The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and veteran WR Mike Evans are keeping the family together in a surprise move ahead of the new league year.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Highlights
- Mike Evans signs $52 million deal with the Bucs, with $35 million guaranteed.
- Retaining Evans may lead to franchise-tagging Antoine Winfield Jr.
- Evans excelled in 2023 with 1,255 receiving yards and 13 TDs.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t letting anyone near their franchise icon WR.
In a surprise move a week before the start of the legal tampering period ahead of the new league year on March 13, the Bucs and veteran wide receiver Mike Evans have agreed to an extension to keep the 30-year-old in Florida for another couple of years. Evans confirmed the pact with a post on his social media on Monday.
The deal is for two years and $52 million, incuding $35 million guaranteed, according to his agent, Deryk Gilmore (via Adam Schefter).
Evans’ return to the Buccaneers is slightly surprising as they are also expected to give QB Baker Mayfield a large extension. Young safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is also due for a new deal, and it was believed that Tampa Bay would value him above Evans. However, now that Evans has been locked up for another couple of years, Winfield is a shoo-in to be slapped with the franchise tag.
Evans paced the team with 1,255 receiving yards and tied for the NFL lead with 13 TD catches in 2023. It was his NFL-record 10th straight 1,000-yard season to begin his career.
Source: Adam Schefter
NFL Franchise Tag: Should Bucs retain Mike Evans or Antoine Winfield Jr.?
The Bucs likely extend Baker Mayfield, but choosing who to franchise tag between Mike Evans & Antoine Winfield Jr. won’t be easy.
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