There’s a lot to be excited about for New York Jets fans this coming season. After all, they are now entering a new era in their franchise amid the arrival of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
In order for Rodgers to succeed, however, the Jets will need to surround him with as many formidable weapons as they can. They already have an elite wideout in Garrett Wilson, but you could argue that New York could still use an upgrade for their other WR slot.
Jets Go All-In on Mike Evans
According to Seth Walder of ESPN, this upgrade could come in the form of Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here are the details of the proposed trade:
New York Jets receive: WR Mike Evans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive: 2024 fourth-round pick, 2025 second-round pick
Allen Lazard and Corey Davis are no scrubs, but there’s no denying that Evans would significantly enhance the Bucs’ options at wide receiver.
“Evans turns 30 later this month and while he has maybe shown slight decline, he’s still incredibly consistent. Evans is coming off his ninth straight 1,000-yard season. In fact, he has never not reached 1,000 receiving yards,” Walder wrote.
Pairing Rodgers with a proven veteran like Mike Evans could prove beneficial for the Jets. We all know how A-Rod loves his deep balls, and Evans, with his physicality and size, will be a great downfield target for the Jets’ superstar quarterback.
Evans, who will be 30 years old this season, won’t come for cheap, though. Not only will his massive contract take up a big chunk of New York’s salary cap, but at the same time, the Jets will need to give up two second-round picks to acquire his services. That’s obviously a lot, but if this is what allows them to be a legitimate threat to the title this year, then it could be all worth it.
For the Buccaneers, the post-Tom Brady era will almost certainly push them toward a full rebuild. Evans does not fall in line with this plan, and they could be better off unloading the $13 million he is owed this season. It’s not as if they’re going to win the Super Bowl anytime soon, so Tampa Bay might as well start thinking about the years ahead, which likely won’t involve a big-name and highly-paid veteran like Mike Evans.
