Chiefs must target five-time Pro Bowler on the verge of entering free agency
The Kansas City Chiefs should pounce on the opportunity to sign wide receiver Mike Evans if he enters free agency.
Per Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a soft deadline Monday to get an extension done, but they failed. Schultz added both sides are still far apart, and it appears the 30-year-old will test free agency.
Kansas City had the most drops (44) in the league this past season and averaged 6.9 yards per pass attempt, 19th in the league. Signing Evans would bolster the Chiefs' shaky receiving corps.
The five-time Pro Bowler has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark every year in 10 seasons with the Buccaneers. In 2023, he tied for the most receiving touchdowns (13) in the league in 17 games.
Spotrac estimates Evans' market value is a four-year deal worth $23.8M annually, the eighth-highest at his position. Kansas City needs more cap room to accommodate a potential contract for Evans. According to OTC, it has $15.2M in space.
Kansas City also has several defensive stars, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who can enter free agency in March. The Chiefs were second in the league in points allowed (17 PPG), so they want to keep the unit intact.
The Chiefs can create more room if they lower quarterback Patrick Mahomes' cap hit. Restructuring his contract saves $35.6M, via OTC.
Splurging this offseason could help the Chiefs make history. Next season, they aim to become the first team to three-peat as champions.
As of Monday, FanDuel gives them the second-best Super Bowl LIX odds (+650) behind the San Francisco 49ers.
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