Statement From Mike Evans’ Agent, Deryk Gilmore
September 1st, 2023
Deryk Gilmore.
Mike Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, is pulling out the artillery.
Gilmore has already stated through media contacts that the Bucs have one week to make things right with Evans or talks on a future contract will be shut down.
Gilmore released a statement through Jeremy Fowler of BSPN claiming for the past two years he has tried to negotiate a contract through Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht’s proxy, Mike Greenberg, to no avail — and has never received an offer from Licht/Greenberg.
That seems dubious to Joe, but hey, Gilmore has to worry about his client first. Joe gets it. It’s the way the world of NFL agents works.
Below is the statement in full from Gilmore.
JoeBucsFan Flash Poll posted at 8:55 am.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:04 am
Dubious is a good way to put it.
Honestly it seems dumb to make this public like this. Not as bad as Devin White but making claims like that right before the season starts is not the team-first standard Mike Evans has demonstrated.
That being said, pay the man
September 1st, 2023 at 9:06 am
Sign Mike for $5,000,000/yr for 5 years and be done with it.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:08 am
Keep Mike. Johnny Wilson to the Bucs.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:09 am
Pay the man cap will keep going up his deal will great in 3 yrs like it did his whole career
September 1st, 2023 at 9:09 am
Wow so he’s just trying to strong arm the Bucs. He likely wants a contract that’s unrealistic but how can you make that kind of declaration about a players future unless Mike signed off on it. An agent’s whining isn’t worth the read but these things don’t always work as planned just ask Devin white. He should make what Godwin makes at minimum. We have a possible HOF player, has a better chance than LVD
September 1st, 2023 at 9:13 am
The Bucs know Mike is valuable. Mike should be paid, but is the agent alluding to September 9 being a drop dead date? As in zero further negotiation?
September 1st, 2023 at 9:14 am
Ya hate to see this side of the game being dragged out in public. I was wondering why Mike didn’t take the field with the starters last preseason game now I know. Mike wasn’t going to risk injury in a preseason game without having a new contract, smart. Sounds like Mike won’t be holding out, probably should, but how committed will he be without a commitment from the Bucs? Hopefully this gets resolved before kick off. I hope the Bucs aren’t thinking about doing Mike dirty by franchicing him in the future.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:15 am
Pay him now. JFC. WTF are you waiting for.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:15 am
It’s a business. All’s fair. Get your money, Mike. You deserve every penny. My advice to fans is stop worrying about tactics and how it makes a player “seem.” Don’t worship their personalities and don’t hate them either. It’s good or bad PR. My only exception is, are they actually hurting other people (like say, putting their hands where they don’t belong). You’re only seeing 1% of what’s going on in all these situations, so any conclusions you draw will be on very limited information.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:19 am
Wow this guy is rubbing me the wrong way.
“We want the fans to know this is not a tactic”
Go screw yourself dude. We’re not this dumb and this is insulting now to fans. This is absolutely a negotiation tactic by every definition. What the hell is it if not?
I would have preferred him holding out over doing this all day. Disingenuous word salad crap tactics.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:21 am
I love me some Mike, but yes this is a business. I think the shrewd thing to do is let Mike play this year on his current contract. This season is all about eating dead money anyway. If Trey Palmer explodes this year it becomes likely you let Mike walk. But Mike has been a great buc for his career and the organization should be honest with him and accommodating as well. It’s possible to be about the business without being a jerk to the best offensive player the team has ever had.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:21 am
From what I read NFL agents make about 84 Grand a year per player represented.
This to me sounds like an advertisement saying ‘Look Kids I am the Guy that will Fight for You.
Talks End on the 9th just before the first game so it won’t be a distraction.
