A Mike Evans Holdout Now Seems On The Table
September 1st, 2023
Intrigue grows.
It sure smells to Joe like a Mike Evans holdout is possibly likely.
Joe isn’t trying to be doom and gloom, just reading the tea leaves spread out on the table.
Let’s do the reading together:
* Mike Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, began an artillery barrage starting last night and into the Friday morning hours alerting various platforms — the vast majority national platforms — that if the Bucs don’t start getting serious in contract negotiations, Evans could easily be on another NFL team’s roster this time next year.
* Then Gilmore issued a deadline. A week from tomorrow, Sept. 9. The only ultimatum Gilmore mentioned was that contract negotiations would be suspended at that time.
Joe thought the date only signaled that Gilmore would then launch his second offensive assault, this time contacting all of his buddies at FOX, CBS, NFL Network and BSPN to complain about a lack of a contract for his client.
This would result in every one of the vapid, fake-laughing, totally uninteresting pregame shows next week talking wall-to-wall about Evans and his lack of a contract for their opening segments.
But Joe’s initial read may have been off. The date of Gilmore’s deadline may very well mean something deeper and darker.
* Later this morning, Evans released his own statement. There, Evans said he doesn’t want to hold out. Not that he won’t hold out, but that he doesn’t want to. Big difference.
The deadline of Sept. 9, the day before the Bucs open the 2023 season in Minneapolis to face the Vikings, is significant in that the Bucs’ team plane usually lifts off the day before a road game. Yes, the Bucs currently plan to leave for Minneapolis on Sept. 9.
So is Gilmore, in a polite way, suggesting if a contract isn’t agreed to by a week from tomorrow, Evans doesn’t board the team plan to Minneapolis?
September 1st, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Boooooo! Mike! C’mon, man? It’s a business. We get it. Yada yada.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:02 pm
If you trade him it better at least bring Jonathan Taylor here
September 1st, 2023 at 12:02 pm
I thought I heard during the Ravens game something about Evans and a nagging groin issue.
Could be a great way to nurse an injury and get paid by holding out.
Downside is if some kids come in and light the place up.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Get it done Bucs!
September 1st, 2023 at 12:04 pm
If Gilmore had a strong position Gilmore wouldn’t be running off and crying on Jenna Laine’s shoulder. The team should again make clear they value Mike as a player and a person. But will not give into an ultimatum. Once that is done that put’s the ball back in Gilkey’s court. Where time is not his friend.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:11 pm
f em’ then
he’s lucky he was not traded by now!
he lost a step 2 years ago
September 1st, 2023 at 12:12 pm
@Jeff: it is a business and Evans has the right treat to protect his business. I support him 100%
September 1st, 2023 at 12:15 pm
When a man signs a contract that’s his word or at least in my day it was
September 1st, 2023 at 12:15 pm
Big Mike ain’t holding out
September 1st, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Evans never said he’d hold out THIS SEASON Joe. Gilmore’s statement was pretty clear about Mike possibly being in a different uniform NEXT SEASON. It makes zero sense for him to hold out right now since he’s under contract, and would lose bundles of money for not playing.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:17 pm
@ Dwayne
I thought the same thing… Isn’t Evans nursing a groin injury?
If Evans tries to hold out I would just attempt to find a trade partner…
He is making almost $24M this season and isn’t happy?
Come on man!!!
September 1st, 2023 at 12:19 pm
Mike Evans will not hold out.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Here come the Glazers to make baffling decisions that don’t make any sense. Shades of them declining to keep Mike Bennett around when he left. This is so pointless just pay the man.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:21 pm
I think Evans restructured his deal a couple of times to be team-friendly. I’d imagine he was told the team would return the favor, and his patience has run out.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:22 pm
Nobody want to play for Bowls
September 1st, 2023 at 12:23 pm
ME is a lil biotch deep down……. and he ALWAYS has some kinda nagging preseason “injury”/”I don’t feel like practicing” issue.
