Report: Mike Evans Was Unavailable At Trade Deadline
November 1st, 2023
“Hey Douglas, you think I can be had that easily, you’re full of it!”
Apparently, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht wasn’t fooling around yesterday morning when he made an appearance on “Good Morning Football,” seen on NFL Network.
Licht appeared on the popular weekday morning show to pimp the new Buccaneers coaching academy. Closet Bucs fan and “Good Morning Football” co-host Peter Schrager squeezed in one Bucs’ on-field question and asked if star receiver Mike Evans might be available.
Licht said pretty matter-of-factly, “I’m really looking forward to Mike continuing his great career here in Tampa and extending his streak of 1,000-yard seasons here with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
It seems he had similar words for Jets shot-caller Joe Douglas.
Per long-time Jets beat guy Brian Costello of the New York Post, Douglas made “repeated” inquiries to Licht about trying to get Evans. Per Costello, Evans was not on the trading block.
If Douglas was that hot for Evans, it almost smells like Licht could have swindled Douglas for a very nice draft pick(s) or package of picks.
This also suggests to Joe that Licht believes he can re-sign Evans, just in case folks didn’t take Licht’s words on NFL Network seriously.
Evans is scheduled to be a free agent in March.
November 1st, 2023 at 4:23 pm
“If Douglas was that hot for Evans, it almost smells like Licht could have swindled Douglas for a very nice draft pick(s) package.”
Sounds like Licht didn’t need a new running back 😂
November 1st, 2023 at 4:24 pm
In other news the Packers GM said publicly he doesn’t know if Jordan Love is the future of the franchise.
I just wish the Bucs could say something even remotely close about Baker.
Instead we get he is pirating the ship just fine.
I really hope we resign ME, because we need him for our new rookie QB.
November 1st, 2023 at 4:27 pm
Our pass rush is less disruptive than a nun
November 1st, 2023 at 4:28 pm
He’s about 20th in total yards, he’s in a huge tie for third or fourth place in touchdowns, I don’t know that he’s worth much more than he’s getting now
November 1st, 2023 at 4:29 pm
Everyone looks forward to earning their paycheck when they play against Tampa Bay!
November 1st, 2023 at 4:36 pm
Love Big Mike but not to even listening to offers is flat out not doing your job. Everyone is tradeable for the right price. YOU ALWAYS LISTEN. ALWAYS. And if JL was listening to offers for Big Mike my hunch is there could have been quite the market. . Ahhh…. such is a Bucs life.
November 1st, 2023 at 4:41 pm
It’s more likely that instead of ME not being available it was the case that the Jets offer for ME was too low.
November 1st, 2023 at 4:42 pm
So did the Bucs keep Mike because they want him to get another contract here and retire a Buc – or do they want to keep hope on this season alive because they really don’t want to take on another HC contract while still having to pay out multiple years on Bowles contract?
Or is it both?
November 1st, 2023 at 4:51 pm
Who else forgot we just won the Super Bowl a few years ago?
November 1st, 2023 at 5:12 pm
2 highly paid receivers that, I dont want to call ’em an after thought nationally but there is a combination of them both being under utilized and they frankly do not get open like they used to. Bakers pass protection is adequate, if not very good – and it isnt ALL of Bakers fault.
So what it boils down to is:
– not wanting to let go, an inability to let go
– You’d rather let Mike ROT here in his remaining years instead of catching passes from a Patrick Mahomes or an Aaron Rodgers
-Mike can say all the right things he wants, and he will, because Mike Evans is a nice guy, but i guaran -GD-tee you he’d rather be winning, getting 15 looks a game, and getting the recognition he surely deserves.
-It’s delusion and denial to think this iteration of the Bucs can win another superbowl. It’s over, what exactly are we holding on to.
