Star wide receiver Mike Evans might not be “Buc for life” after all. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Evans plans to test free agency for the first time in his career.
Evans is set to become a free agent after he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to come to terms on an extension last season. Russini adds that the two sides remain in discussions but that Evans wants to see what else is out there.
Evans had an outstanding season in 2023, making 79 catches for 1,255 yards and a league-leading 13 receiving touchdowns. It was his 10th straight campaign with 1,000+ yards receiving, becoming only the second player in NFL history to achieve that feat alongside Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht said earlier this week that the franchise remains confident that they can keep Evans for 2024 and beyond.
“He’s an unprecedented player. We want him to be a Buc for life. We’re working towards that,” Licht said.
However, the Bucs are facing quite a competition, considering a lot of teams are expected to have interest in Evans. The list of his potential suitors includes the reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers.
Mike Evans entered the league as Tampa Bay’s No. 7 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. His career stats include 762 catches for 11,680 yards and 94 touchdowns. He has two Second-Team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl nods, and a Super Bowl LV win on his resume.
