Mike Evans is going to be a free agent this offseason, and while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to keep him, it’s now expected to be extra difficult.
After all, a number of teams should be interested in the services of the veteran wideout, especially following a season that saw Evans record his 10th straight 1000-yard campaign.
Mike Evans’ Free Agency Amid Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Interest
The Buccaneers and Evans are still discussing a potential new deal that would prevent the 30-year-old wideout from entering free agency. Nonetheless, it looks like the veteran wide receiver is focused on exploring all his options in the open market before making a decision.
That doesn’t mean Evans is going to leave the Buccaneers. He’s still very much open to returning to the only team he has known throughout his career. However, as a free agent for the first time, Evans doesn’t want to waste the opportunity to see and experience what it feels like to talk with other teams.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, though, there’s still a good chance Evans stays despite opting to enter free agency.
“Speaking of the Bucs, wide receiver Mike Evans plans to hit free agency for the first time in his career. The Bucs and Evans are still in discussions, but he wants to explore his options. This doesn’t mean his time in Tampa is over, but Evans wants to hear from all interested teams. This is his first chance to be courted. I still believe he’ll stay with the team that drafted him,” Russini wrote.
Aside from the Buccaneers, a number of teams have already been linked with Evans should he enter free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs are favored to land him at +200 odds, according to Bet Online. Meanwhile, the New York Jets and Chicago Bears could be in the mix, too, with odds of +300 and +500 respectively.
Sure enough, the Buccaneers will be facing some tough competition, especially since the likes of the Chiefs and Jets are expected to be Super Bowl contenders. The Bears are also in a good position to rebuild with the no. 1 pick and could be an enticing destination.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Won’t Come Cheap
With that being said, a bidding war for Mike Evans could be on the horizon. If that happens, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other interested teams might be forced to up their offers.
Evans’ market value is already projected to be at $23.8 million per year, and he’s expected to command a four-year, $95.3 million deal, per Spotrac.
Considering that Evans still at the prime of his career and more than capable of helping a contender, don’t be surprised if teams go over that projected market value.
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