– I understand that there will be some natural insecurity being a Bucs fan or being a part of the bucs in general because the brand doesnt move the needle nationally, but it wont make Mike Evan any less of a Buc if he had a 1600 yard receiving season in KC. In fact, if you REALLY appreciate Mike Evans, you would be happy for the f’ing guy
November 1st, 2023 at 5:19 pm
gofortheface30 Says:
November 1st, 2023 at 5:12 pm
2 highly paid receivers that
^^^^^
Can do better in any other team Smh 🤦
November 1st, 2023 at 5:32 pm
Jack Clark – “kind of” agree. Evans in particular could really be a boost for a championship contender with franchise quarterback. There is only so many of them. Evans just isnt recognized like a Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr, Tyreek, etc etc because he doesnt get the looks they get – and perhaps its because he has a more limited route tree compared to guys with much more short area quickness, but either way, the right team like a KC or the Jets when Rodgers comes back would be a huge boost to his profile. And the Bucs frankly need assets
November 1st, 2023 at 5:37 pm
Licht without BA and Brady is a terrible GM. His record proves it. Evans and White should have been traded for peanuts unless they trade on next draft day. Even if Bucs get more picks, nothing will change as long as Bowles is HC.
November 1st, 2023 at 5:45 pm
I think Bowles and Litch are both deadmen walking.
It’s clear as day, only a matter of time now
November 1st, 2023 at 5:48 pm
I think this is all apart of the plan post Brady. It was always going to be a down year and it would be miraculous if this team was anything above average. The coaching staff will be gone in the offseason and the new staff will be hand picked and implemented by Licht. 2024 will be a year of growth and 2025 the Bucs start to compete. By 2026 they’ll be serious contenders.
November 1st, 2023 at 5:54 pm
I hate to say it, but Licht is heading this team to another “Den of Depression”. Should unload overpriced & aging veterans & loafers. Keeping White, JTS & ME is leading this team down the path of continual losing. I don’t understand the
importance with having players retire a BUC. Trade him & bring him back for a Ring of Horses Ceremony. Winning is the only thing for a sports team. Fans hate losing. Go Bucs.
November 1st, 2023 at 5:54 pm
I hope all of you genius GMs have submitted your resumes to the Buccaneers. Licht isn’t going anywhere. He is one of the best in the business. How many have a super bowl and consecutive division championships on their resume? Rodgers isn’t throwing any more passes. Stick a fork in him. Mahomes is on a team that will continue to win but at a lesser pace. He is not having a particularly outstanding season because they too are salary cap limited. That’s the nature of the NFL. Bowles is not the problem. He will be back unless the Buccaneers fail to win 7 games.
November 1st, 2023 at 6:12 pm
Buddha – “rodgers isnt throwing any more passes.” 1. Youre wrong, he will be next yr. 2. Insert another team/Quarterback then of your liking, because you missed the point.
Your point about the chiefs not having enough salary cap is literally neither here nor there. For starters, the Jets and the chiefs have almost identical cap space, and the Jets were more than happy to try to make a deal. and dont think for a second KC couldnt swing a deal. You can make teams eat a lot of a players current agreement as part of the trade package and renegotiate the players deal in the offseason.
But please, continue to share more of your wisdom
November 1st, 2023 at 6:16 pm
Huge mistake. If the Bucs could have gotten a 3rd round pick of better for Evans they should have taken the deal. This franchise needs a full reboot. 1. Trade all aging stars for draft picks. Evans, David and Shaq. 2. Lose out and get a top 2 pick for the new franchise QB. 3. Fire Clueless Todd and his entire staff. 4. Hire a first class offensive mind as HC.
November 1st, 2023 at 6:29 pm
Next season should be interesting as this team needs an upgrade at a lot of positions. Don’t see how they keep Evans and address all the problem areas. Bowles will be gone and the team is going to be in full rebuild mode.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:02 pm
I doubt Evans would have wanted to go to the Jets. Probably some other teams but not the Jets.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Works for me.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:16 pm
If the Bucs don’t win this Sunday, I think it’s safe to assume they may be tanking.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:28 pm
Licht and Bowles need to win now trading away Evans leaves only Godwin as the only quality receiver and their TE are not that good. With lno running game they could possibly only win two more games. If that happens Bowles will definitely be fired and depending on who the new coach is Licht could be gone as well. The Bucs should have traded for a running back. However, nobody else picked up a running back so maybe none were available.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:40 pm
Jeff Says
“Huge mistake. If the Bucs could have gotten a 3rd round pick of better for Evans they should have taken the deal.”
