The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a fantastic season even if they were unable to reach their Super Bowl ambitions this past season. With the season complete, the Buccaneers and a few players from the 2023 squad will need to make some decisions as the offseason approaches.
With rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield leading the Bucs, wide receiver Mike Evans recorded another 1,000-yard receiving season, making him one of the team’s primary contributors the previous season. Evans, who was playing in the final year of his contract in 2023, had hoped to work out an extension with Tampa Bay’s head brass before the season started, but that never worked out.
Related: Bruce Arians Shares His Open Views on Todd Bowles, Head Coach of the Buccaneers Now that free agency is quickly approaching and the two parties are still unable to reach an agreement on an extension, it seems likely that the seasoned wide receiver will exercise his right to free agency.
However, they would prefer that Evans play his whole NFL career in red and pewter, wearing the “Buc for life” jersey worn by former Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski and upcoming free agent Baker Mayfield.
During their two seasons together, Gronk and Evans were teammates in the 2020 Super Bowl.
Regarding his former teammate, Gronk was all complimentary, highlighting not only the underappreciated things he performs on the field but also the flawless individual he is off the field who is equally underappreciated. Naturally, Baker Mayfield would feel much more at ease about rejoining the Buccaneers if Evans signed a new contract.
The two hit it well right away in their rookie season, racking up some of the best numbers of his career.
Report: Buccaneers Are “Far Apart” From Reaching a New Agreement With Mike Evans, a Star Wide Receiver As we go closer to free agency, maybe Baker and Gronk are correct and the Glazers and General Manager Jason Licht can put together something that will help the team and Evans.
However, there’s always a chance the right team will come calling with an offer that is too good to refuse. Throughout the offseason, stay tuned to BucsGameday for more Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage.