Mike Evans knows exactly where he stands with Bucs Management.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:21 am
For long time I thought Evans was an on the field whiner that made catch and then took the next play off. But damn the guy is always catching on double teams, blocking, and consistent which means he’s avoided major injuries. Mike Evans has plenty of gas left. With that said, he’s great trade bait.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:24 am
Pay the man. Dont get cute. He is one of the greatest Bucs of all time, still has juice, and does more for this franchise than you can even buy from any other receiver in the league. He is worth more than they pay for Davis or Dean, likely worth more than Winfield, and definitely worth more than Diva.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:26 am
Seems very unprofessional. Terrible timing. Nothing but a power play distraction. Lizard brains doing what they do. GO BUCS
September 1st, 2023 at 9:32 am
Considering Ronde was I believe the only one of the Big Bucs Legends from the first super bowl to retire as a Buc (without being released first) I would like to see us keep some of our legends to the very end. I know its a business but part of that business should be building a legacy of our own from this era of Bucs football. One that we can remember as something more than just Brady reaching down to touch us with his grace like that Michelangelo painting.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:33 am
All the players that are up for contract, see all that dead Brady money and want some for their contract.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:33 am
This doesn’t make sense. I understand giving the Bucs a deadline to come up with a deal or stop negotiating, but why does the public need to know about this? Its either they want the fans to know after the season why Mike isn’t coming back or, which is far more obvious, this is a power play to get the fans against the ownership to get Mike more money because I highly doubt there hasn’t been some sort of offer that has been sent over yet but probably turned down. Just keep this crap private and if your not happy move on, but this is just stupid and greedy when a team, yes I said “TEAM!” is trying to get ready for the season.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:34 am
I don’t understand the tactic. Why does talks have to end September 9, 2023? Is Mike in on these talks? I’m sure Mike can focus on ball while the Agent continues to negotiate during the season. Or am I missing something?
September 1st, 2023 at 9:35 am
Side note- Gilmore has to know the franchise tag is coming next season. Likely to come the season after that as well if no deal is done. Evans is getting a pay raise in 2024. Not sure why you wait until now to sound the alarms.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:37 am
A lot of people have a negative take on Mike Evans but he is not an agent. The organization is lying about wanting Mike Evans and to end his career here because they knew this was coming!
If it’s true they tried to negotiate for two years then Bucs simply don’t want to pay the asking price so don’t drag this out. If you won’t pay him don’t use him for a season, trade that man and let him get what he’s worth.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:52 am
This press release is about public accountability, and the Bucs organization obviously needs this accountability.
If the Bucs screw this up and lose the ability to re-sign Evans, that would be one of the most embarassing and shameful things this organization has ever done.
Give the man a new contract and do it now!
September 1st, 2023 at 10:18 am
They’ve tried two years to extend his contract that ends at the end of this year. Why would any organization extend a contract three full years before the contract is over? Licht built a Super Bowl winning team. That wouldn’t be possible if he was as dumb as this agent suggests he should be. 100% chance that if the Bucs approach Evans in January with an extension, Evans will want to negotiate and if his agent plays hardball, he’ll fire him. Agents aren’t special. They are talentless greedy paper pushers that come a dime a dozen. The difference between two experienced agents is minimal other than that some of their clients best interests in mind and some have their interests in mind.
September 1st, 2023 at 10:20 am
Mike has always restructured his contract in a couple years past for the benefit of the organization. And it’s unfortunate they are giving him the John Lynch treatment. Lynch had plenty more in the tank as well. His worth, charity and revenue generated to the organization and city cannot be measured by a salary cap. Reward the man with what he deserves and more importantly what he will continue to bring to the table.
September 1st, 2023 at 10:39 am
I sure hope the Bucs don’t screw this up.. Make Mike a buc for life
September 1st, 2023 at 10:45 am
I get why he said it though, idk if anyone ever whatched that Cruz interview the wr for the giants but he claimed before he was cut he was phased out of the offense to make him look bad to the fans because he was a fan favorite. Do I think Tampa would do that to mike hell no we can’t afford to do that. I just want them to make evans a buc for life!
September 1st, 2023 at 11:05 am
Artillery? I don’t see any artillery. Gilmore knows time is not on his side. This is a sign of weakness. He’s issued an ultimatum. Okay. Call his bluff.
September 1st, 2023 at 11:19 am
Rumor has it, Mike wants $28M a year with 3 years guaranteed.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:27 pm
This doesn’t seem right. Why come out guns blazing when your family is already set for life? I understand they’ve been in talks for sometime, but that’s no reason to give an ultimatum…unless ME has been disappointed with the Bucs for a long time. Is it because theyve always restructured his contract, that he did voluntarily that pissed him off? If thats true then Mike is blind, or emotionally comprimised, because I can clearly tell he’s loved by Tampa fans and the Glaziers, but if the only way ME can be convinced of that is by having his greasy agent give an ultimatum, then I’ve been wrong about Evans his entire career and he can take a hike.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:48 pm
I like Evans and want him re-signed.
