Tampa Bay Buccaneers Make Stance On Wide Receiver Mike Evans Clear

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have enjoyed the consistency of Mike Evans since 2014. The receiver has always hit the 1,000-yard receiving yards mark and has multiple seasons of double-digit touchdowns. However, the team is moving into a rebuilding year and many (including myself) have encouraged the team to trade the 30-year-old receiver. According to reports, the team does not want to do that. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Want To Keep Mike Evans

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is motivation on both sides to get a deal done.

“The Bucs do not want to trade Mike Evans. His agent, Deryk Gilmore, set a Saturday deadline for extending his contract, but Evans, a 2024 free agent, would have strong value on the trade market around the deadline, according to multiple execs I asked. He just turned 30 but is still considered elite.”

“He’s a name to watch if Saturday comes and goes without a deal. Both sides want to see Evans retire a Buccaneer, but this is a team in transition, and Tampa Bay has young core players to sign, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and left tackle Tristan Wirfs.”

Even though they could probably get a good return for him, the team seems committed to keeping their star receiver with the franchise. Is this a smart decision?

Trade Him Now

The old phrase is strike while the iron is hot. Historically, receivers begin their decline once they hit 30. Right now, the team could likely get a day-two pick from a team that is looking to make a Super Bowl run. If Evans comes out this season and disappoints, the price could drop significantly and they could be unable to move him and risk losing him for nothing. This team is a couple of years away from competing again. Is a 32 or 33-year-old Mike Evans going to be a part of that team? History says no.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should trade Evans now. While it would be sad to see a franchise legend go, it would help move the team into a brighter future.