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NFL Analyst Bold Prediction About Buccaneers Mike Evans
© Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans and his 11 straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards have seen him become one of the most respected players in football.

Having been at the top of his game since his rookie season, Evans has never finished a season under 1,000 yards, and last season, it looked like he might thanks to a hamstring injury that forced him to miss four games.

Needing 85 yards in the Buccaneers' final regular-season game, Evans was short with just 36 seconds left in the game. Normally, it is game over, but Mayfield hit Evans on an out route, and the receiver turned upfield for a nine-yard gain to go over 1,000 yards.

Now, as he enters Year 12, ESPN's Jenna Laine has a bold prediction that isn't too bold.

"I'm not sure how bold this is considering it's wide receiver Mike Evans, one of the most consistently available receivers in the league, but it's still pretty darn cool: Evans breaks Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with 12," Laine writes. "The two are currently tied, with Evans overcoming a three-game absence last season because of a hamstring injury to get 1,000 yards on the final play of the regular season."

Considering how close Evans was to ending his streak last year, if he stays healthy in 2025, he has every shot at surpassing 1,000 yards.

However, the Buccaneers also have another receiver in Emeka Egbuka who might take receptions away from the Pro Bowler. So that is another wrinkle to add here.

Still, there is nothing to suggest that Evans won't make history with 12 straight seasons of 1,000 yards, and in truth, the only hope is that he doesn't have to wait until the last 36 seconds in Week 18 to achieve it.

Is it bold? Not overly, but this might be Mike's hardest season to reach his coveted milestone.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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