As someone who negotiates contracts for a living, I absolutely call BS on his agent’s statement this is not a tactic. You never stop talking in order to get a deal done. So unless Evans wants to become a FA, which is contrary to everything he’ said/done, I don’t believe it. Let’s call it straight– agents lie to get what they can for their clients.
Unfortunately, Mike Evans has made some mistakes in his career by listening to the wrong people. This was mostly true in the first few years of his career. Thought he was past this, but this could be another example.
What does it matter if his contact for the next few years is final on Sept 9 or Dec 9? It doesn’t. His agent wants Sep 9 because he wants this year’s contract tore up and increased under the new deal.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:52 pm
So many of the fans just don’t understand and can’t relate because you can’t get past how much money he makes. I’m sure there are people working at Burger King that feel like you or I make too much money and should never want a raise. The fact of the matter is, EVERYONE wants to be paid what they are worth. Mike Evans is one of the best in the world at his job. He should absolutely want to get paid like it. He should absolutely want the organization to commit to him long term. Would you want to work on a 1 year deal (not knowing if you’ll be back) and then maybe have to uproot your family to a new state? This guy has given everything to this organization from the day he stepped onto One Buc Place. He has tried for 2 years to negotiate a long term deal with no luck, so what else should he do? He should have gone public sooner, and he honestly should hold out. As a fan I don’t want that, but Mike has to take care of himself and his family. If there is one person that deserves to be paid based off past achievements, it is Mike Evans. Pay the man!
September 1st, 2023 at 2:23 pm
I think they are saying he wants what kupp got 3 yrs 80m 75 guaranteed 20m siging bonus, 1)give it to him 2) the bucs can not afford to lose a player like ME by far my favorite buc player of all time if the bucs let Evans walk then idk but i would greatly think about following another team which I haven’t done ever even when we where winning one game a year I had my ass In those seats rooting my home team if they fail to pay this man and make him a buc for life and show how much they don’t care about what he has done and can still do for them then it would be close to a deal breaker for me do the right thing here bucs show the sane loyalty he has shown us when he goes out there and busts heads Mike is a fighter so the bucs need to fight for him.
Go bucs
Keep ME13nTB
September 1st, 2023 at 2:27 pm
The timing is curious. The contract is is one thing. Mikes agent and Mike both know the salary cap situation. The information is out there and available. I am not sure that’s the point.
“Mike wants the next phase of his career to be with an organization who wants him and wants him to help win a Super Bowl. Which is why we have informed the Buccaneers organization that we will discontinue contract discussions as of
September 9. 2023.”
That’s the point.
September 1st, 2023 at 2:35 pm
So we tanking for Marvin jr then 🤷🏾♂️😂
September 1st, 2023 at 2:37 pm
I think they are saying he wants what kupp got 3 yrs 80m 75 guaranteed 20m siging bonus, 1)give it to him 2) the bucs can not afford to lose a player like ME by far my favorite buc player of all time if the bucs let Evans walk then idk but i would greatly think about following another team which I haven’t done ever even when we where winning one game a year I had my but In those seats rooting my home team if they fail to pay this man and make him a buc for life and show how much they don’t care about what he has done and can still do for them then it would be close to a deal breaker for me do the right thing here bucs show the sane loyalty he has shown us when he goes out there and busts heads Mike is a fighter so the bucs need to fight for him.
Go bucs
Keep ME13nTB
September 1st, 2023 at 2:53 pm
I think they are saying he wants what kupp got 3 yrs 80m 75 guaranteed 20m siging bonus, 1)give it to him 2) the bucs can not afford to lose a player like ME by far my favorite buc player of all time if the bucs let Evans walk then idk but i would greatly think about following another team which I haven’t done ever even when we where winning one game a year I had my ass In those seats rooting my home team if they fail to pay this man and make him a buc for life and show how much they don’t care about what he has done and can still do for them then it would be close to a deal breaker for me do the right thing here bucs show the sane loyalty he has shown us when he goes out there and busts heads Mike is a fighter so the bucs need to fight for him.