Trade the MFer asap
September 1st, 2023 at 12:24 pm
This makes the Glazers look like cheap and insensitive (to the fans) owners. In fairness, the $24 million for this year is because ME13 was giving money to the Bucs to sign other players during the SB run. I don’t think knocking him for that makes sense.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:26 pm
This really sucks cause the fans love Mike. I hope both sides can come to some kind of compromise cause I think Evans has a good 4 years left in him.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:28 pm
It’s my understanding that Licht doesn’t negotiate with holdouts. If Mike goes that route, then we might as well trade him
September 1st, 2023 at 12:30 pm
It is just me or is the NFL becoming a lot less fun. Greed, outrageous guaranteed money contracts (Jensen), disgruntled players, holdouts, etc. etc.
We just move on from D. White and now Mr. Buc, Mike Evans. It never ends.it’s quickly loosing its entertainment value and falling into one big fat pit of money.
High School football is looking better and better
September 1st, 2023 at 12:34 pm
I hope Mike gets to finish his career in Tampa.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Can’t really call what his agent is doing “polite” but oh well.
Hard to believe the Bucs have not talked to the agent at all since Licht has said they want to keep him and also they need salary cap room. But in reality a holdout is all the leverage Evans have since Bucs can franchise tag him.
Not a good thing for either side but think it is really bad that his agent his going this route as it had the possibility of making things worse, can’t see where the Glazer’s would be happy about it.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:37 pm
@ donuts
Regardless – Mike Evans has been paid very well for his past performance.
He is no longer a top ten wide receiver in the NFL. To overpay him and guarantee the entire contract would be foolish.
I would want to franchise tag him either for $28M plus.
Let him test the free agent market in 2024 and see which team is dumb enough to overpay for his services.
Same with Devin White.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:39 pm
ooooops
“I would want to franchise tag him either for $28M plus.”
Meant to say – I would NOT want to franchise tag him either for $28M plus.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:41 pm
I wouldn’t think that the Glazer’s like agent ultimatums. Mike, Evans is not indispensable.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:42 pm
It’s a Bucs Life!
September 1st, 2023 at 12:43 pm
Mike never lost money redoing his contracts. He is set to make 23 million this year, and has probably made close to 100 mill so far in his career. Hard to feel sorry for him. I’d have my groin removed for 23 mill, and play on one leg if I had to. Mike’s at the point in his career where you just don’t do a long term big contract. No team is going to trade for him, and give him what the Bucs won’t. Certainly no team is going to pay him 23 million for this year, no one has that cap space, and no one is giving a 30 yr old 9 year vet a long term deal. If he becomes a FA after this season, he’s going to find no team will give him what he wants from the Bucs. Teams will offer him one year deals up to 15 million, that’s it. This is the sad reality Evans needs to realize. NFL, not for long. Mike, you already beat the odds, you just don’t get it yet.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:43 pm
Get ready for an unwatchable season
September 1st, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Let’s trade and bake!
September 1st, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Mike’s actual salary for this year might only be the league minimum. He might have already collected his money as signing bonuses, ect. NFL contracts and how they’re paid can be really complicated. If that is the case then holding out won’t actually hurt him.
.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:48 pm
MIKE WANTS $28M A YEAR, 3 YEARS GUARANTEED (COOPER KUPP)
Bucs offered him $20-22. This is Mike’s last contract. He’s fighting. I get it.
THIS WAS INEVITABLE
The Bucs are reloading. Mike is a Pro Bowl vet. Mike should go play for a contender. The Bucs should stockpile picks and cap space.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:52 pm
Is what it is
September 1st, 2023 at 12:52 pm
How is paying Cooper Kupp working out for the Rams?
September 1st, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Just went back and read Glikey’s press release. Should have done that sooner. This thing is pretty much a nothing burger. As far as the national media. Let them do what they want. As each day passes that bunch becomes less and less relevant. Todays headlines are tomorrows bird change liners.
