The 2023 NFL season is finally upon us – but for star wide receiver Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the buzz is tainted with contract uncertainty.
Evans’ agent has thrown down the gauntlet by setting a deadline for negotiations on a new contract. If an agreement isn’t reached soon, the four-time Pro Bowler might find himself on the trade block.
Despite his leadership and exceptional contributions to the team, it appears that the Buccaneers have yet to present Evans with a legitimate contract offer, according to his agent.
This lack of progress means that Evans, a cornerstone of the franchise for nearly a decade, could soon find himself on a new team.
According to CBS Sports, two bitter rivals could possibly be fighting over his services – the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants (with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions also named as interested suitors).
If #Bucs Mike Evans is moved this season CBS Sports names 4 teams to watch: #Giants, #Cowboys, #Patriots and #Lions pic.twitter.com/gbaJnrSBWN
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) September 4, 2023
Adding Mike Evans to the Cowboys roster would bolster an already formidable receiving corps, which includes CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup. This move could provide the Cowboys with the firepower they need to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the slot-heavy Giants are in need of a true #1 deep threat for quarterback Daniel Jones. Evans would seemingly be a great fit for offensive mastermind head coach Brian Daboll.
Evans, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday, holds numerous franchise records for the Buccaneers, including 683 career receptions, 10,425 receiving yards, and 81 touchdowns.
His dedication to the franchise has always been evident, especially since Tom Brady’s arrival, which resulted in a Super Bowl victory in TB12’s first season with the franchise.
However, the landscape has drastically shifted in Tampa Bay as the team transitions from the Brady era to the Baker Mayfield-led era.
Evans has reportedly made it clear that he wants a contract comparable to that of Los Angeles Rams superstar wideout Cooper Kupp. (three-years, $80 million).
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Evans is seeking a deal that aligns with Kupp’s lucrative contract. Should the Buccaneers fail to meet his demands before March 2024, Evans is poised to become a free agent, potentially opening the door for other NFL franchises to vie for his services.
The better likelihood may indeed be a team such as the Giants or Cowboys working out a trade for Evans in the (very) near future.
What do you think will end up happening with Evans?
How much does he have left in the tank?
Should the Giants or Cowboys snatch him up?
Possibly the Patriots who are equally as receiver-hungry as the Giants?
What should the Bucs command in exchange for Evans?