Before the 2023 NFL regular season got underway, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an opportunity to do right by veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and reward him for being one of the most consistent players in the league.
Evans has been remarkably consistent at the wide receiver position for the Buccaneers during his time with the team, no matter who the quarterback has been for the team, as he always finds a way to crack the 1,000-yard receiving mark while also hauling in at least 67 catches and three touchdowns per season.
Even though the Buccaneers and Evans couldn’t see eye-to-eye on a lucrative long-term contract extension before last season, the veteran wideout still went on to have an incredible season while catching passes from quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Evans caught 79 passes for 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, which is incredible for a 30-year-old wide receiver, as he played all 17 games for the first time in his career and recorded his 10th straight season with 1,000 yards receiving.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Evans has some thoughts on what he wants heading into NFL free agency, as he desires to play with an elite quarterback while being paid like one of the best players at his position.
“Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority,” his agent said.
Just spoke with Mike Evans’ agent, @DerykGilmore, who says: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”
Evans is… https://t.co/HUC7dmlIWd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 2, 2024
Despite playing all 10 seasons with the Buccaneers, the partnership seems to be heading in a different direction, with Tampa Bay not all that aggressive in their attempts to re-sign the star wide receiver.
Evans may have come to terms with the fact that he can’t win another Super Bowl title in Tampa Bay and wants to go to greener pastures, which he might be able to do because of his impressive resume.
NEXT: Mike Evans Has Reportedly Made A Decision About His NFL Future