September 1st, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Let’s hope Mike doesn’t do something like this after being team first his entire career
Leaving 52 guys on the tarmac is not a Mike Evans move that any of us would expect
six wins max becomes 4 wins max without Mike and can’t even imagine the emotional toll on the rest of the team and if he holds out
Could it all be part of the tank for Caleb plan???? LOL
September 1st, 2023 at 1:06 pm
@joe in the agent statement is says that “if a deal isn’t done then mike will focus completely on football” don’t that mean he’s playing and worry about the contract in the offseason?
September 1st, 2023 at 1:08 pm
@joe in the agent statement is says that “if a deal isn’t done then mike will focus completely on football” don’t that mean he’s playing and worry about the contract in the offseason? I think reading in to deep when he said” he don’t want to hold out” I think u took it as a threat and not him merely saying he won’t hold out . I don’t know but this good Friday just turned gloomy
September 1st, 2023 at 1:10 pm
Say it ain’t so Mike. Also, pay him.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:11 pm
Come on man,,,,,,, ur not even in the top 10 WR’s dont be like a diva.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Everyone calm down. There’s no way Evans blows his shot at history by chasing down Jerry Rice with this sideshow BS. This is just posturing nonsense
September 1st, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Last season was the first time I tuned out all pre-game shows (except for Sunday Night Football) because they are all what you describe. Every one. I only watch Sunday Night Football’s pre-game because it catches me up on what happened all day.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:25 pm
LOL..Mike might want to leave after these upcoming seasons performances by his QB’s.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:25 pm
You’re probably right, Kalind.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:27 pm
The FOX pregame show is usually pretty good.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:45 pm
I wouldn’t risk getting injured without a long term contract either. No different than the franchise tag, no one want to play on that one year deal to risk getting injured and losing more money
September 1st, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Trade him. Love Mike. Best WR in franchise history. But let’s think big picture and long term and get more draft capitol.
September 1st, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Only trading him for a 1st rounder. If we rebuild with rookie qb next year it is easier to develop him with good players instead of other rookies.
September 1st, 2023 at 2:50 pm
Hodad, how is paying Hill working out for Miami??? In the right system he could still be very effective. I don’t see him getting more than $25m anywhere. Tommy Boy maybe recruiting him for Vegas.
September 1st, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Him holding out and maybe missing out on extending his 1,000 yard season streak, which is what is going to get him into the HOF one day, would be a travesty. I don’t see him holding out. Maybe just say contract negotiations are on hold for the season and we’ll hit FA next year.
September 1st, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Evans sees the writing on the wall.
September 1st, 2023 at 3:18 pm
Real nice BS to start the season out with Mike !
September 1st, 2023 at 3:20 pm
I cannot believe some of these fans saying that Evans should just leave the organization. He has done more for this organization since he first put on his uniform than I dare to say any player in recent memory. He has restructured his contracts time and time again for this organization to keep players and add more talent to this team. Has Evans possibly lost a step or two yes but he is still a talented threat at the receiver position. He has broken every record our team has had in his position while playing through countless injuries and we as fans have the balls to criticize his dedication to this team? It makes me sick to read comments like that about the best receiver this team has ever had.
September 1st, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Not sure if anyone noticed this in the last preseason game, but when they asked Jason Licht about the Evans situation and made a joke, Licht’s face told the entire story. I knew then that there was trouble about to happen because Jason told me from his expression alone.
September 1st, 2023 at 3:54 pm
This team is on the verge of a complete reset… I understand both sides. I’ve never doubted Evans but maybe as a franchise we need to secure a franchise QB first before we do anything. The Jags proved you can go from zero to hero with a young talented QB. Now the jags might be one of the best teams with a bright future.. just good for though
September 1st, 2023 at 3:56 pm
If we really wanted to win, Aaron Rodgers was on the table. Grabbing mayfield isn’t going to take us to the superbowl. Tank season is almost upon us. Let’s just have fun in the meantime
September 1st, 2023 at 3:56 pm
This is going to end up the same way it did for the old owners when they pinched Doug Williams….
September 1st, 2023 at 3:57 pm
NE fan, no team is going to give Evans a long term deal of 25 million a year. Leave the negotiations to the professionals. That’s why Licht is an NFL GM, and we’re not.