Go bucs
Keep ME13nTB
September 1st, 2023 at 4:24 pm
“this is not a tactic”…
LOL
September 1st, 2023 at 4:48 pm
Ppl talking trash in here about needing to sign Mike has no idea what management has to do to stay in cap space and look ahead into the future to keep winning in the future. Sometimes you have let the good ones go for the betterment of the team. Either way I’m sure the Bucs will make the right choice. Fingers crossed for Mike but I also understand it’s a bussiness.
September 1st, 2023 at 5:15 pm
I would rather they pay wirfs
September 1st, 2023 at 7:24 pm
After all the restructuring of his contracts to free up money how can anyone be mad at him for wanting his money pay the man he probably only play another 3 years anyway
September 1st, 2023 at 7:46 pm
To say or think that ME13 isn’t ok with this tactic is crazy. This story circulated at least as far back as yesterday and this “release” is dated today. If ME13 wasn’t ok with it, he could have stopped his agent from releasing this today. Evans is the boss in this relationship. If he didn’t want this to blow up into a big story, he could have nipped it in the bud.
The franchise tag $$$ for 2024 WRs is projected to be about $22.9 mil. Not exactly an insulting amount. It was put in place for just these sorts of contract impasses. ME13 surely wants Godwin money at $20 mil/year with guarantees. As an older player, he’ll want as many years as he can get as well (his agent said that he has 4 to 6 good years left). I doubt the Bucs go longer than 3 years.
With guys like Palmer and Garrett this year looking like future stars or at least quality starters (Palmer could even find himself as WR1 if he continues to impress over time) not to mention future picks and acquisitions, it’s hard for a team to commit a lot of money and years to older players. That’s why it rarely happens that a guy retires with the team that drafted him.
I hope ME13 gets a contract that he’s happy with and soon. If not, this “power play” by his agent (with likely his endorsement) could be a distraction at every presser, every week. Not to mention teammates who are approaching contract time or future FAs who might look at the Bucs as being cheap or difficult to work with.
Fans want to keep their “heroes and favorites” but we don’t have the responsibility of writing those big arse checks and balancing a cap budget all while trying to remain competitive. NFL players have short careers so if he moves on to do what’s in his best interest, so be it. I won’t love or appreciate him any less.
I appreciate the desire to get a fair contract, but not this method. If ME13 wasn’t on board with this, he should fire his agent asap.
September 1st, 2023 at 9:14 pm
I think Mike has a solid 2 years of elite to high level play in him and then 2 more years of solid contributor play in him.
6 years is ambitious.
Bucs should offer him a 3 year deal with incentive clauses to trigger on year 3.
If he’s still dominant then they.can rework/extend at the end of year 2. If he falls off then the cap hit on releasing him.
13th in the league last year in yards. 24th in TDs. 25th in RECs.
It’s unrealistic for him to ask for 25 mil a year. High teens plausible.
The thing is this is NOT a WR friendly offense. And his numbers could drop as a result of the dink and dunk. The more time ticks off the clock the less leverage he’s going to have. Bucs don’t have to make a move.
Love Mike – great player – great Buc! After this season though his market won’t be at the elite level. It won’t be because he’s lost any steps. It will be because of the style of offense Bucs play and who their QB is.
The X factor is Kyle Trask. If Mayfield loses the job through performance or injury, Trask will come in throwing bombs down field looking for Evans early and often.
The more we look at this QB “competition” the more things start to make sense.
This is a tank year and Mayfield is the perfect QB for it.
September 2nd, 2023 at 6:38 am
DLTDHYITAOTWO
September 2nd, 2023 at 11:03 am
Who cares they’re all over paid anyway. Give the money to the troops because they sign a contract and know they’re not getting a pay raise and they don’t whine about it.
September 2nd, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Mike needs to FIRE this immature agent. Tactic will be rejected!!
Does the agent realize White tried this a few months ago??????
Btw shame on you for calling fans idiots with this tactic.
September 2nd, 2023 at 8:13 pm
The Bucs owners have always been cheapskates when it came to players and staff!
Its no surprise they can’t hang on to good talent. Mike should have been looking for a team
Before preseason even began with no contract.