play for the Texans or basically any team in the AFC.
February 19th, 2024 at 11:26 am
Get it done, JL.
February 19th, 2024 at 11:28 am
You cannot replace ME13 period with anyone or anything. ME13 is a 1st ballot HOF’er and led the NFL in TD receptions, not to mention the leadership and mentoring of your younger WR’s.
ME13 contract value went sky high based on his stellar season and he would have been much more affordable before last year and Bucs could have done the deal by back loading guaranteed bonus money into a 4 year deal. Bucs will rue the decision of not signing ME13 for years if he leaves, and so will the erudite fans.
February 19th, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Didn’t Irsay just survive another OD on drugs? That man has not seen a drug he doesn’t like!
February 19th, 2024 at 2:40 pm
Just sign Mike! Future hall of famer wide receivers don’t come along every year hell every 10 years!
February 19th, 2024 at 8:36 pm
Well, was there a deal?
February 19th, 2024 at 8:39 pm
Beeej Says: “KC REALLY needs Evans, don’t know if they can afford him tho. Mahomes is wasting his talent.”
They just won 2 consecutive Super Bowls.
February 19th, 2024 at 8:41 pm
We need upgrades at receiver, QB, and HC if we’re serious about winning another SB…
February 20th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Let Evans walk. He’s old and after this contract, he will lose any reason to try hard. WATCH!