With Baker Mayfield in line for a multi-year contract and Antoine Winfield Jr. set to receive the franchise tag, Mike Evans faces the distinct possibility of testing free agency later this month. The Buccaneers intend to keep all three members of that trio in the fold, but the latter could come with a hefty price tag.
Evans aims for a deal with an annual average value in the $25M range, NFL Network’s Jeffri Chadhia reports. Securing a figure of that magnitude on a third contract would come as a surprise, as only four wideouts average $25M or more on their current deals. Given his age (31 at the start of the 2024 season), Evans will likely be hard-pressed to command a new pact that is close to the top of the market.
Still, his play remained at a Pro Bowl level in 2023, the first with Mayfield at quarterback. Evans posted 1,255 yards — his highest total since 2018 — and tied for the league lead with 13 touchdowns. Having topped the 1,000-yard mark in each of his ten seasons, the second-team All-Pro will provide a high floor to the Buccaneers or a new team next season. A short-term pact could be a sound investment for Tampa Bay or an outside suitor.
At a minimum, Evans’ next deal can be expected to comfortably outpace the $16.5M AAV of his previous one. That five-year accord provided major value to the Buccaneers, but the top of the market has surged in recent years. That trend could continue in 2024 with Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown among the young wideouts eligible for mega-deals. Each member of that trio would be expected to command a more lucrative pact than Evans, but the latter could still generate a notable market for himself.
The Texas A&M alum went up until the start of last season during contract talks with the Buccaneers, but no agreement was reached. Reports from last month stated the sides are not close after the latest round of negotiations, meaning Evans could at least test the market once the new league year begins. Further clarity on Mayfield and Winfield (and, as such, Tampa Bay’s cap situation) will likely be in place by that point. It will be interesting to see where Evans' asking price checks during talks with the Buccaneers or other interested parties over the coming days and weeks.
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