September 1st, 2023 at 4:16 pm
Do what you gotta do, Mike. You aint getting younger and you aint winning another ring with the Bucs. Chase the money with us or chase the ring elsewhere. Just be happy! You gave us some great years and I’m thankful for them all… except that one time you sat for the anthem. But I forgive.
September 1st, 2023 at 4:57 pm
As it should be, that’s his own leverage to get what he has rightfully earned. Pay the man.
September 1st, 2023 at 5:55 pm
If it were any other player it might disappoint me but this guy has always looked out for the team and taken team friendly deals. When the Bucs needed someone to help them clear cap space, he’s always the first one to help the team out.
PAY THE MAN
September 1st, 2023 at 6:01 pm
I just have no patience for this. Packsge Mike an D White, send them packing, grab some draft picks and make the rebuild official. Guys making $20 million a year and it’s not enough. Fine. Get out.
September 1st, 2023 at 6:14 pm
@ Hodad
“no team is going to give Evans a long term deal of 25 million a year.”
Exactly – Let both Devin White and Mike Evans test the free agent market next year.
Let another team overpay for their services…
The next two seasons the Bucs need to get their salary cap under control. I am a huge Mike Evans fan but I am fine with him moving on. For goodness sake the Bucs employed Julio Jones for a season – lol!
You don’t think that was painful for the die hard Atlanta fans?
September 1st, 2023 at 6:21 pm
Agent also says he 100% wants to focus on football after the deadline they set. Joe seems to be “holding out” on us as well! Still plenty of time to get a deal done. Devin white was told he still is under contract for the year. Age 30 season for Mike, Id like to see what he can do before shelling out Kupp money he reportedly wants. Kupp doesnt even deserve Kupp money!!!
September 1st, 2023 at 6:41 pm
You guys calling players greedy and disloyal are crazy yet the owners charge boo coo bucks for the game time experience, licensed merchandise and everything NFL. These players are the only reason these owners make so much money. What they pay the players is nothing. Why are players supposed to honor a contract when the teams don’t? Mike could’ve left this team when it was real bad but didn’t. Buc fans are the worst at times!
September 1st, 2023 at 6:45 pm
Like a Devin White holdout was a strong possibility?
Please.
September 1st, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Mike is not going to hold out and destroy all the love Tampa fans and the team have for him. Yes, he wants to get paid, but understands that the Bucs are still in salary cap hell. The Bucs will do their best to hold on to Mike, but he can probably get a bigger pay day by moving. The low side of Mike’s earning are now above $20 million a year. That’s more money than several families make in a life time. Yes, football is a business…but Mike has more money than he will spend in his life-time. So, let’s not talk about eating or taking care of the family. It’s about football egos that want to be paid. Yes, Mike is absolutely worth big money! But, realistically the Bucs have a smaller wallet than most teams right now and several important players that need to be signed.
September 1st, 2023 at 7:38 pm
Not one mention of a holdout diminishing any chance of 10 straight 1K seasons! Can’t see him holding out with a stat that almost guarantees a gold jacket.
September 1st, 2023 at 10:11 pm
Mike knows the bucs will replace him with palmer and won’t offer him the same amount once palmer has a huge season. Either Mike takes a pay cut to stay with the bucs or this is likely his last season in tampa. Hard pill to swallow that Evans may not be a buc for life.
September 1st, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Holding out will cost Mike 10-20 years from now.
He needs these yards – he needs to cement his legacy.
if he can scratch 1000 yards together this season then next he can sign with a contender and make another run (could be the Bucs!). He needs to put up numbers – not flounder with a team on a down cycle. He needs 2 more 1000 yard season to lock him in 1st ballot.
Then no matter what he’ll be set for life more so then he already is. These next 3 seasons he’s not playing for the short term contract – he’s playing for the Hall and his place in it. No time to rest on laurels. I think minimum he gets 15 mil a year no matter what while playing. That’s just gravy. The next three years determine whether he can get 7 figures annually long term after he’s done playing.
September 2nd, 2023 at 7:39 am
@atrain – exactly. Some people here have short memories.