The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and five-time Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans have come to terms on a lucrative two-year contract worth $52 million — with $35 million guaranteed — according to his agent, Deryk Gilmore, as reported by ESPN on Monday.
With free agency looming next week, Evans finds himself in a position to potentially remain a stalwart of the Buccaneers throughout his career, solidifying his status as a true “Buc for life” in Tampa. With a $26 million annual average, the contract is the largest ever given to a receiver on his third deal.
Excited about the agreement, Evans took to Instagram on Monday, exclaiming, “Fire Them Cannons!”
Evans was expected to be the top wideout available in free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs, along with several other teams, were anticipated to express interest in bringing him in.
Now, the likes of Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman, Calvin Ridley, Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael Thomas stand as the top wideouts on the market.
Retaining Evans will not only bolster the Buccaneers’ offense but also act as a significant boost in their efforts to retain QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has openly expressed his desire to continue his partnership with Evans.
“He’s an unprecedented player. We want him to be a Buc for life,” general manager Jason Licht said last week at the NFL combine.
After being unable to reach an agreement before the start of the 2023 regular season, the Buccaneers and Evans postponed discussions until after the season. Evans, at the age of 30, tied for the league lead with 13 receiving touchdowns — marking the first time he claimed the top spot in touchdown receptions.
Additionally, Evans accomplished the remarkable feat of reaching the 1,000-yard receiving milestone for the 10th consecutive season, setting an NFL record for the most consecutive seasons to start a career. If he makes it 11 in a row next season, Evans will tie Jerry Rice’s overall record.
