Mike Evans. Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Star WR reportedly plans to test free-agent market

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/2/24

Five-time Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans has spent his entire 10-year career as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but that might change in only a few short weeks when NFL free agency opens.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Evans plans to test the market for the first time in his career. However, that doesn't mean a return to the Buccaneers is off the table, as Evans and the team are in contract discussions.

WR Mike Evans plans to hit free agency for the first time in his career, per sources. Tampa and Evans are in discussions but he wants to explore his options. This doesn’t mean Evans' time as a Buc is over, but he plans on hearing from all teams before making a decision.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 2, 2024

The 30-year-old's last chance at free agency came in 2018, but he re-upped with the Buccaneers. Toward the end of his rookie deal (four-year, $14.6M), Evans inked a five-year, $82.5M contract to stay in Tampa Bay through 2023.

The No. 7 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Evans emerged as one of the premier wideouts in the NFL. Over 10 seasons with the Buccaneers, he's recorded 762 receptions, 11,680 receiving yards and 94 touchdowns. Since entering the league, no wideout has more receiving yards than Evans, and only Davante Adams (95) tops him in touchdowns. Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins (876), Adams (872), Keenan Allen (833) and Stefon Diggs (810) are the only ones ahead of him in receptions.

After a 10-year relationship with the team and general manager Jason Licht, it's hard to believe that Evans would use potentially leaving as a ploy to get a better deal. After all, he's still productive, recording 79 catches for 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023.

However, it's possible Evans' fit with the Buccaneers has a limit. If the veteran star is asking for too much, he could be on the move elsewhere. If that's the case, there are several intriguing options, like the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and New York Jets.

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