I believe you are stating your opinion, not fact.
November 1st, 2023 at 7:47 pm
Dumb. Just dumb. Should have traded him. He doesn’t want to be there, he wants more money than his hands are worth. 30 years old. Maybe we’ll get a compensatory pick year after next? Infuriating.
November 1st, 2023 at 8:01 pm
The Bucs should have traded Brady and Gronk after they won the Super Bowl. Imagine what they would have got. Brady would probably still be playing. He did mention 50 at one time. Oh well, we got what we got and it ain’t bad really. After the Bucs beat the Texans, they will win the division and head to the Super Bowl.
November 1st, 2023 at 8:59 pm
Typical Jason Licht – had a dance partner waiting and chose to watch other people tango while he waltzes alone. Bucs have Zero shot at resigning ME13.
November 1st, 2023 at 9:34 pm
If Mike Evans leaves in FA and signs with another team Licht will look like an idiot for missing out on a couple of good draft picks
November 1st, 2023 at 10:11 pm
My guess is the Bucs were offered a 4 or 5th rd pick for ME. If he leaves in FA then the Bucs could get as much as a 3rd rd pick in compensation.
November 1st, 2023 at 10:35 pm
BrianBucs Says
“If Mike Evans leaves in FA and signs with another team Licht will look like an idiot for missing out on a couple of good draft picks”
I’m not certain that would happen. We as fans tend to think worst case scenarios…but I’m guessing ME will get a contract on the eve of free agency.
As to the people saying he doesn’t want to be here…clearly they do not know Mike.
November 1st, 2023 at 11:29 pm
Look how good the offense is WITH Evans and the Bucs are supposed to pay him 20 million per season for lots of drops and a pathetic team? They should not re sign him and at least get a comp draft pick. Same can be said of Devon White and JTS. Team needs to concentrate on signing Wirfs and Winfield.
November 1st, 2023 at 11:30 pm
Suddenly, I am extremely worried about the future of this organization… ‘Reality’ has really set-in now. Call me paranoid, but I’m seeing another season with this SAME exact team for next year… Complete with Licht, Bowels, Canales, ALL of them. NOBODY, is going ANYWHERE. “Happy Belated Halloween.” WHY did I just read this… Now, I’m going to be having nightmares!!!! SCARY.
November 2nd, 2023 at 12:05 am
Joe. I’m losing interest in your website because of the haters. I love my Bucs. I love my Mike and Chris. You fans are brutal, dude …. we love our team no matter what. And our legends should always be legends.
– Matt who had 1 too many beer tonight, but is a grateful man.
We can’t win the bowl every year boys, but when we do it sure is nice. Isn’t it??!?!
November 2nd, 2023 at 12:17 am
I like to think that Licht believes ME13 should be a forever Buc.
November 2nd, 2023 at 1:11 am
LMAO
I’ve been trying to tell y’all for years… Licht wants Evans to be a Buc for life.
SIMPLE. AS. THAT.
He’s gonna do everything he can to resign him. It’s going to come down to whether he can sell him on our next QB and / or if Mike wants to leave for a better contender.
November 2nd, 2023 at 1:24 am
Sorry but I feel like JL dropped the ball on this one did we forget that Mike Evans agent said pretty much if a deal wasn’t done for training camp he’s walking come March he will not be a buccaneer next year I wonder if JL thinks Mike and his agent was just joking or just running their mouths well we’ll find out come next season won’t we sorry but I think he dropped the ball big time on this one
November 2nd, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Mike Evans and his agent never said he was walking or leaving for another team. He simply said he was cutting off contract talks and he gave a deadline for the cutoff, at the time I believe was 9/9/23 at no time did he say he was leaving for another team. Anyone can give their opinion on whether or not he wants to come back to this team but nobody really knows that but Mike and his inner circle.
November 4th, 2023 at 7:30 am
OK Joe.
Did anyone really think he was gonna get that insane offer he can’t refuse draft pick deal for Mike?
I’m glad we have a shot at re-signing Evans and I hope we get another HOF lifetime Buc!
Go Bucs!